Once the largest region of Australia, it was almost entirely ruined in the 19th century by phylloxera vastatrix. Today, its most popular wines are the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Yarra Valley.
Vinivulture began here in 1838, when vines were first planted around melbourne. After only a few decades the region had grown to the country's largest with over 1000 ha growing area. After the phylloxera vastatrix attack, it took 85 years to plant vines in the areas Geelong and Yarra.
The soils in this southernmost region are very rich in nutrients. The slimate is fairly humid due to its neight and proximity to the ocean, which carries benefits and disadvantages.
Several types of wine are produced. The most popular are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but Shiraz and Cabernet succeed well in the Pyrenees and around the town of Great Western. Northeast of thRutherglen the Australian classics Muscat and Tokay are produced.