About the Murray Darling region

The Murray Darling wine region covers a large area at the confluence of two of Australia’s great waterways – the Murray and Darling rivers. Straddling the border between the states of Victoria and New South Wales it takes in vast inland plains where irrigation water is vital for the varied crops grown.

Vines were first planted here in 1888, when irrigation infrastructure was first developed. The climate is one of hot summers and mild winters, with a strong continental influence of hot summer days and cool nights, low humidity and very little rain during the growing season is suitable for wine grapes adapted to warm, dry climates and while Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet are the most widely planted, there is growing interest in, and success with, various Mediterranean varieties. Low humidity means disease pressure is also low. The calcareous soils of the Murray Darling are relatively fertile red-brown loams and sands.

The regional centre is the large town of Mildura, increasingly known as a gourmet destination for its restaurants and fine produce. Camping along the Murray River over long, hot summer holidays is a popular family tradition for visitors from Melbourne and Adelaide.