About the Mildura wine region

Mildura wines are part of the Murray Valley region, which consists of around 21,000 hectares of vineyards around the Murray Darling and Swan Hill. The region produces approximately 400,000 tonnes per annum of wine grapes, in over 40 varieties, which is approximately 20 per cent of the national crush.

The history of the region

The first grape varieties, including Mataro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gordo and Shiraz, were planted in 1888, producing the first vintage in 1891. These first wines were well received by the colonies and began a wine industry that continues to grow from strength to strength.

Climate

The Mildura Murray Darling Region has a Mediterranean climate, which is well suited to growing grapes. Skies are clear on average 122 days, annual rainfall total is 292mm and maximum temperatures average 23.6 degrees Celsius per annum.

The wineries

The Mildura Murray Darling Region boasts over 40 wineries ranging from boutique to large-scale facilities that crush anywhere from 5-120,000 tonnes annually. Over 50 per cent of the region's wineries export their wine and many are in the process of developing export relationships to expand their business. In the past year, wines from the region collected over 400 medals in national and international wine shows.

Varieties

The region is known for its Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. New and emerging varieties include Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Viognier and Pinot Gris.

The business of Mildura wine

The Mildura Murray Darling Wine Industry Association (MMDWIA) aims to develop awareness and improve the perception of wines from the region (GI Murray Darling) by representing the wine making industry, increasing education and training opportunities and developing partnerships with wine organisations for research and development, distribution and promotion.

The region has also become a centre for servicing clients from the wine regions of the Barossa, Clare and Griffiths areas who come for the local vine nurseries, wine tank manufacturers, irrigation expertise, tartaric suppliers, transport infrastructure and more.