Sipping wine in the valley of kings

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People call Melbourne's Lygon Street "Little Italy", but for a real taste of la dolce vita, head to the King Valley, just three hours drive from Melbourne.

From the late 1940s to mid-1970s Italian migrants settled in the King Valley because it reminded them of home – a natural valley surrounded by the foothills of the Victorian Alps, it has a mix of steep slopes, soils and microclimates ideal for grape growing. In 1999, Otto Dal Zotto's family planted the first commercial prosecco vineyard in the country here. "When you come to the King Valley, you meet the makers; you meet the people that are actually behind the brands," says Otto's son, Christian Dal Zotto. "These are people that really care, and they want you to have a good time." Experience the valley for yourself by spending a long weekend exploring King Valley Prosecco Road.

Wineries that do more

Between October and April, yogis practice their downward dog among the vines at Dal Zotto, followed by a wholesome breakfast and glass of prosecco. You can hire an electric bike and order a picnic ($70 for two) to follow the provided map to other estates, restaurants, cellar doors and swimming spots. Chrismont balances fine dining with a view, while Pizzini Wines has an on-site cooking school, A tavola! where Katrina Pizzini runs cooking classes that range from pasta making to street food favourites.

At Politini Wines, Nonna Josie teaches the art of cannoli making. Politini family recipes are also shared during salami and salsicce-making season, which runs most weekends in July and into the first weekend of August (register early). "We love delivering an experience and we love the whole theatre of making people feel loved, as though they've discovered something that's amazing," says Dal Zotto. "People can be part of something that's so much more than just a standard wine tasting."

Picnic like a pro

Pack the perfect picnic at Milawa, then admire the vibrant canola fields on the way to a picnic by the river. Stock up at Milawa Cheese, where you can try before you buy or take some with you (they can organise a picnic platter). Within the century-old butter factory is Milawa Kitchen and Milawa Bread, Wood Park Wines cellar door, a gallery and gift shop. For condiments visit Milawa Mustards, family-owned since 1982, or try Walkabout Apiaries for local honey, cordial and mead (an alcoholic drink of fermented honey and water).

Don't miss Gamze Smokehouse, one of Dal Zotto's favourites. "Felix Gamze makes some of the best smallgoods in Australia," he says. Gamze does a solid sandwich, too, plus there's a casual restaurant attached in a converted 150-year-old tractor garage that serves American-influence dude food, like burgers and ribs.

Beyond prosecco

​When you've had your fill of fizz, the King Valley has plenty more to pour, including fine Italian wine drops such as Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. But there's more to savour than wine. Sam Miranda King Valley is the perfect place to relax with friends. Enjoy a share platter, a tasting experience that offers insights into a range of premium Mediterranean varietals originating from Italy, Spain, France and Georgia, and plenty of laughs. For pizza and beer there's microbrewery King River Brewing in Whitfield in what was an old tobacco kiln.

Lesser-known is the Hurdle Creek Still, a gin distillery launched in 2016. Here, gin is made from local grain in a tin shed six kilometres from Milawa. Their 2019 seasonal release of Cherry Gin is made with cherries from Eldorado Orchards and complemented by botanicals including cassia and lemon myrtle. Visit for a tasting and leave with a bottle of Bobbie's Patch Juniper, Hurdle Creek's first 100 per cent Aussie gin grown in Victoria's north-east.

Festivals in the Valley

The Italian connection has given rise to food and wine-focused festivals, the most popular being La Dolce Vita which showcases wineries, breweries and restaurants, live music, wine workshops, free tastings and even prosecco "fishing".

Over the Queen's Birthday weekend, the Valley unites for Weekend Fit for a King, a food and wine festival across multiple wineries, as well as the King Valley Art Show.

Natural Wonders

The King Valley will convince you that the best things in life really are free. One of Dal Zotto's favourite picnic spots is Lake William Hovell. "You tend to forget it's there until you take people up there yourself," he says. "We might meet some of the other families up there, take up a few bottles of prosecco and sit by the lake, which is one of the most beautiful natural resources the King Valley has."

The lake is a popular spot for walks, fishing, canoeing and whiling away afternoons. Dal Zotto also recommends visiting Paradise Falls just after it's rained, an easy 20-minute walk through Alpine National Park from the car park. "It's got one of the highest rates of peregrine falcon," he adds. "You can see the nests dotted around the falls, it's really cool and it's such an unknown space – and it doesn't cost anything to go."

Where to Stay

Something fancy: Casa Luna Gourmet Accommodation, architecturally designed suites with private patios or balconies and wine-matched meals inspired by travels in Italy served al fresco or in a glass-walled dining room (from $240 per night).

Something affordable: Casolare Guest House, a homely and modern cottage at Politini Vineyard with electric blankets for winter and a deck for summer. Includes breakfast provisions (from $185 per night).

Something different: Valley View Glamping has style, flair and it's right on King Valley's Prosecco Road. Bell tent's are set up ready to go. From $690 for two people, two nights, the package includes breakfast both days (vouchers 2 x $50), and a bottle of Prosecco on arrival.

Plan your next food and wine trip to King Valley's Prosecco Road: visitvictoria.com