Yarra Valley - Victoria

The Yarra Valley is the name given to the region surrounding the Yarra River in Melbourne, Australia. The river originates in the Yarra Ranges approximately 60 kilometres east of Melbourne and flows towards and into the city of Melbourne and out into Port Phillip Bay. The name Yarra Valley is usually used in reference to the upper regions surrounding the Yarra River and usually does not encompass the lower regions including the city and inner city suburbs. It is a popular day-trip and tourist area, partly for the area""s considerable natural beauty but also for the local produce, particularly wines. Agriculturally, the term is mainly applied to the agricultural area east of Melbourne rather than the lower reaches in the suburbs of Melbourne itself, and the upper reaches which are in inaccessible bushland. The region""s relatively cool climate makes it particularly known for the production of high-quality chardonnay and pinot noir, as well as the production of premium sparkling wine.