Beechworth

The discovery of gold in March 1852 provided the impetus for the development of Beechworth. The town, proclaimed the following year, was built on the fortunes made from that precious metal. Perched precariously on a steep hillside, with streets plunging at precipitous and unexpected angles, its stone buildings and glorious vistas of imported English trees are a wondrous sight to behold in autumn. The earliest land sales took place in 1855, with the first vines planted in 1856 by a Mr Rochlitz, who had obtained varieties from Adelaide.

The mineral rich hills around Beechworth are home to more than a dozen vineyards. These vineyards are tended by winegrowing families with a fierce independence and a passion for making the best artisanal wines. Local wineries produce grape varieties ranging from classic French (particularly Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz) to savoury Italian. Beechworth's grape growing industry is quickly expanding.

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