It was a hot, late November day when we visited Sam Miranda Winery, nestled in the King Valley just outside Wangaratta in Northern Victoria, Australia.

Having stayed overnight in Wangaratta we hit the road for the short 10 – 15 minute drive to Sam Miranda located at Oxley. This is the heart of the King Valley and Milawa gourmet food regions, and is nestled at the foothills of the Alpine National Park.

Foodies are well catered for in the King Valley with fine wine and good food, and for those who love the great outdoors the area abounds with hiking and cycling trails, fishing, camping, waterfalls and lookouts. Today though, we were hitting the cellar door.

The Sam Miranda tower is visible as we travel along Snow Rd and we enter the driveway. Having parked the car in the spacious carpark, we walk through a subterranean passage before emerging into the underground cellar door and restaurant. We are greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff who proudly talk to us about each individual wine and the history of the family tradition of wine making which stretches back to the 1930’s. Today, the premium wines consist of Prosecco, Sangiovese Rosata, Sangiovese Cabernet, Barbera Shiraz, Arneis, Semillon, Riesling, and Pinot Noir amongst others.

We choose our tipple and having made a reservation, head to the outdoor courtyard for lunch. We are in a lovely shaded spot which is welcome on this hot day and enjoy the views and free range chickens who are wandering about.

Dessert – Yum! Photo by J.Watts

We enjoy lunch and dessert, and relax for awhile, taking a short walk through the vegetable gardens. We have had a great couple of hours here and the pressures of work and a busy life seem a world away. We imagine spending time here with good friends, enjoying good food, wine and company and vow to return.

However the King Valley has so much to offer and the open road is calling us to explore some more. We say goodbye to our hosts, purchase a few bottles of Pinot Noir on our way out, fire up the air-conditioner in the car and head for Milawa.

More Information

Sam Miranda Winery: https://www.sammiranda.com.au/

King Valley: https://www.visitkingvalley.com.au/