Grape-growing area (GI) in the Australian state of Victoria named after the two rivers Murray River and Darling River. It is part of the Central Ranges zone and overlaps with the Big Rivers zone in the neighbouring state of New South Wales. The area stretches along the border of the two states of New South Wales and Victoria from Echuca to Mildura along the Murray River. The continental hot and dry climate with periods of drought requires artificial irrigation. The basis for this was created by the Canadian Chaffey brothers from the 1880s onwards (see Mildara Blass). The vineyards cover 3,200 hectares of vines, mainly planted around the town of Mildura. They are planted with the red wine varieties Shiraz (Syrah), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as with the white wine varieties Chardonnay, Colombard and Chenin Blanc. Table grapes are also produced on a larger scale. Well-known producers are Deakin Estate, Farrell Estate, Château Mildura, Roberts Estate Wines, Stanley Wine Company, Tall Poppy Wines and Zilzie Wines.
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