NEW YORK, June 14, 2021 - Victoria – the Australian state home to bustling Melbourne, diverse wine regions, rugged mountains and quaint seaside towns – may not be open to international visitors just yet, but many Victorian products are available for purchase in the U.S. To help keep the dream of an Australian adventure alive, travelers and dreamers can get a piece of Australia from a comprehensive list of local vendors and products available for purchase here in the States or through direct shipping.
This summer, Americans can enjoy a truly Australian wine and cheese spread with a few can't-miss local products, such as handmade farmhouse cheeses from Yarra Valley Dairy – with their Persian Fetta ranking as a local favorite. Premier olives & olive oil that are sustainably farmed only three hours from Melbourne are available from Mount Zero Olives, as well as the cult classic spread Vegemite, and even a few gourmet chocolates from Koko Black Chocolate – featuring new fruit flavors perfectly timed for U.S. summer.
Wine and liquor aficionados can find the best Australian pairings via Victoria's renowned wine regions and internationally available brands. A few long-awaited product launches that pair well with Victorian cheese include the Best's Great Western Bin No.1 Shiraz from Victoria's Shiraz Central region or Punt Road's 2021 Pinot Gris from the famed Yarra Valley. For an Australian nightcap try Four Pillars Gin's 2021 Limited Edition Bloody Shiraz Gin – a dry gin steeped with Yarra Valley Shiraz grapes, or Starward Whiskey's Nova – a single malt Australian whiskey. These spirits also offer the perfect base for a cocktail such as the Bloody Spritz or New World Sour.
For those looking for a day out on the town with an Australian flair, check out a few Victorian-owned and operated cafes and restaurants across the country. Pick up a morning cup of coffee or enjoy a brunch at Bluestone Lane, with locations across the U.S., – with the Australian go-to being the Aussie Flat White or Iced Latte, Little Collins Café in New York City – home to a 'Brekkie' menu, boasting Australian classics such as Vegemite toast, or Proud Mary, the iconic Melbourne coffee roaster, – located in Portland with an Austin location opening soon. For an afternoon or evening of fine dining, try Michelin star-rated Maude in Los Angeles from famed Melbourne native, Chef Curtis Stone – which offers a seasonal set menu with wine pairings inspired by the world's wine regions. And don't forget about Stone's other LA establishment, Gwen, who's on-site butcher shop not only serves the dining room, but also provides products for home chefs looking to try their hand at cooking the perfect cut!
And finally, what better way to compliment a Victoria-inspired summer day than with the perfect 'Aussie' look, including a Quicksilver swimsuit, a Keep Cup filled with a local brew, or a pair of Quay Australia sunnies.
Can't get enough Australia? Here is a full list of Victorian brands available to enjoy in the U.S.
Victorian Food & Drink Brands
Bramble and Hedge – Nougats & Sweets
Cobram Estates/Boundary Bend – Premium Olive Company
Carman's Fine Foods – Breakfasts & Bars
Whole Kids – Organic Kids Snacks
Patties Pies – Pies
Outback Spirit – Sauces & Spices
Koko Black Chocolate – Gourmet Chocolate
Coffee Mio
Mount Zero Olives – Olives & Olive Oil
Foddies – Gluten Free Food
Yarra Valley Dairy – Handmade Farmhouse Cheeses
St Ali – Pantry Items
Vegemite – Produced in Port Melbourne (available at stores throughout the US)
T2 – Teas
American Restaurants/Cafes with Melbournian/Victorian Founders
Maude – Los Angeles
Gwen – Los Angeles
Proud Mary – Portland (opening Austin soon)
Bluestone Lane – Variety of U.S & Canada locations
Miss Melbourne Coffee – Los Angeles
E.P. & L.P. – Los Angeles
Strings of Life – Los Angeles
Little Ripper Coffee – Los Angeles
Little Collins Café – New York City
Sweatshop Café – New York City
Threefold Café – Florida
Victorian Wineries & Distilleries
Rathbone Wines
Zilzie Wines
Brown Brothers Wine
Fowles Wine
Best's Great Western
Punt Road
Giant Steps
Ben Haines
Innocent Bystander
All Saints Estate Wines
Four Pillars Gin
Starward Whiskey
Other Brands with Melbourne Founders/Roots
Keep Cup
Aesop
Crumpler
Quicksilver
Rip Curl
Elk
Quay Australia
Vitality Brands
For more resources and information about traveling to Victoria, visit www.visitvictoria.com.
Additional Information on Victoria, Australia:
In many destinations, tourism is about ticking off a list of top attractions. But visiting Melbourne and Victoria is different. It's less about what you see and more about what you feel. And the best way to experience it is by exploring the depth and diversity of this incredible place in an immersive and authentic way. Melbourne is a city renowned for its superb restaurants, café culture, theatre and diverse art and cultural offerings and nightlife and is known as a stylish and contemporary city and a gateway to world class nature based experiences. Melbourne offers can't miss food and wine experiences and is home to an inventive food and wine culture. The unique blend of people, place and produce gives Melbourne/Victoria an approach to food and wine experiences that are based in creativity and unencumbered by tradition. Visitors get a glimpse into why Melbourne has so many times been voted the most livable city in the world.
Victoria's compact size allows ease of travel around the state. A variety of tourism experiences are all within close proximity to Melbourne, including wineries, regional gourmet experiences and spectacular natural attractions. Some examples of key experiences are listed below:
The Penguin Parade at Phillip Island
Food and wine experiences in Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula
Touring the Great Ocean Road along to the famous Twelve Apostles
Enjoy the breathtaking views and sandstone mountains of The Grampians for an outdoor lovers' paradise
Discover the pristine beaches, lakes, mountains, forests and lush vineyards of the Gippsland region
www.visitmelbourne.com
SOURCE Visit Victoria
Related Links
www.visitvictoria.com
