WINE lovers who have been counting down the days until they can hit the tasting trail once again would be hard pressed to find a better location than North East Victoria.

Whether you choose to stay in townships like Wangaratta, Bright, Beechworth, Milawa or Mansfield, there are five very different wine regions which can be accessed as part of a big day out or an overnight stay.

Each offer a different landscape to explore and a range of experiences to indulge in.

Tour through the scenic Alpine valleys, surrounded by majestic mountainsides, where microclimates have allowed 33 different grape varieties to flourish, ranging from traditional Chardonnay and Shiraz through to more unusual styles.

In the beautiful and historic region of Beechworth you can find some of Australia's best Chardonnay, but the area also produces renowned Pinot Noir and other cool–climate varietals.

In Glenrowan, there are full–bodied reds such as Shiraz which are known for their boldness and character, along with fragrant whites and fortified wines.

While Prosecco may be high on the list for those visiting the King Valley, other Italian varieties including Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Dolcetto, Arneis and Barbera also thrive in these vineyards.

In Rutherglen, the long hot days and cool nights provide ideal conditions for the more than 20 wineries which call the area home, and while Shiraz, Durif and Cabernet may be the target varieties to taste, you can't go home without a bottle of the Muscat or Topaque which is a signature of many of the sixth and seventh generation winemakers.

By all means visit for a day, but you will wish you had made it a week.