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!
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
For more resources and information about traveling to Victoria, visit www.visitvictoria.com.
