Cheers! The winemakers guide to the Bellarine

There’s something special about the wineries of the Bellarine.

The Bellarine is part of the wider Geelong wine region. The region is united by boutique, family owned winegrowers producing premium quality hand crafted wines.

The Bellarine has been one of Victoria’s best kept secrets. The shelter of Port Phillip Bay is perfect for producing cool climate wines in the rich black basalt soil. Long, slow summers allow for the perfect ripening of the fruit producing rich, lush wines of distinction.

Abounding in variety, the Geelong Wine Region is renowned for its superior Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. However, the region also has exciting takes on Riesling, Rose and Sparkling wine. The best local drops also feature on wine lists across the regions eateries – low food and wine miles equals high quality and delicious. The best in the low food miles game is Basils Farm. They have their own organic, edible kitchen garden that you can walk around while sipping a glass of their chardonnay.

Wineries on the north side of The Bellarine take advantage of spectacular water views across rolling hills full of vines. You’ll be blown away by Jack Rabbit and feel a calm and ease at Terindah Estate. Stare back at the city from Scotchmans Hill from their new cellar door. Nothing makes your lunch and glass of vino taste better than sitting exactly where it came from and admiring the view.

Many of the local wineries host annual winemaker dinners and other creative wine events that keep people wanting to learn more and come back again and again.

But the secret won’t be kept for long. With the Bellarine Peninsula featuring in the Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 best value destinations in the world, you better get there quick.