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Planning to visit the Bellarine Wineries? Then this guide is for you.
If you’re heading to the Bellarine Peninsula and love a glass of wine, you’re in for a treat!
This region is filled with boutique vineyards that produce outstanding handcrafted cool-climate wines.
We live just 15 minutes away and have spent many leisurely afternoons sipping vino at a Bellarine winery or two.
So you’ve definitely come to the right Bellarine wineries guide!
Many of the wineries have jaw-dropping bay views, as well as cafes and restaurants, and cellar doors where you can taste tantalizing artisanal wine.
Let someone else do the driving! Book this Bellarine Peninsula Small Group Wine Tour with 2 Course Lunch then sit back and relax!
The best way to make the most of your day is to take one of the fantastic Bellarine winery tours that are available.
That way you can relax and unwind with your family and friends with peace of mind that someone else is handling the driving.
The best tour operators have an in-depth knowledge of each winery and manage all the planning for you. So all you have to do is sit back and enjoy a wonderful day!
We recommend booking this Bellarine Peninsula Small Group Wine Tour as it has a 5-star rating, includes a 2 course lunch, and visits the best wineries.
For more options and information read our complete guide to the best Bellarine winery tours here.
If a tour doesn’t suit you, then you’ll need to have your own transport whether that’s in your own car or a rental.
Below you’ll find our Bellarine Peninsula wineries guide containing all you need to know for a trip to the vineyards of the Bellarine Peninsula!
At the end of the article, you’ll find a best wineries Bellarine Peninsula map with the location of each place we’ve mentioned here.
We also provide suggestions for the best accommodation, and details on how to get to the Bellarine Peninsula Victoria.
Let’s start!
Bellarine Wineries Guide
One of the things that makes Bellarine wineries special is that they are all family-owned and operated, much like the wineries in Geelong are.
So you’ll have a more personal experience when you visit these wineries, as more often than not the people you meet are the people who make the wine.
In no particular order here is our top Bellarine Peninsula wineries list.
1) Oakdene Winery
Nestled on stunning coastal farmland Oakdene Vineyards is a unique family-owned Bellarine winery in Wallington.
Its quirky “Upside Down House” cellar door is staffed by locals who have an in-depth knowledge of their award-winning wines.
Oakdene wines are developed in limited quantities. They’re described as elegant and complex and reflect true varietal character.
Their handcrafted wines include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Inside the inviting farmhouse is the Manor Suite Wine Bar which specialises in Asian and South East Asian Tapas that are perfect for sharing with friends.
Alternatively, hidden amongst the birch trees is the Oakdene cafe ‘Mr Grubb @ Oakdene’ which offers a more relaxed setting.
While you’re here be sure to set aside time to wander the winery’s garden that’s filled with eclectic artworks.
If you’re interested in staying at Bellarine winery accommodation, Oakdene offers 3 beautifully themed rooms in their manor house.
➡️ Click here for more information about Oakdene Winery accommodation.
Where: 255 Grubb Road, Wallington 3222
When: 7 Days 10 a.m – 4 p.m
Phone: (03) 5256 3886
2) Bellarine Winery
Tucked away in the hills between Drysdale and Portarlington, Bellarine Estate is a prominent family-run winery.
Their wine is sold under two labels Bellarine Estate and Portarlington Ridge.
Bellarine Estate label wines are made using fruit exclusively from their own vines, while the Portarlington Ridge wines are created in collaboration with other growers in the region.
Every aspect of the winemaking process, right up to the bottling, takes place on the property.
Specialties include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Viognier, and Sparkling Rose.
Tastings are available at the estate’s cellar door.
For a more personal touch book this Wine Tasting and House-Made Bellarine Estate Charcuterie Platter experience.
A fabulous couple’s option you can choose either a wine tasting or sample 30 Acres Distillery Gin, combined with a delicious charcuterie platter of house-cured meats, local olives, cheeses, and bread.
You can also enjoy a meal at the Texas BBQ @ Bellarine Estate restaurant next door, which has a classic American-smoked barbecue-style menu.
➡️ Check Prices For The Wine Tasting & Charcuterie Platter Here!
Where: 2270 Portarlington Road, Bellarine 3222
When: Thursday – Saturday 11 a.m – 4 p.m
Phone: (03) 5259 3310
3) McGlashans Winery Wallington
McGlashans Estate Winery is a small boutique winery offering visitors a more casual and relaxed experience.
Its award-winning wines are matured in French Oak for 12 months before bottling and have received a five-star rating in the James Halliday Australian Wine Companion.
Cellar door tastings at McGlashan Estate are friendly and informative and include Sparkling, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz.
The winery is home to FarmDog Brewing and along with their premium wines you can taste boutique gin and craft beer.
Gourmet platters that showcase local produce are available for pairings, and at weekends wood oven pizzas are added to the menu.
On show is an eclectic mix of maritime and automotive memorabilia as well as a classic car display. A bit random I know, but car enthusiasts love it.
Wild-caught and aquaculture abalone products are available for purchase along with a variety of local goods.
Where: 225 Swan Bay Road, Wallington 3222
When: Friday 11 a.m – 9 p.m, Saturday – Sunday 11 a.m – 5 p.m,
Phone: (03) 5250 5760
4) Yes Said The Seal
Located onsite at the fabulous Flying Brick Cider House, Yes Said The Seal is a relative newcomer to the Australian wine scene.
Offering an exclusive collection of limited release cool climate wines, Yes Said The Seal went straight into Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion as a 5-star rated winery in its first year of release.
Described as ‘graceful and complex yet inherently cutting edge’ the wines are created from the finest Bellarine Peninsula fruit including the vines that surround the cider house.
Yes Said The Seal’s wines include Reserve Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz.
Visitors can enjoy a guided tasting of their full stable of wines at the tasting bar, or a tasty meal at The Cider House restaurant.
Where: 1252 – 1269 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington 3222
When: 7 days a week from 10 a.m
Phone: (03) 5248 1135
5) Leura Park Estate
Leura Park Winery is a renowned producer of 100% estate-grown and mostly hand-picked premium cool maritime climate wines.
Its stable of wine includes Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay, Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The chic cellar door features a lush grassy outdoor dining area and an architecturally built ‘Opera House-esque living art compound’.
Here you can chow down on stone-based pizzas, sharing platters, cheeses, and a lineup of specials featuring fresh local fare.
Drop by on a Sunday and soak up the live music featuring local musicians who play all your favourite hits.
Where: 1400 Portarlington Road, Curlewis 3222
When: Thursday & Friday 11 a.m – 4 p.m, Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m – 5 p.m
Phone: (03) 5253 3180
6) Curlewis Winery
The artisanal family run and owned Curlewis Winery is one of the smallest wineries on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Despite this, the estate has some of the oldest vines in the region that date all the way back to the 1980s.
Curlewis wines consist of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz, and Charneis a blend of the Italian varietal Arneis with Chardonnay.
The wine is handmade with minimal intervention using traditional French winemaking principles and regularly features on the best wine lists in the country.
The cellar door and tasting room ‘Appellation’ offers delicious sharing platters of premium charcuterie and cheeses, as well as delectable pizzettas.
In winter you can relax inside by the cosy fire or when the sun is shining, outside in the tranquil garden.
Where: 55 Navarre Road, Curlewis 3222
When: Weekends 12 p.m – 4 p.m
Phone: 0455 197 811
7) Oneday Estate Winery
The Oneday Estate cellar door has been carefully crafted from recycled materials that give it a lovely rustic atmosphere.
Most of its bricks, timbers, doors, and beams have been salvaged from the peninsula’s demolished landmark buildings.
Oneday’s wine is created with just as much care as its cellar door.
The vineyard is tended to by hand while the fruit is handpicked to ensure only the best is used.
Wines include Sparkling Cuvee, Sparkling Reisling, Reisling, Rose, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz.
Oneday Estate opens its doors on Sunday afternoons for visitors to enjoy a meal with a glass of wine and to relax while listening to live music.
The tasty food matches the environment with country-style woodfired pizzas, juicy burgers, and platters.
Where: 45 Curlewis Road, Curlewis 3222
When: Sunday Sessions 12 p.m – 5 p.m
Phone:0419 300 281
8) Scotchmans Hill
Scotchmans Hill Winery is immaculately maintained with lush lawns and gardens and it has a cute French provincial farmhouse cellar door.
The iconic winery produces wine that is instantly recognisable and it’s rated among James Halliday’s Top 100 Australian Wineries.
Tastings are provided by knowledgeable staff and the full range of estate-grown wines are available including the exclusive single vineyard Cornelius wines.
Visitors can enjoy lunch and a glass of wine in the bistro or the courtyard that has fabulous views of the picturesque vineyards.
Where: 190 Scotchmans Road, Drysdale 3222
When: 7 days from 11 a.m – 4 p.m, Dinner Friday from 5.30 p.m
Phone: (03) 5252 4431
9) Terindah Estate
Terindah is Indonesian for ‘most beautiful’ and this gorgeous winery certainly lives up to its name.
Overlooking the Bellarine coast the 100-acre property offers cellar door wine tastings and ‘The Shed’ restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the stunning views.
A verandah known as ‘The Deck’ wraps around the building and with its comfy couches it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine on a sunny afternoon.
Visitors can also take a wander through the orchard of quince, fig, and citrus trees or amongst the verdant vines.
Terindah Winery produces Sparkling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Zinfandel.
Like many other wineries Terindah’s cellar door offers local produce for sale along with cheese platters to share.
Where: 90 Mc Adams Lane, Bellarine 3222
When: Cellar Door 7 days 10 a.m – 4 p.m, The Shed is open for lunch Thursday – Monday
Phone: (03) 5251 5536
10) Jack Rabbit Winery
A trip to the Bellarine Peninsula wouldn’t be the same without dropping by Jack Rabbit Vineyard.
Offering unrivalled views across the bay, a visit here is one of the top Bellarine Peninsula things to do.
The House Of Jack Rabbit cafe and cellar door opens onto an alfresco deck and a sprawling lawn that’s perfect for lazing with a glass of wine while watching the passing ships and mussel farmers.
For something more fancy, the award-winning Jack Rabbit Restaurant offers fine dining with food and views that are in a class of their own.
The winemaking is all about minimal intervention and retaining the characters of each varietal, and the vines are heavily culled to ensure low yields and to maximise the intensity of flavour.
Jack Rabbit wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Reisling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz.
Where: 85 Mc Adams Lane, Bellarine 3221
When: 7 days from 10 a.m
Phone: (03) 5251 2223
11) Bennetts On Bellarine Winery
The delightful Bennetts On Bellarine is a true family-run vineyard.
The owners are personally involved in all aspects of the business to ensure quality grapes and wine as well as fantastic hospitality.
The cellar door is a rustic 100-year-old milking shed that has a laid-back country atmosphere and pretty views across the vines to the You Yangs.
It’s a great place to stop for a bottle of wine and a cheese board or pizza while relaxing under the sugar gums.
The Bennetts Tasting Board is a popular choice, spread over one-and-a-half hours patrons can enjoy 7 scrumptious wine and food pairings that highlight the best local produce.
At weekends there’s live music for entertainment.
Bennetts Estate wines include Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Rose.
Where: 2171 Portarlington Road (Cnr Mc Adams Lane), Bellarine 3222
When: Friday – Sunday from 11.30 a.m
Phone: (03) 8751 8194
12) Lethbridge @ Hat Rock
Named for the hat-shaped rocky outcrop on the Corio Bay shore, Lethbridge At Hat Rock is Lethbridge Wine’s second cellar door.
This little gem is hidden amongst the bigger, more well-known wineries and offers a relaxed and informative tasting experience.
The cellar door provides outdoor picnic tables in a pretty garden setting and features a communal tasting table that encourages conversation.
Visitors can enjoy wine by the glass with a cheese and charcuterie board, or ‘build a picnic’ to have on the grounds.
There’s also an onsite provedore with a range of local and international products available for purchase.
Where: 2330 Portarlington Road, Bellarine 3222
When: Thursday – Sunday 11 a.m – 5 p.m
Phone: 0490 344 635
13) Banks Road Winery
Banks Road Winery is a small family-run vineyard and winery in Marcus Hill.
All Banks Road Estate wine is made onsite from grape to bottle with minimal intervention. Wines include Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Visitors can try all the current release Banks Road vintages at the relaxed cellar door and cafe.
Here you can enjoy a glass of wine and local seasonal dishes surrounded by a vista of odd lawn sculptures.
The vineyard was awarded 5-star status in the 2020 James Halliday Wine Companion.
Where: 600 Banks Road, Marcus Hill 3222
When: Thursday – Sunday 11.30 – 5 p.m
Phone: 0455 594 391
14) Marcus Hill Winery
Marcus Hill Vineyard grows top-quality grapes in an environment that encourages natural balance.
The grapes are handpicked in small lots and indigenous trees and shrubs are used to attract birds and other wildlife who provide natural pest control for the vines.
Marcus Hill wine is made with minimal intervention, handling and processing principles and includes Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Rose, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.
A simple cellar door provides wine tasting from November to Easter.
Where: 560 Banks Road, Marcus Hill 3222
When: Weekends 12 p.m – 4 p.m
Phone: 0421 728 437
15) Basils Farm
The outstanding (and personal fav) Basils Farm is home to a vineyard, cellar door, produce gardens, and farm animals. You’ll also find one of the most highly-rated Queenscliff eateries here.
Embracing traditional winemaking principles the wines are made with minimal intervention and include Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sparkling.
Visitors to the cellar door will also find seasonal produce, housemade preserves, and local honey and olive oil available for sampling and purchase.
The farmhouse cafe creates scrumptious housemade dishes using produce from their organic gardens and orchards.
Patrons can sit inside the cafe or the pavilion overlooking Swan Bay or take in the view from the expansive lawns.
Basils Farm is a great spot for people with children as there’s a sandpit and space to run around, and kids love the resident Llamas and Babydoll Sheep.
Where: 43 53 Nye Road, Swan Bay 3225
When: Monday, Thursday, Friday: 11.30 a.m – 4 p.m, Saturday – Sunday 11 a.m – 4 p.m
Phone: (03) 5258 4280
Other Bellarine Peninsula Wineries
Where: 120 Mc Dermott Road, Curlewis 3222
Phone: 400 220 436
Cellar door twice a year for the Shiraz Festival in July and Toast To The Coast on the first weekend in November.
Where: 60 Soho Road, Drysdale 3222
When: Cellar door Sundays 11 a.m – 4 p.m October – June
Phone: (03) 5253 2718
Where: 30 Pax Parade, Curlewis 3222
When: Cellar door by appointment only and it generally includes a tour of the winemaking facility
Phone: (03) 5250 3861
Where: 1452 Barwon Heads Road, Connewarre 3227
When: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m – 5 p.m, Saturday – Sunday 12 p.m – 5 p.m
Phone: 0499 987 878
About Bellarine Wine
The Bellarine has its own unique growing environment that’s described as being like the wine-growing regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux in France.
Originally planted by Swiss settlers in the 1840s it was once one of the largest grape-growing regions in Victoria.
These days the peninsula’s rich basalt soil produces a raft of award-winning wines that are regularly listed in James Haliday’s ‘best of the best’ list.
The region has a cool maritime climate with moderate to low rainfall and long slow ripening periods.
The result is low yields and high-quality fruit that makes rich Bellarine wines of distinction, most notably Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Chardonnay.
How To Get To The Bellarine Peninsula
The easiest way to visit the Bellarine wineries is on a tour. We recommend booking this 5-star rated small group winery tour that includes a two-course lunch.
To get to the Bellarine Peninsula from Melbourne by car, it’s an easy one-hour drive along the Princes Freeway to Geelong.
Then it’s another 15 minutes along either Portarlington Road or the Bellarine Highway.
The Bellarine Highway will take you to Queenscliff via Leopold passing Yes Said The Seal at the Flying Brick Cider House, and the wineries at Wallington and Marcus Hill.
Portarlington Road will take you all the way to Portarlington on the northern side of the peninsula, passing the wineries at Curlewis, Drysdale, and Bellarine.
It’s also possible to get to the peninsula by ferry boat.
Port Phillip Ferries has daily services between Melbourne Docklands and Portarlington.
Searoad Ferries operates car and passenger ferries between Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula and Queenscliff.
Ferries leave on the hour from both Sorrento and Queenscliff daily.
➡️ Check Prices For The Small Group Winery Tour Here!
Where To Stay On The Bellarine Peninsula
The best way to make the most of your Bellarine wineries visit is to stay a night or two.
That way you can check out the other awesome things to do on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Below are our top accommodation choices in three different locations across the peninsula.
There is a full range of best places to stay on the Bellarine Peninsula Victoria here.
Our Top 3 Accommodation Picks
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
Barwon Heads Resort
Offering one and two bedroom apartment-style accommodation Barwon Heads Resort is located at 13th Beach Golf Links.
Each apartment has views of the Golf Links and either terraces or balconies with outdoor furniture.
Compeltely self-contained the apartments are ideal for those who enjoy self-catering while they’re away from home.
Onsite facilities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a fitness centre.
The resort also has a day spa where you can treat yourself to some pampering after a hard day visiting the wineries!
Barwon Heads Resort is situated a little out of town and is ideal if you prefer a quiet location.
➡️ Check Rates and Availability Here!
Athelstane House
If you like old-world charm then take a look at Athelstane House.
This character filled bed and breakfast accommodation is located in the heart of Queenscliff, and is just a short walk to shops, restaurants, and cafes.
There are a variety of rooms to choose from each with its own ensuite bathrooms.
If you’re after something really special then book the spacious King Room as it has a balcony and cosy open fireplace.
Each room has a bar fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, and free WiFi.
There are some lovely communal areas where you can meet other guests including a lounge, manicured gardens, and a terrace.
When you stay here you can choose to include a fully cooked breakfast option. Such a convenient way to start the day!
➡️ Check Rates and Availability Here!
Lakeview Hideaway
Offering modern motel-style accommodation Lakeview Hideaway is centrally located on the peninsula in Drysdale.
The comfortable rooms have an open plan design with bedroom, living, kitchenette, and dining.
The kitchenettes have tea and coffee making facilities, a toaster, a fridge, and a microwave, which is handy for snacks and a quick breakfast.
Each room also has a small terrace with outdoor furniture and huge ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers.
A key feature of this motel is the outdoor pool area that has a spa and comfy lounge chairs for relaxing.
Guests are welcome to use the barbecue facilities, free private parking, and complimentary WiFi.
➡️ Check Rates and Availability Here!
Bellarine Peninsula Wineries Map
Below we’ve included a Bellarine winery map that shows exactly where each vineyard is so you can easily plan your Bellarine Peninsula wines itinerary.
Final Word
Blessed with a rich natural beauty the Bellarine Peninsula has an abundance of stunning wineries.
They are all different and each one has its own individual ambience and atmosphere.
So whether you’re looking to chill out with wine, pizza, and live music, or prefer something a little more sophisticated you’re bound to find a winery to suit you.
One of the great things about the region is how close the wineries are to each other.
And with the new Drysdale Bypass, they are all within a few minutes drive of each other.
I hope our best wineries Bellarine Peninsula guide has helped you plan your next trip, and that you have as much fun visiting the Bellarine Peninsula wineries as we do.
For more things to do in Bellarine Peninsula read our guides by clicking here.
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By Audrey Chalmers
Audrey grew up in Victoria and travelled the world but she always called Victoria home. She loves nothing more than exploring her home state and sharing it here.
