About the Geelong wine region

While you could certainly label the region surrounding Geelong as ‘cool climate’, the incredible variety of its rugged beauty – from surf coast to volcanic plains – and the number of distinct microclimates, mean its wine, food and landscape resist any single label.

Over the past two decades, Geelong has experienced a renaissance as winemakers have rediscovered its rich soils with a climate which is half way between France’s Bordeaux and Burgundy.

To the east of Geelong lies the Bellarine Peninsula surrounded by Bass Strait, Port Phillip Bay and Corio Bay – a maritime climate particularly suited to producing wines with a European-style subtlety. 

To the north and west, the undulating hills, volcanic soil and hot summer winds influence flavour and structure. The area’s strengths lie in chardonnay and shiraz, but some excellent examples of pinot noir, pinot gris, riesling and sauvignon blanc are also drawing attention.

There is plenty of strength in the region’s food scene too. Excellent restaurants and produce stores in Geelong and at many cellar doors highlight an incredible array of food from rabbit and lamb to mussels and crayfish, all drawn from the nearby waters and pastures.

An hour south-west from Melbourne, the Geelong wine region is easily accessible from Melbourne and is also a great base from which to explore the Great Ocean Road.