Bendigo wine region

Bendigo’s gold-mining past is etched upon its surface, with glorious sandstone buildings and a landscape textured with hillocks, the remnants of long-abandoned mines. The new gold here is of a completely different colour – the deep concentrated red of shiraz and cabernet sauvignon.

The climate of central Victoria, with its long hours of summer sunshine, coupled with deep soils, make it ideal for growing the robust, fully flavoured shiraz and cabernet sauvignon for which the region is famous.  

The first grape vines were planted here in 1856, just after the massive gold rushes. Today, the area produces many varieties of wine, including chardonnay, riesling, sauvignon blanc and sangiovese, all of which bear distinct regional characters.  

Wineries dot the landscape and are hidden in the picturesque hills and valleys, many still operated by the families who founded them. Their cellar doors offer a casual, friendly atmosphere and relaxed tasting experience.