Geelong winery reviews
Check out wineries in the Geelong wine region as independently reviewed by wine writers Ralph Kyte-Powell and Stuart Gregor.
|
An old Austin tray truck carrying barrels stands guardian by the gate of this winery on the way to Portarlington. Across the road theres gently rolling country, with Corio Bay glistening beyond. Its typically picturesque Bellarine country combining pastures and seaside. This vineyard has been producing good whites and reds for some years, and the restaurant offers peaceful vineyard views. Now theres an extra attraction, a craft brewery to prove that man (and woman) does not live by wine alone; have a beer instead!
Ralph Kyte-Powell
|
|
The Brown Magpie cellar door is backed by a row of cypress trees populated, appropriately enough, by an extended family of industrious magpies who stalk around the vineyard with a proprietorial air. This is a tranquil spot in the Surf Coast hinterland with a plot of vineyard that looks towards Mount Moriacs gentle slopes. Its well worth a detour when youre in the region for its award-winning shiraz and pinot noir.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
|
|
Jindalee Estate was planted as Idyll in 1966, pioneering the 20th century re-emergence of commercial Geelong vineyards. An old bluestone railway station still stands beside Jindalees entrance and it was there back when 19th century vineyards filled this Moorabool Valley. Jindalee has a tidy cellar door above the vineyards, with old peppercorn trees and gums in front, a wide bushland valley beyond. An impressively large new winery shares the site, producing wines that range from budget drops sourced from the companys Murray Valley vineyards to Geelong-grown wines of high pedigree.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
|
|
Lethbridge is one of the most ecologically friendly wineries in Australia, with affable winemaker Ray Nadeson a keen advocate of organic, minimalist principles in vineyard and winery. The result is a range of European-accented wines of high quality, with the Geelong regional specialities of pinot noir and shiraz leading the way. The winery building is quite special a unique construction of straw bales that seems to confirm the places environmental credibility.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
|
|
The comfortable cellar door at Leura Park sits behind a hedge, framed by tall cypresses, in an attractive pastoral landscape. Rustic furniture, wicker bells and Leunigs Lovely Voyage over the fireplace give it a welcoming, casual atmosphere, and the selection of seasonal foods, quality cheeses and nibbles is very tempting. Specially roasted coffees and loose-leaf organic teas are also available. Wine quality is very good, especially chardonnay and pinot noir, and pinot gris, known as 25 dGris, is always popular. New owners have plans to improve things even further.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
|
|
Beside the road linking the northern Bellarine Peninsula with the Sea-change towns at the start of the Surf Coast, quirky Oakdene is full of lively arty charm. An eclectic collection of sculpture, paintings and other pieces is woven through the restaurant and cellar door, and there's a brightness and sense of fun about the place thats very winning. It conceals some fine dining, plush
B&B accommodation to save you from driving home, and a vineyard providing well-made wines.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
|
|
This secluded winery in the lovely Otway foothills has grown. Theres a smart new cellar door and café/restaurant with wide verandah, gazebo and dam and forest views, and the Prickly Moses Brewery fashions artisan brews of great interest, with many beers on tap. Farmhouse cider from local organic apples is also made, and the flagship Chardonnay heads a range of excellent cool climate wines including new riesling, rosé and sweet dolce. Self-contained units make it a great base for exploring the rainforest, waterfalls and bushland of the beautiful ranges nearby.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
|
|
A broad driveway leads to an imposing contemporary winery/restaurant complex surrounded by vineyard. As one would expect from a Geelong winery, complex chardonnay and pinot noir are stand-outs in a large range of wellmade
wines. This property promises to become a real focal point for regional gastronomy.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
|
|
Scotchmans Hill is the benchmark winery of the Bellarine and its wines rarely disappoint. The pinot noir is always full of ripe fruit and the sauvignon blanc is always delicious. At the cellar door you can also taste the wines from the Browne familys other label, Swan Bay.
Stuart Gregor
|
|
They dont come much more impressive than the Shadowfax winery at Werribee Park. No expense has been spared on the winery and the results look mighty impressive. The cellar door is spectacular with an underground barrel cellar and if you stay too long, there is luxury accommodation at Sofitel Werribee Park Mansion Hotel and Spa.
Stuart Gregor
|
