An eclectic bunch
Vineyards come with ocean views in the Geelong wine region but it’s not so simple to sum things up here. This incredibly varied region runs from surf coast to volcanic plains, and its community of makers is equally diverse, making Geelong a region that resists a single label. But with famous beaches, small towns with personality and some serious winemaking credentials, the one thing you can be sure of is finding something you’ll love.
Just over an hour’s drive south-west of Melbourne, the Geelong wine region has a flourishing reputation as a food and wine destination. It’s home to standout winery dining, cafes and one of Australia’s top restaurants, Igni (with another, Brae, just a short drive away). Local produce markets and provedores stocked with treats are always close by. Wine-wise, there are options to suit all tastes, from elegant, easy-going Pinot Noir and packed-with-flavour Pinot Gris to deeply coloured Shiraz. And beyond the grape, there are microbreweries and cider houses to explore.
The beating heart of the region is the city of Geelong, on the edge of Port Phillip Bay. Radiating out from the city’s waterfront and urban areas are small wineries dotted throughout the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast and Moorabool Valley. These three areas aren’t official subregions but they’re clearly defined areas with distinct wines and unique charms.
Geelong’s new dawn
The Geelong wine region’s history reads like others in Victoria: vines were planted in the 1800s during the gold rush era and Geelong became a thriving grape-growing region. But it hit a hiatus in the late 1800s, and was revived in the 1960s as growers and winemakers rediscovered its varied soils and cool, maritime climate. The last couple of decades have seen the region transform and today it continues its climb in quality.
Whether it’s the maritime flavours of the Bellarine and Surf Coast wines, or the complexity and richness of wines from the Moorabool Valley, Geelong’s wine scene is all about diversity. You’ll find around 40 cellar doors inviting you in for a taste, many with ocean vistas or sweeping farmland views. For all the variety, Pinot Noir is the main attraction, with winemakers crafting an array of styles from this elegant red grape.
For a taste of the local wines, a great place to start is Geelong Cellar Door in the heart of the CBD. This wine bar and store showcases a wide range of premium local wines, along with beers and ciders. Idyll Wine Co. is another top spot to experience Geelong’s finest. The first Moorabool Valley vineyard to be replanted during the region’s recent renaissance, Idyll Wine Co. produces a large amount of wine every year using some of the world’s most advanced equipment and welcomes visitors in its onsite cellar door to taste everything from Sauvignon Blanc to Shiraz.
Whether you’re a fan of a crisp Chardonnay or a peppery Shiraz; a beachside stay or a cosy getaway in the hills, the dynamic Geelong wine region delivers in spades.
