The varied coastal terrain of the Geelong wine region is home to family-owned vineyards creating world-class wines.
Not far from Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road, Geelong’s passionate producers hand-pick and handcraft premium wines. The region stretches from rugged coast to volcanic plains, and many cellar doors and restaurants offer sweeping views.
Geelong has a reputation as a wine region on the rise and for good reason. Its varied landscape is reflected in its diverse and elegant wines.
Read on for more about Geelong.
Climate and Altitude
With grape-growing land stretching from coast to inland plains, Geelong’s cooler climate varies between maritime and Mediterranean. Low rainfall helps to produce wines with a concentration of flavours, aromas and colour.
The Environment
Geelong is just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne and an easy stop en-route to the Great Ocean Road.
Climate
The weather is relatively cool, with dry conditions, moderate summer days and cool nights year around. Winds often blow in from Port Phillip and Corio Bay.
Soil
Geelong's close proximity to the ocean means much of the region contains sandy loam and basalt soils. This can make growing wine challenging, but winemakers have risen to the challenge and are creating extraordinary wine.
Top Varieties Grown
PINOT NOIR
One of the region’s biggest strengths, Pinot Noir wines vary in style reflecting different winemaking techniques and philosophies. Generally, they are elegant, food-friendly wines with flavours of strawberry and plum.
CHARDONNAY
Chardonnay wines are made in a diversity of styles, from rich and complex to elegant and fresh. Like Pinot Noir, this variety is also used to make sparkling wines.
SHIRAZ
The Geelong wine region produces elegant yet full-flavoured, deeply coloured Shiraz with dark cherry flavours and good ageing potential.
