Top cellar doors to visit in Geelong
Victoria’s second city is a real vibe, only a short journey from Melbourne CBD or Avalon airport, and with the sweeping coastal beauty of the Bellarine Peninsula close by. With a host of amazing cool-climate wines to discover, here’s some of our favourite cellar doors to stop by in Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula.
Scotchmans Hill
Scotchmans Hill were rated as a 5-star rated winery by Halliday way back in 2009, and have maintained that rating ever since. There’s not much higher testament to the quality of the wines you’ll find here than that - expect expressive premium cool climate pinot noir and chardonnay on tasting. Their title range isn’t to be missed, but don’t sleep on their other estate labels either. Open for tasting 7 days a week, with their restaurant open for lunch Thursday through Sunday, and dinner on Friday.
190 Scotchmans Rd, Drysdale VIC 3222, open 7 days.
Austin’s Wines
Visit the cellar door at Austin’s to run through a flight of cool climate goodness - both their signature label and “6ft6” ranges. Expect prosecco, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay, rosé, pinot noir and shiraz - tastings are complimentary, and bookings advised. And if you feel like making a full, decadent afternoon of it there’s also lunch available Friday through Sunday.
870 Steiglitz Road, Sutherlands Creek VIC 3331, open Thursday - Sunday.
Provenance Wines
Located only a 10 minute drive from the centre of Geelong, the makers behind Provenance have set up shop (well, cellar door and restaurant) in a restored paper mill. Sourcing fruit from eight vineyards across Victoria allows them to concentrate on the expression they’re looking to create in either their single sourced varietals or blends - that tale of “provenance” and terroir. Five-star Halliday rated, recommended booking in for this one.
100 Lower Paper Mills Road, Fyansford VIC 3218, open Friday - Sunday.
Oakdene Vineyards
Open 7 days, Oakdene’s cellar door is a unique building staffed by a small, local team who can take you through what makes these wines (and this region) so unique too. You’ll be treated to a personalised flight featuring five of their wines, with a bistro, wine bar and restaurant also located on the site, if you fancy extending your stay.
255 Grubb Road, Wallington VIC 3222, open 7 days.
Lethbridge Wines
Boasting not one but two locations - Lethbridge have got Geelong and the Bellarine covered. Their flagship cellar door at Lethbridge is open 7 days, sited on their vineyard originally planted in 1874, before being replanted in 1996 by the current owners. Otherwise if you’re down on the Bellarine, check out their sister location at their “Hat Rock” vineyard - where you’ll also find a cellar door, plus a contemporary art gallery. Expect your cool climate Geelong classics like pinot noir, chardonnay, syrah and even nebbiolo rubbing shoulders alongside more exotic varietals like the Georgian native saparavi.
Lethbridge Cellar Door: 74 Burrows Rd, Lethbridge, VIC, open 7 days.
Hat Rock Vineyard: 2330 Portarlington Rd, Bellarine, VIC, open Thursday - Sunday.
There’s a few of our faves, but keep exploring - there’s always more to discover, and tag us in on socials if you find a gem.
And ps. make sure to check the websites we’ve linked for up-to-date info on bookings & opening hours.
Want to shop our latest from Geelong & The Bellarine? Here’s the wines.