A Wine Tour of the Geelong Wine Region
Important but Lesser Known Wine Region Near Melbourne, Australia
Nov 30, 2008
Geelong is a major city and port about one hour's drive to the south west of Melbourne. Its wine region surrounds the City and includes the Bellarine Peninsula and some of more inland areas along the valleys of the Moorabool River and around the foothills of the Brisbane ranges. The region is one of five regions which make up the Port Phillip Zone.
History of Wine in the Geelong Region
This region was once the most important wine region in Victoria. Swiss immigrants payed a major role in this region. This also occurred in the Yarra Valley.
When Phyloxerra was discovered in the region in 1875 the authorities ordered the wholesale destruction of all vineyards in the region, so winemaking came to an abrupt halt. The region was not revived until the 1970s, with the Sefton family at Idyll vineyards and the Hickinbotham family at Anakie being prominent among the new pioneers.
Terroir of the Geelong Wine Region
Many of the wineries of the region are situated on the Bellarine Peninsula. This subregion enjoys a maritime climate influenced by Bass Strait to the south and Port Phillip Bay to the north. Further inland the climate becomes a little more continental and frosts and drought become an issue.
Varieties Grown
Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Chardonnay Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are the most popular varieties. Over the past few years may wineries have added Pinot Gris to their repertoire. The innovative Amietta vineyard now uses the rare red wine varieties Lagrein and Carmenere.
For a list of the producers of wine from alternative varieties see Vinodiversity's Geelong Region Information
Major Producers
Wine production is primary done by sixty or so small operators. Over the past decade some larger investments have been made for example by Scotchmans Hill, Austin's Barrrabool and Petteval.
Some special wines to look out for
- Pinot Noir from producers such as Bannockburn, Farr Rising, Curlewis
- Chardonnay from Clyde park and Scotchmans Hill
- Riesling from Dinny Goonan
- Pinot Gris from Provenance
- Shiraz Lagrein from Amietta
Other Attractions in the Region
While the region is not as well known as the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula regions there are plenty of good wines to be found here.
Geelong has a fine regional Art Gallery, the National Wool Museum and splendid Botanical Gardens. The foreshore at Eastern Beach has been restored and it features whimsical bollards.
Further afield the Surf Coast, Historic Queenscliff, the Great Ocean Road and the Otway Ranges forest provide scenic beauty and a variety of activity based holiday options.
Sunnybrae 'restaurant in a paddock' near Birregurra has an excellent wine list featuring many of the regions best wines. They are served with owner chef George Biron's brilliant cuisine which also showcases much of the region's fine ingredients.
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