With over 10 award-winning wineries within a 10-minute drive, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just love a good drop in a beautiful setting, the Bellarine Peninsula is a wine lover’s paradise—and lucky for you, Sandpiper House is perfectly positioned in the heart of it all. Here are our top 10 must-visit wineries nearby, with all the details you need to plan a fabulous day out!
1. Terindah Estate – Curlewis
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Opening Hours: Cellar Door & The Deck: Wed–Sun, 10am–4pm. The Shed (Restaurant): Sat–Sun for lunch.
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Dining: Offers seasonal modern Australian fare with stunning vineyard and bay views.
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Wine Tasting: Available at the cellar door with a small tasting fee, redeemable on bottle purchase.
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Highlights: Spectacular views over Port Phillip Bay and regular events and exhibitions.
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Winter Appeal: Indoor dining with floor-to-ceiling windows and heaters on the deck.
2. Bellarine Estate – Drysdale
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Opening Hours: Cellar Door & Smokehouse Restaurant: Thurs–Sun, 11am–5pm.
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Dining: Home to the Bellarine Smokehouse with hearty, flavour-packed dishes including smoked meats, fish, and vegetarian options.
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Wine Tasting: Complimentary tastings available.
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Highlights: Known for its Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Also hosts live music events.
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Winter Appeal: Cozy indoor dining with comfort food perfect for chilly days.
3. Scotchmans Hill – Drysdale
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Opening Hours:
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Cellar Door: Daily, 11am–4pm
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Restaurant: Lunch Wed–Sun (12pm–4pm), Dinner Sat from 5:30pm
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Dining: A refined bistro-style experience in a rustic setting, offering seasonal dishes using local produce. Beautiful views across the bay to the Melbourne skyline.
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Price Range: Around $70–$100 for a two-course lunch for two (excluding drinks).
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Wine Tasting: Two options:
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Standard Tasting: $20pp (5 wines)
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Premium Tasting: $30pp (6 premium wines)
Tasting fee waived with bottle purchase.
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Highlights: James Halliday 5-star rated winery. Known for cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
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Winter Appeal: Indoor restaurant with fireplaces and warm ambience, perfect for a leisurely long lunch.
4. Oakdene Vineyards – Wallington
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Opening Hours: Cellar Door: Daily, 10am–4pm. Mr Grubb @ Oakdene Bistro: Daily for lunch, dinner Wed–Sat.
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Dining: Casual bistro dining with a creative menu. Garden and indoor seating.
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Wine Tasting: $10pp for guided tastings, redeemable on purchase.
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Highlights: Unique art-filled grounds and eclectic decor. Try their Blue Shiraz and Pinot Gris.
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Winter Appeal: Heated dining areas and fun artworks to explore between tastings.
5. Leura Park Estate – Curlewis
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Opening Hours: Thurs–Sun, 10am–5pm
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Dining: Known for gourmet woodfired pizzas, platters, and hearty dishes.
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Wine Tasting: $5–$10pp, redeemable on bottle purchases.
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Highlights: Sparkling wines, relaxed vibe, live music Sundays.
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Winter Appeal: Fireside seating and a warm, vibrant indoor space.
6. Jack Rabbit Vineyard – Bellarine
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Opening Hours: Cellar Door: Daily, 10am–5pm. Restaurant: Lunch Wed–Sun.
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Dining: Award-winning a la carte restaurant plus a casual café-style House of Jack Rabbit.
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Wine Tasting: Guided tastings available; fee redeemable on purchase.
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Highlights: Stunning views over the bay. Standouts include their Pinot Noir and Blanc de Blancs.
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Winter Appeal: Cozy restaurant with sweeping panoramic views, even on stormy days.
7. Yes Said the Seal (at Flying Brick Cider Co.) – Wallington
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Opening Hours: Thurs–Sun, 11am–5pm
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Dining: Part of the Flying Brick venue, offering creative bistro-style meals and shared plates.
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Wine Tasting: Tasting paddles of premium wine and cider available.
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Highlights: Boutique small-batch wines by Scotchmans Hill winemaker Robin Brockett.
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Winter Appeal: Warm and contemporary indoor space with plenty of atmosphere.
8. McGlashan Estate – Wallington
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Opening Hours: Fri–Sun, 11am–5pm
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Dining: Light lunch platters featuring local produce and cheeses.
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Wine Tasting: Free tastings at the cellar door.
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Highlights: Known for their Shiraz and Pinot Gris. Eco vineyard cabins available.
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Winter Appeal: Intimate and peaceful setting perfect for a quiet afternoon.
9. Banks Road Vineyard – Marcus Hill
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Opening Hours: Fri–Sun, 11am–5pm
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Dining: Small seasonal lunch menu and shared platters.
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Wine Tasting: Complimentary tastings offered.
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Highlights: Family-owned with hand-crafted small-batch wines.
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Winter Appeal: Relaxed atmosphere with a cozy cellar door experience.
10. Curlewis Winery – Curlewis
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Opening Hours: Limited, usually weekends – check ahead.
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Dining: Cheese boards and small bites available.
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Wine Tasting: Small-batch premium wines; tastings available.
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Highlights: Boutique winery with a cult following for their Pinot Noir.
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Winter Appeal: Intimate setting perfect for quiet tastings.
Tips for Visiting:
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Many wineries recommend bookings, especially for lunch or larger groups.
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If you’re planning a winery-hopping day, consider arranging transport so everyone can enjoy a sip (or two!)
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Want help curating the perfect wine tour day? I’m always happy to make suggestions based on your tastes or even help coordinate a driver.
Enjoy the wine, the views, and the memories. Cheers from Sandpiper House! 🍷
