How to drink your way around the the Bellarine Peninsula

It’s hard to imagine the Bellarine wine industry without Scotchmans Hill, as the vineyard is one of the biggest and oldest on the peninsula (it was established in 1982). Come prepared with questions, because the team here aren’t wet-behind-the-ears scallywags – they really know their wine. And if you let them know what you like they might even bring out something special for you to try. 

Queenscliff brewhouse is a bit of a Swiss army knife of a venue. Yes, it’s a brewery, but it's also a pub, bistro, tasting room and whisky bar. Even if you don’t have time to check out the best producers on the Bellarine, you can still support them by checking out Queenscliff Brewhouse’s tasting room. It features walls and walls of local products: jams, olive oils, spice mixes, honey, chutney, sauces and plenty of wine. Grab a glass to enjoy in the all-weather courtyard beer garden or by the fireplace on cold days. 

If you’re expecting a large-scale operation where tour companies drop off buses of tourists, then prepare to be pleasantly surprised. The Curlewis Winery team is small, and their cellar door is only open on weekends. From the outside, the cellar door looks like a barn; inside it looks like a hunter’s cabin got the Queer Eye treatment. They’re not scared of doing things a little differently at Curlewis: the wine tastings are served in test tubes, which makes it simple to compare and contrast each wine. 

On a sunny day, regardless of season, families can be found spilling out of the café and onto the sprawling, green hillside while enjoying lunch, coffee or just a glass of wine at Basils. With a sandpit and outdoor games, kids are warmly welcomed here, as are well-behaved dogs. Here for a tipple? The cellar door is open seven days a week, with some wines so popular staff often have to put a limit on the number of bottles per guest. 

Having a drink at the Whiskery is an unpretentious affair: it feels a little like having a drink in a lush, fairytale beer garden. Even those who turn their noses up at G&Ts will be converted by the Whiskery’s version, which is smooth, fragrant and just a little bit citrusy. It’s best enjoyed sitting by the venue’s fireplace, or under the trees on a sunny day where you can watch staff pottering around for cocktail ingredients.