Council is encouraging the community to support local this summer by taking visiting family and friends to check out some of the award-winning wineries and cellar doors of Golden Plains and the Moorabool Valley.
The region has some well-regarded cool-climate wines, and as restrictions are gradually lifting, going wine tasting, having a meal or sharing a platter at a local winery makes for a great outing with family and friends. Plus, there are plenty of great events and music on offer.
If you can’t visit in person, you can order online through each winery’s website or through their stockists. Check out some of the events and activities happening at local wineries over the summer:
Austin’s & Co - Sutherlands Creek
Become a founding member of Austin’s cellar door, which is currently under construction, by purchasing a cellar door membership. Its Rent a Vine program will also be back for 2021, allowing members of the public to rent their own vines and make their own wine. For more information visit Austin’s & Co’s website or call 5281 1799. Austin’s wines can be purchased through its website and at a wide range of retail outlets.
Bannockburn Vineyards - Bannockburn
Visitors by appointment only. Call 5281 1363 to book, or you can buy its wine online at the Bannockburn Vineyards website or at select retail outlets.
Clyde Park Vineyard & Bistro - Bannockburn
Clyde Park’s Cellar Door and Bistro open seven days a week. Call 5281 7274 to make a booking, or you can buy wine online at the winery’s website or at select retail outlets.
del Rios - Anakie
The del Rios restaurant is open and wine tastings are available, with reservations required. Open Friday for dinner 5.30 to 9.30pm, and weekends for lunch from 11.30am to 5pm. A shuttle bus is available from Geelong and Lara on Friday night. Visit del Rios’ website to make a reservation and to book the shuttle bus online.
Harry Scotts Vineyard - Russells Bridge
Visit Harry Scotts’ website to purchase wine or to book a night at its Farmhouse AirBnB.
Lethbridge Wines - Lethbridge
The Lethbridge Cellar Door is open seven days over January, and 11am to 5pm Friday to Sunday during February, with midweek visitation by appointment. You can also purchase the wine online via the website.
Moorabool Ridge - Lethbridge
Moorabool Ridge’s cellar door is open weekends and public holidays from 11am to 5pm. Weekdays by appointment only for groups of ten or more. To book, call Tim on 5281 9240 or email [email protected].
Mark Australia Day at Moorabool Ridge Winery, on Tuesday 26 January, from 12 to 4pm. Wine tasting and local produce including olives, chutneys, jams, olive oil and entertainment by Piano Man John Watson. Cost is $10 per person, and visitors can book an antipasto platter for $10 in advance, or for $15 on the day. Bookings are essential as numbers are limited.
Nintingbool Vineyard - Nintingbool
The Cellar Door is open on Saturday 16 January from 5pm, and Sunday January 17 with three sittings from 12pm, 3pm and 6pm. Bookings are essential. Phone 0429 424 399 or contact Nintingbool Vineyard on Facebook to book.
Spence Wines – Murgheboluc
Spence Wines’ Cellar Door is open 11am to 5pm on the first Sunday of the month, or by appointment. You can also purchase wine at its website. Phone 5265 1181 to book.
Wines By Farr – Bannockburn
While not open to the public, you can purchase Wines By Farr’s wine at its website.