Sip On Refined Regional Drops At The Best Bendigo Wineries

Awash with warm country hospitality and award-winning drops, the best Bendigo wineries lure you into giddy, all-out delicious euphoria.

Small-batch, family-run wineries reign supreme in Bendigo, with relaxed, warm and engaging encounters practically guaranteed. Rock up to one of the dozen-odd cellar doors in this enchanting Goldfields region to chat with one of the winemakers themselves, and rather than jostling for a spot at the tasting bench with busloads of tourists, you might just be the winery’s sole guests.

Looking for things to do in the area? Read on to learn more about this little-known and much-underrated wine region, with our guide to the best Bendigo wineries.

1. Ellis Wines

the vineyard at Ellis Wines, Bendigo — Ellis Wines cultivates wine grapes on the rich red Cambrian soil. (Image: Shioban)

First, let us set the scene. The soil that once glistened with gold in Bendigo is also a solid overachiever at growing grapes, renowned for its equal parts clay, silt and sand (which, for those of us playing at home, is called clay loam). It’s a hard fact the family behind Ellis Wines have grasped and ran with, boasting more than 123 acres of vines and excellent creations spanning shiraz, moscato, cabernet, merlot and more. You won’t miss this Bendigo winery’s cellar door, all sleek black-on-black with flashes of timber, where you’re invited to sample the team’s premium, signature and rebel ranges, plus there’s cheeses and dips on hand to help wash down every delight.

2. Vin du Van Estate

the cellar door overlooking the vineyards at Vin du Van Estate, Bendigo — Step into a French-inspired cellar door overlooking expansive vineyard views. (Image: Leon Schoots Photography)

Journey about 10-15 minutes’ south of Bendigo to unearth a hidden gem in Vin du Van Estate . Inspired by the rustic wineries of France, this French-inspired cellar door welcomes guests into a manicured garden overlooking the vineyards as an on-site bistro knocks up grazing boards, gourmet pizzas and other dreamy wine accompaniments. The wine itself is award-winning, nabbing the 2024 Australian Small Winemakers Show’s silver medal for its pinot gris and 2023’s bronze for its shiraz. But quality craftsmanship is just the icing on the cake at this Bendigo winery, given the pure joy you’ll experience simply sitting in this tranquil setting complete with a tiered water fountain and vivid-hued blooms.

3. Balgownie Bendigo

Wine tastings Balgownie Bendigo — Pair your wine with a delectable cheese and charcuterie board.

One of the region’s most well-known estates – and its oldest working commercial winery, established in 1969 – Balgownie Bendigo is a non-negotiable addition to any regional winery-hopping itinerary. Cabernet sauvignon and shiraz were the Bendigo winery’s first plantings and remain the winery’s trump cards, but there are plenty more reds, whites and sparklings to sample, with the label’s grapes sourced from across the state. Try a few drops (including the very special Black Label collection and limited-releases) or indulge in a cheese or chocolate-paired tasting at the rustic cellar door. Plenty hungry? There’s a hot lunch being served on the deck. You can even stay the night inside a glamping tent, one of the best accommodation options in Bendigo if you ask us.

4. Harcourt Valley Vineyards

sparkling rose at Harcourt Valley Vineyards — Sip on a glass of sparkling rosé at Harcourt Valley Vineyards.

This multi-award-winning winery is among the more schmick and modern addresses in the region, an angular granite building surrounded by gum trees, manicured lawns and native plants, with vineyards for a backdrop. The cellar door is particularly mesmerising, a bright and airy space with a large window overlooking the inner workings of the winery. In warmer weather, Harcourt Valley Vineyards ’ gorgeous adjoining deck is perfect for lounging with a glass of the estate’s crisp rosé. Second-generation winemaker Quinn Livingstone is at the helm of this small-batch winery, which turns out riesling and chardonnay, as well as sparkling rosé, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and the occasional limited release. But it’s not just fermented grape juice you’ll find on offer here — they also produce ginger beer, raspberry mead, a mango smash and an American pale ale.

5. Mandurang Valley Wines

winemakers at Mandurang Valley Wines — It’s a family affair at Mandurang Valley Wines.

The low-key, rustic vibe at this modest cellar door , just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Bendigo, is really rather charming. Seated wine experiences at Mandurang Valley Wines offer comprehensive insight into the magic of this place while accompanying cheese and charcuterie options ensure bellies remain wholly satisfied. Owned and run by the aptly named Wes and Pamela Vine, this Bendigo winery is a family affair where the couple’s son Steve takes the winemaking reins and regular wine dinners are staged in cahoots with neighbouring wineries. Don’t leave without sampling Mandurang’s GSM, which has become one of the Bendigo winery’s best in show.

6. St Anne’s Winery Bendigo

the picturesque winery and cellar door at St Anne’s Winery Bendigo — Take in postcard-perfect views at St Anne’s Winery. (Image: Adam Shui)

Once known as The Big Hill Vineyard, this Bendigo winery and cellar door is now famed as St Anne’s Vineyards , bringing the McLean family’s tally of cellar doors up to a whopping five across Victoria and New South Wales. While the cellar door’s facade is unassuming, this Bendigo winery is renowned for its well-informed and engaging staff, postcard-perfect vineyard views, and – unlike almost any other winery in the region – a few fortifieds. Tastings are free and grazing platters can also be purchased, plus, if you’re visiting on a Sunday, save stomach space for Pizza Sunday where gourmet slices (including gluten-free varieties) draw a solid crowd.

7. BlackJack Wines

A cheese and charcuterie board at (Image: BlackJack Wines). — Tuck into a cheese and meats that have been perfectly paired with their wine. (Image: BlackJack Wines)

Full-bodied reds are the signature at this small-scale Harcourt winery, once an old apple orchard, though you can occasionally find a rosé here too. And chances are, a tasting at BlackJack Wines will be led by one of the winemakers. The quaint cellar door received a total facelift in early 2020, transforming from a humble tin shed to a photo-ready showstopper looking over a pond. On one side there’s a small patio draped with greenery, while on the other, a small cellar door is dwarfed by the working winery. This Bendigo winery is run by the affable Ian and Ken, who are close mates and old neighbours, cementing the chilled out spot’s laidback and homely status.

8. Water Wheel Vineyards

Half an hour’s drive from Bendigo will land you at this quiet overachiever, specialising in shiraz. Water Wheel Vineyards released its first vintage in 1974 and has risen from strength to strength since it was taken on by local farming family the Cummings in 1989, courting the attention of many a critic, and exporting to markets including the US and Canada. There’s no bells and whistles at this cellar door, just warm country hospitality and some seriously quaffable (and very reasonably priced) wines.

9. Sutton Grange Winery

scenic views at Sutton Grange Winery, Bendigo — Soak up bucolic views.

Sutton Grange Winery has long been on the lips of Australia’s oenophiles. Despite numbering among the younger vineyards in the region – its first grapes were planted only in 1998 – this Bendigo winery has attracted a five-star rating from the illustrious Halliday Wine Companion. Produced from organically grown estate fruit, the vino is reason enough to visit, but its cellar door is also an all-too-tempting destination. Inside, you’ll find a cosy, timber-decked space complete with a stone fireplace, while outside the veranda beckons on a warm summer’s day. Wherever you sit, you’ll likely be rewarded with bucolic views over the estate, with the lush lawn tumbling down into a lake in the foreground and the jagged slopes of Mount Alexander rising in the background. The team offers a seated tasting for $10 a pop, which includes nine wines from across its Fairbank and Sutton Grange ranges.

10. Glenwillow Wines

Peter Fyffe, Glenwillow winegrower and owner — Glenwillow winegrower and owner Peter Fyffe picks the grapes himself.

Gunning for the title of the region’s most unexpected cellar door is Glenwillow Wines . Hidden in the middle of Australia’s oldest working pottery (Bendigo Pottery) in the Bendigo suburb of Epsom lies this must-visit, manned by the Fyffe family. While there are no vineyards to gaze over here, the Bendigo winery’s urban cellar door promises other surprises, including the artistic talents of Cherryl Fyffe and local olive oil to sample. Drop in for a relaxed tasting or book a private tour.

11. Sandhurst Ridge Winery & Vineyard

holding a glass of wine against a scenic vineyard, Sandhurst Ridge Winery & Vineyard — Raise a glass or two at Sandhurst Ridge Winery & Vineyard.

There’s a delightfully informal feel to Sandhurst Ridge Winery & Vineyard , run by the Greblo family, one of whom you will no doubt meet while lingering at the polished jarrah tasting bench. While there’s no food on offer here, you are welcome to BYO spread to enjoy with a bottle of one of this Bendigo winery’s finest reds. There’s seating both inside the burgundy walls of the cellar door, and out on the patio under the pergola.

12. Harvest Food & Wine

If you’re in Bendigo for a good time, not a long time, then Harvest Food & Wine is your best bet for effortless wine slurping. This smart city centre restaurant and deli also happens to be a cellar door to help promote the owner (and winemaker, and sommelier) Lincoln Riley’s label North Run, though the store stocks plenty of other local and international drops to take home with you, too. There’s a Continental feel to this much-loved local haunt, which sits right in the heart of the city’s art precinct and rolls out one of Bendigo’s best cafe menus.

13. Heathcote Winery

guests relaxing at Heathcote Winery, Bendigo — Grab a seat in the al fresco area at Heathcote Winery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Time on your side and keen to soak up more of your stunning country surroundings? Punch Heathcote Winery into Maps to be gob-smacked by a historic cellar door that once served as a mining produce store in the 1850s. But while it’s all dusty vintage on the exterior, inside is as slick as Bendigo wineries come as guided tastings run alongside refined bites including beef bao buns, crispy flathead with fries and a burrata bowl with roasted cherry tomatoes. It’s the tasting room that’s bound to stay with you, showcasing this vineyard’s superb selection of shiraz, viognier, cabernet and rosé.

Originally written by Chloe Cann with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Discover the best places to stay during your visit.

Once a service town for gold miners, Healesville has evolved into a destination brimming with character.

If you trace your finger to the heart of the Yarra Valley on a map, you’ll land on Healesville – a charming little town framed by towering gums and rolling hills. Its main street is lined with cosy cafes, a bookshop, silversmiths, boutiques and a providore stacked with artisan breads and cured meats. In other words, all the essentials for a leisurely weekend. Just beyond the shops, parklands invite picnics, bush trails suggest a wander, along with an old tourist railway, distilleries and award-winning vineyards. Originally a service centre for the goldfields, the railway soon brought visitors seeking fresh mountain air. Today, it’s the kind of place that rewards a slow stroll.

Staying in Healesville

the lounge in one of the cosy villas at Healesvillas — Inside one of the cosy villas.

If sweeping mountain views are part of your accommodation prerequisite, Healesvillas are two architecturally designed villas sleeping six guests, complete with landscaped al fresco areas and a fire pit. Wander into town to visit Cheesemonger Sophie to help craft the perfect platter, and Barrique Wine Store for a local red, before returning to soak up the views.

Dining out in Healesville

small plates at No. 7 Healesville — No.7 offers small plates and tasting menus centred on seasonal produce. (Image: Ben Frazer)

For breakfast, head to My Little Kitchen Cafe , a cheerful spot on the main street known for its strong coffee and warm hospitality. Herd is a low-lit spot with serious style, serving up modern comfort food, or to sit beside wine barrels and underneath chandeliers head to No. 7 Healesville , a wine bar and restaurant in a converted warehouse.

Drinking in Healesville

a cocktail at Four Pillars Gin Distillery — Enjoy a cocktail at renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. (Image: LVDI)

Take a tour or sip your way through a tasting paddle at one of Australia’s most famous gin distilleries, Four Pillars Gin . If visiting a boutique winery is on the list, Boat O’Craigo wines has sweeping views over the vineyards to the hills beyond. The newest addition to the local drinking scene, Zoncello Yarra Valley serves a must-try Limoncello Spritz.

the Boat O’Craigo winery — Boutique winery Boat O’Craigo. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

Healesville highlights

If you’re after a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, Silvermist Studio designs beautifully unique pieces. Lifestyle store Morris et al is filled with women’s fashion and homewares, and because everyone deserves a good book, Verso Books is a cosy independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles.

Head to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife. If the weather is on your side, pack a picnic and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park to climb the steep dam wall, where kids and adults alike can’t resist testing out the booming echo. And if you feel like stepping back in time, board a vintage train at the Yarra Valley Railway .

Step back in time at the Puffing Billy Railway. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A vino lover’s guide to the finest Bendigo wineries