Explore the Best Wineries in Geelong

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Geelong wine region is a significant region in the Port Phillip zone of Victoria, Australia. It produces high-quality wine from a wide range of varieties, but Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz are the most important. The Geelong Wine Region has a reputation as one of the best places to visit in Australia and you'll find plenty of reasons why. The scenic countryside is home to a diverse selection of wines, perfect for any occasion. Explore the Geelong wine region's different sub-regions, from surf coast to volcanic plains. Taste varieties with a subtle European style such as chardonnay and shiraz.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Geelong Wine Region

Where is Geelong Wine Region

Geelong wine region is in the Port Phillip zone of Victoria, in Australia. It's 75km southwest of Melbourne.

History of Geelong

By the 1860s, Geelong was the most significant wine region in Australia - in both size and stature and had established a reputation for quality by exporting to Europe. Due to the Victorian Government's order to remove all vines due to an outbreak of phylloxera, this industry was halted in 1875. It wasn't until nearly 100 years later that grape-growing resumed in Geelong. Wine enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, Daryl and Nini Sefton, who founded Geelong Wine in 1996, realised the potential for a Geelong wine region to excel. The brewery now embraces more than 150 vines in its growing region. Geelong wines are well-known for their exceptional quality.

Terrior of Geelong

The terrior in Geelong is perfect for growing international and native types of grapes. Limestone, being an integral part of the soil, provides the specific alkaline conditions grape vines need to grow. Limestone is also found in various altitudes; at times 1,300 ft. which helps produce aromatic wines.

Geelong Characteristics 

This region has a long and interesting wine list with many major grape varieties. Chardonnay is among one of the region's most praised, and Geelong grapes are able to produce some exceptional examples. They have a depth of flavor, a wide range of complexity, and are quite enjoyable. If you nurture these wines carefully, some of the best bottles can last for a long time and develop subtle nuances reminiscent of premium back Burgundy Chardonnays. Geelong's Shiraz comes with a spice-rich aroma profile and rich flavors. Pinot Noir produces high-quality varitudinous and sparkling wines. Other numerous wines in the Northern regions are wine grape varieties such as Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Viognier is another white grape variety that is always a hit with consumers here. Other significant reddish-colored varieties are Cabernet.

Food to pair with Geelong

1. Cruffin

Cruffin is a cross between croissant and muffin. It's made from laminated dough, is filled with varying amounts of flavourful ingredients like butter, such as pastries cream, peanut butter cream and strawberries or chocolate. These are just some of the variations you can get your hands on! The Cronut is a recent invention. It is believed they were created in 2013 by Kate Reid of Lune Croissanterie in Melbourne, Australia and later popularized by Mr. Holmes Bakehouse in San Francisco. Cruffin pairs excellent with Geelong Wines.

2. Dim Sim

Dim sims are deep-fried or steamed meat dumplings that can include cabbage, pork, and other ingredients. Although Chinese dumplings are traditionally smaller and thinner, the Australian version is more like a generous sized ravioli. The wrapping is also thicker and based on pastry instead of dough. It is unknown who actually invented the original dumplings, but they have been around for a long time. In 1945, a Chinese chef named William Wing Young invented them for his restaurant in Melbourne, Australia and called them "dim sum". Dim sims are very popular in Australia and New Zealand, although they can be found at chippies (fish and chip shops) or corner stores. They're often dipped in soy sauce before eating. Dim Sim goes well with Geelong Wines.

3. Chicken Parma

Recipe for chicken parmigiana: breadcrumbs-coated chicken breast slices that are topped with tomato sauce and cheese, then baked. When the cheese melts enough, the dish is finished and ready to eat. While the name of this savory treat may lead you to believe otherwise, this dish actually originated in America. An Italian dish called melanzana alla parmigiana, or eggplant parmigiana, inspired the parmesan-crusted and tomato sauce stirred dish we have come to know as chicken parmigiana.

No one knows who invented chicken parmigiana, but it's very popular in US cities with a large Italian-immigrant population. It's usually served on top of pasta or rice, and sometimes even meatballs.

Chicken parmigiana is also beloved in Australia where it is a staple in many pubs. It often comes as part of a meal, usually with salads and chips on the side. Chicken Parma pairs well with Geelong Wines.

Places to visit near Geelong

1. Great Ocean Road

If you're looking to really experience all of the Great Ocean Road as quickly and efficiently as possible, then this trip is perfect for you. Check out Bells Beach, the waterfalls, Great Otway National Park there you can walk through the forest canopy and see 12 Apostles rock formation.

2. Balloon Flights in Geelong

If you’ve always wanted to experience the thrill of soaring in a hot air balloon over Geelong Victoria, you have opportunity to try it in Geelong. After taking off from the launch field, prepare to hover over Melbourne for about an hour. Feel free to take in the sun, or watch it rise on our aerial city tour and take in landmarks of interest below.

3. The Geelong Art Gallery

The Geelong Arts Centre, currently known as Geelong Gallery, was established in 1946 and is a major regional gallery in the city of Geelong in Victoria, Australia. It has been operating in its current gallery building since 2000. The gallery has over 6,000 works of art in its collection. The Gallery forms the heart of Geelong's Cultural Precinct with the adjacent Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (Geelong Regional Library and Geelong Heritage Centre), the Geelong Arts Centre, and the Geelong Courthouse (which houses Back to Back Theatre).

Frequently asked questions about Geelong Wine Region

Is Geelong worth visiting?

Geelong is worth visiting. It's Victoria's second biggest city and getting more popular!

How many wineries are there in Geelong?

The Geelong wine region is home to more than 150 vineyards, 60 wineries, and 40 cellar doors.

What are the main grape varieties in Geelong?

The main grape varieties in Geelong are Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Map of Wineries in Geelong

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Experiences in Geelong

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Geelong