Wineries in the West and The Bellarine
It is no secret we love to have a lovely drop of wine on occasion and over the years we have been lucky enough to visit some of most spectacular wineries in Melbourne’s West! Here are a few of our most favourite, all of them are amazing places to bring the family for a fantastic day out. From Wineries in Werribee to the Bellarine to Geelong - what’s your favourite Winery in Melbourne’s West?
Mamma can’t think of a better reason to take a road trip than to go to Hanging Rock Winery in Melbourne's West The grounds are beautiful, so have a wander, take in the vines and views, say hello to the cows, spot the wedge-tailed eagles and of course get ready for a fantastic drop of wine! If you need another excuse to visit here - the wine tasting is free and fantastic!
McGlashans Estate is a hidden gem of a winery. With the newly introduced Farm Dog Brewery, with craft beer AND a gin distillery, you can't go wrong visiting this amazing venue! The menu has lots of delicious pizza options and sides like nachos, wings and chips - and of course charcuterie! Mamma loves the relaxed atmosphere, vineyards and plenty of grass for the kids to run wild!
Mr Grubb is a hidden gem that is nestled amongst the birch trees right next to the ‘Upside-Down House’ Cellar Door within Oakdene Estate. The cafe was set up to offer foodies like us something more family friendly on a budget - and it’s really hit the mark! There’s such a relaxed vibe with a beautiful outdoor seating, heaps of shade, covered with fairy lights and a huge grass area for the kids.
Hounds of the Vine is such a beautiful vineyard on the Bellarine - really family friendly, and the food and wine is delicious too! Located just out of Portarlington, Hounds of the Vine is just the perfect place to meet some friends and relax with a glass (or two). Your little ones will LOVE the animals that are on the property - cows, goats and roosters - and the outdoor games on the grass area!
Witchmount Estate Winery is everything we love about wineries - a gorgeous family friendly space, with an open grassy outdoor area, surrounded by vines, with delicious food and of course, incredible wines. This is a relaxed and welcoming winery where you can bring the family and the pooch! You can drop in for a or grab some lunch and eat at the picnic tables. They often have live music too!
Del Rios Winery is a spectacular, family-owned vineyard and restaurant nestled on the slopes of the extinct Mt Anakie volcano. From the restaurant or decks (in the warmer weather), take in the stunning view of the vineyards, farmlands, and the vast expanse leading towards Geelong and beyond. This spot offers a classy yet relaxed setting for a delicious lunch - truly breathtaking.
Yet another fantastic Bellarine Winery - with water views, stunning vineyards, great food in a stunning and open space. Terindah Estate is definitely on the must do winery list! So there are a few options for your visit here - firstly, the restaurant The Shed, with kids menu and highchairs, and both indoor and outdoor seating options. Or if you are kid free, the cellar door and deck is the spot, with couch and table options.
We love Bennetts on Bellarine Winery! Rustic, relaxed, fun and delicious. You can choose to sit inside at the tables, or the old leather couches, but we love to get a table outside under the gums with glimpses of the bay. There is a cubby house here and a tyre swing which is part of the neighbours property but can be used by those dining here. Fantastic!
Scotchmans Hill Winery in the Bellarine Peninsula is a STUNNING bistro with an outdoor space to enjoy a delicious meal too. This winery is less kid friendly than some others on the Bellarine - only because there is no kids menu, so it’s more suited to older kids and teenagers - otherwise ideal for a date day or time with friends. There is plenty of outdoor grassy space to relax and enjoy, with a charcuterie board and a glass of wine.
Mount Macedon Winery is a stunning place and often used for weddings - and Mamma can see why. The long winding driveway leads to a lovely restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating options, and the cellar door of course. The food is IMPECCABLE and the wine tasting paddle is always a great idea! Take a wander around the grounds afterwards and say hi to the cows and sheep - you may even spot a Llama!
Hidden away in the rolling hills of Keilor is the lovely Arundel Farm Estate winery, restaurant and stud farm/horse ajistment property. With lovely views overlooking a grassy gully, lovely outdoor seating areas, and a huge indoor hall (plus function spaces in the stables), this is a perfect way to graze away your weekend. Keep a look out as Arundel often holds family fun days with animal farms
Jack Rabbit in Portarlington is an award winning winery and is one of the most popular spots to visit on the Bellarine Peninsula. The House of Jack Rabbit (cafe) is for more relaxed dining with access to the deck and that wonderful grassy expanse for rolling, playing and hopping down. They also have a kids menu too! There is also the restaurant located here too - perfect for a special occasion.
Basils Farm in Swan Bay on the Bellarine is a gem - serving amazing food, and of course wines and cocktails. Between the restaurant and the water is a lovely garden with veggie patch (with produce that ends up on your plate). Mamma loves the rosè…. Oh and for the kids, a great kids menu....and aside from a frolick in the grassy hill and gardens there is also a sandpit for the littlies! INCREDIBLE.
Beautiful food, fine wine and all in our wonderful West. Shadowfax Wines in Werribee is the perfect location for a loooong leisurely lunch or Friday night dinner and a completely enjoyable dining experience for everyone. They even have a great little kids menu too! Play on the lush grass, indulge in the gourmet food, grab a glass of wine and relax! Pure perfection.
