If you’re planning a holiday in Queenscliff, Victoria, chances are you’re seeking a unique and unforgettable gustation experience at the many restaurants, cafes, wineries, and breweries in the area. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, wine connoisseur, or simply love dining out on quality local produce, the Geelong and Bellarine Region has something to suit everyone’s taste and style. So get your taste buds tingling and start sampling the local food, wine and provedores around the Borough of Queenscliffe.
Let’s explore what distilleries and brewhouses Queenscliffe has close by
Set in the foothills of the lush Bellarine, The Whiskery is the unique cellar door for the Bellarine Distillery. It is the first distillery on the Bellarine Peninsula that was established in 2015. Their cellar door building was creatively renovated from an existing farm shed and the rustic setting creates a tranquil atmosphere amongst the enchanting gardens and large shady fruit trees. The Whiskery combines their own botanicals with the finest flavours to create individual gins, while their whisky is barrelled on a regular basis. The menu is simple and tasty and the setting is a relaxing treat for friends and couples alike.
The Queenscliff Brewhouse is a breathtakingly renovated historic hotel. Here they celebrate the art of beer making with an onsite brewery and an underground boutique gin distillery, making this brewhouse a craft beer and uniquely blended gin tasting haven for many. The majestic old ballroom is now fully renovated and transformed into an award-winning cellar door. They only have the best local craft beers on tap, including their Queenscliff and Prickly Moses beers and pride themselves on supporting local and Australian breweries and cider makers. There is something for everyone to enjoy with a restaurant and sports bar.
For a tasty pizza and a frothy pint in a living, breathing brewery you can’t go past Little Creatures in Geelong. They offer various local and signature brews as well as seasonal releases, so there’s something for everyone. Wander around the eclectic buildings with friends and soak in this vintage building’s vibes. There’s even a sand pit and an old piano for the kids to play with. If you love your craft beer, Little Creatures is an absolute must-visit.
Another innovative landmark on the Bellarine is the Flying Brick Cider House. Here you’ll find homebrewed ciders crafted from fresh apples and juicy pears that are naturally brewed and dangerously delicious. There’s also live music, a great selection of beer, premium Bellarine wines, fair trade coffee, share plates and a contemporary menu all served at a retro-inspired timber-clad venue that has an awesome al fresco and spacious manicured lawn. Their fabulous way to sample wine tasting with Yes said the Seal is a wonderful experience too.
How about a winery or two to discover!
A holiday to Queenscliffe wouldn’t be complete without visiting Provenance Wines in Geelong for some exceptional wine tasting. Located in the historic paper mill on the Barwon River, Provenance Wines are well worth a visit. Their passion and dedication to cool climate winemaking means they have been producing top quality wines for many years, offering everything from Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Nebbiolo. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a lover of fine wine and are looking for somewhere special to enjoy it.
With magnificent panoramic views across the bay to Geelong, the You Yangs and even Melbourne, Jack Rabbit Vineyard is an exceptional destination on the Bellarine. This iconic winery features a la carte cuisine and sophisticated cool climate wines. Nestled on the hill and overlooking the shimmering water, the House of Jack Rabbit cafe is a casual yet elegant experience with a sprawling lawn to relax on and large deck for shade to sip their fine local wines. Full of innovation and stylish atmosphere, a visit to Jack Rabbit will remain in your memory for a long time.
There are loads more wineries to visit, so be sure to check out all the wineries located a stone’s throw from Queenscliffe – each vineyard offers its own unique selection of wine and scenic landscapes perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s white wines, sparkling or reds there’s something here for everyone so make sure not miss out on an amazing wine tasting opportunity during your stay in town.
Now you’ve worked up an appetite where can you sample the best food on the Bellarine?
If you’re craving something with more of an Italian inspired theme, drop by Annie’s Provedore in Barwon Heads. This café, deli and premium goods grocery store is sure to tantalise your taste buds. The barista made coffee and bespoke menu combine to make this a quality experience rich and full of atmosphere and flavour. Annie’s also offers vegan and gluten free options as well as a vast selection of handpicked local and international delicacies, craft beers and quality wines. The staff are always friendly and knowledgeable when it comes to their extensive wine list so take their advice and enjoy a glass (or two!) with your meal.
If there’s still more you want to do, foodies who want to get up close and personal with where their food comes from can check out Bellarine’s very own ‘taste trail’ that has almost 50 food and wine destinations to explore. Visit the Bellarine Taste Trail website for their comprehensive list of makers, growers, wineries, tours, breweries, restaurants, cafes, accommodations and local events, you are bound to discover the ideal destination. It is jammed packed with information on what to see, where to go and stay on the Bellarine. There is an abundance of farmgate producers, provedores, innovative wineries and diverse award-winning craft beer, cider, cafes and restaurants. All you need to do is bring your appetite and comfortable pants!
The Bellarine sure has the relaxed atmosphere of a coastal country escape. So explore the region, taste the delectable food and relax into the astonishing surroundings of our beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. There really is something here for everyone, so come and discover it all today and create lasting memories along the way. For more information on our stunning region Visit Victoria has a full calendar of events.
