posted on 19 Jun 24 | by Explore Bendigo

We’ve Got a Winery for Every Occasion 

Hey there! If you’re into wine and looking for a great getaway, you’ve got to check out Bendigo and Heathcote’s wine regions. Both are home to some seriously good wine and an eclectic range of experiences. We’ve got wineries for special occasions and a girls’ day out, live music, family friendly and dining out. So, whether you’re a wine buff or just someone who loves a good time, both wine regions are perfect for exploring. Check out our top picks for every occasion and experience…

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To Wine & Dine

Who doesn’t love a glass of wine with a bite to eat? There are so many options when it comes to delicious food to accompany your wine, that you’re going to be spoilt for choice.
Enjoy long lazy lunches and grazing menus at Balgownie Estate Bendigo and Heathcote Winery.
Cheese, antipasto and charcuterie boards are available at Ellis WinesMandurang Valley Wines, Munari Wines, Peregrine Ridge and Vinea Marson
Or if you’re chasing a more relaxed vibe, order mouthwatering pizzas at St Anne’s Winery on Sunday’s, The Shiraz Republic in Heathcote, and Vin du Van Estate

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For Weddings & Special Occasions

With picturesque views and vineyard backdrops, a winery can make for the perfect destination for a special occasion or wedding. While there’s plenty to choose from throughout the region, our top picks are stand outs and favourites amongst locals.
Built in 1866, Chateau Dore has acres of established gardens and lawns, a beautiful reception space and located only minutes from the Bendigo CBD. It’s a popular choice for garden weddings.
Set amongst the granite foothills of Leanganook Mt Alexander and only 20 minutes from Bendigo, Sutton Grange Winery offers a picturesque setting for a wedding or function. Think rolling hills, a country-style cellar door and a barrel room that will hit the mark for wow factor.

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A Night In The Vines

Imagine a romantic getaway amongst the vines. The region has a growing number of wineries offering unique accommodation options within their vineyards. Enjoy a glass of wine whilst looking out into the vines, watch the sunset and stargaze into Victoria’s clearest night skies. Book your next stay…
Glamping @ Balgownie Estate Bendigo
The Stables @ Heart of Gold Vineyard
The Cellars @ Heathcote II
The Cottages @ Sandhurst Ridge Winery 
Vineyard Views @ The Shiraz Republic
The Vineyard Studio and Vintage Vans @ Vin du Van Estate

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Girl’s Day Out

Ladies, grab your besties, your sister or your mum and treat yourself to a girl’s day out at a winery or two. While you can’t go wrong with so many wineries on offer, we have a couple of favourites that are guaranteed to satisfy. 

Located right in the heart of Bendigo, Ellis Wines is the perfect spot for a delightful day out at with your girlfriends. Indulge in a wine tasting and delicious antipasto platter, soaking up the sun or inside amongst the barrels! 
Balgownie Estate Bendigo offers a perfect blend of indulgence, picturesque views and dining options, making for a great day out. Go alfresco to enjoy views of the vineyard and soak up the sunny weather, enjoy a delicious meal and a bottle of bubbles!

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Family Friendly Cellar Doors

For an afternoon out with the whole family, including your furry pooch, get along and enjoy the region’s most family friendly wineries.
The Shiraz Republic is a rustic cellar door overlooking 25 acres of vineyards. With plenty of seating inside and out, there is loads of space for everyone to relax and enjoy a glass of wine or beer (there’s a brewery onsite too) and a bite to eat. Better still, there’s live music on the weekends, fire pits burning in the cooler months and pool table to keep you occupied.
Munari Wines is another Heathcote cellar door welcoming everyone. Their rustic cellar door, once the original stables on the property, offers indoor and outdoor spaces. Open 7 days a week, you can enjoy a tasting and one of their mouth watering charcuterie boards or grab a pizza - yum! 

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Something Unique & Boutique

We love a cellar door with a difference, something unexpected or a little quirk that sets it apart. It's these added bonuses that can make a cellar door, offer a completely different experience and ultimately be one of your favourites to visit and keep you coming back for more. Check out these unique cellar doors and what makes them different to the rest.
Glenwillow Wines - for their artisan wares, gallery space and a delicious range of olive products.
Heathcote Winery - have a rotating gallery space in the heart of Heathcote.
The Shiraz Republic - not only are they a winery, but they have a brewery onsite too, Cornella Brewery.

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And Epic Views To Enjoy

If you love chasing epic views and insta-worthy shots, there are some incredible and diverse landscapes to be viewed from our wineries. Favourites include... 
Peregrine Ridge – with elevated views 250+ metres above sea level on the Mt Camel Range, and floor to ceiling windows, you will find some of the most incredible views as far as the eye can see.
Sanguine Estate Wines – on the outskirts of Heathcote you’ll find rolling hills of endless vines and beautiful views of Mt Ida in the backdrop. 
Sutton Grange Winery – a little slice of paradise at the foothills of Mt Alexander with gorgeous rural views of their vineyard and beyond.
Vin du Van Estate – their cellar door overlooks their picturesque vineyard planted in the flood plain of Sheepwash Creek, with views of the neighbouring Mandurang Valley and is surrounded by native gardens and water features.