Pyrenees Region Cellar Door Wineries
Less than two hours from Melbourne, the Pyrenees Wine Region in Western Victoria is the home of award-winning wines and the spectacular untamed ranges that give this region its name. Picture yourself rounding a corner on a quiet country road to discover another vineyard or cellar door, another stunning view.
With many local labels seeing the second generation of winemakers coming through, there are plenty of new varieties to enjoy as well as the old favourites. And when you stop to taste a drop or two, there's a good chance you'll be talking to the winemaker in person.
There are 20 fabulous cellar doors to explore, many enhanced by casual cafes, elegant dining rooms, or decks and terraces overlooking vineyards so close that you feel like you're dining amid vines.
The Pyrenees Ranges comprise the southern extension of the Great Dividing Range. Its foothills and ranges create a remarkable diversity of microclimates that provide a wealth of variety for winemakers.
Make a winery weekend of it and spend time in historic townships. Plan your visit to coincide with Avoca's renowned Pyrenees Unearthed Wine and Food Festival in April - a day of sensational wine, delicious food, local produce and live entertainment. Held along the banks of the Avoca River, patrons can sample a broad range of wines from 25 local wineries with local beer, cider and gin also in the spotlight.
Pyrenees Cellar Door Wineries Map
Note: 16. Wayward Winery is south-east of Lexton (not on map)
CELLAR DOORS
1. Amherst Winery
Established in 1989, producing small batches of elegant, complex wines. Wild yeast fermented, basket pressed, handmade.
Amherst Winery is family owned and operated, with the family involved in all aspects of the growing, winemaking, and sales of the wine. Since the first commercial release of shiraz in 1995 Amherst has gained a reputation for our fine hand crafted wines and has achieved a 5-star rating in James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion.
Address: 285 Talbot-Avoca Road, Amherst
Phone: 0400 380 382
E-mail: luke@amherstwinery.com
Web: amherstwinery.com
Open: By appointment
2. Bigibila Winery
Bigibila is a boutique winery and vineyard, olive grove and sustainable farm producing an excellent range of premium red wines.
Bigibila produces an excellent range of premium red wines. 100 per cent of the grapes in the wines are grown at the vineyards, all of which are handpicked, open vat fermented and basket pressed.
Bigibila Wines showcase their outstanding selection of wine and olive oil in the cellar door, which offers amazing views of the vineyard and the picturesque Pyrenees mountains. Indulge in the Bigibila Grazing Platters while you sip a glorious Bigibila Shiraz and bask in the serenity of the Pyrenees.
Address: 85 Polleters Road, Moonambel
Phone: 0425 739 319
E-mail: info@bigibila.com
Web: www.bigibila.com
Open: Weekends, 11am - 5pm
3. Blue Pyrenees Estate
Explore the finest winemaking in central Victoria when you step into the Blue Pyrenees Estate's cellar door. Enjoy a tasting experience amidst the vineyards, where you can learn more about our established winemaking techniques.
Blue Pyrenees Estate was established in 1963 and was among the modern Australian wine industry's first ventures into cool climate viticulture. Originally called Chateau Remy, Blue Pyrenees was established by the French Remy Martin, the subsequent owners of the great champagne houses of Krug and Piper Heidsieck.
Today, Blue Pyrenees is 100 per cent Australian owned and proud of the fact that all of their wines are made from grapes grown in their vineyards and produced in their estate winery, Blue Pyrenees Estate are committed to making authentic, world class quality estate wines that truly offer affordable luxury.
Visit Blue Pyrenees Estate's cellar door to taste their award winning range of Sparkling, Red and White table wines, or to enjoy a glass matched with some fresh local produce.
Address: 656 Vinoca Road, Avoca
Phone: (03) 5465 1111
E-mail: reception@bluepyrenees.com.au
Web: bluepyrenees.com.au
Open: 7 days, 11am-5pm
4. Dalwhinnie Wines
Dalwhinnie produces some of the most coveted and highly awarded wines in Australia. Located in the heart of the Pyrenees wine region, you'll enjoy world-class wines with stunning views.
Don't be fooled by the little cellar door perched on the hill: Dalwhinnie Estate is a powerhouse in Australian wines. Dalwhinnie's cellar doos is an intimate room with the big deck and the views overlooking the Pyrenees is spectacular. Simple platters are on offer while sitting out on that deck and enjoying a bottle (not a glass).
Address: 448 Taltarni Road, Moonambel
Phone: (03) 5467 2388
E-mail: enquiries@dalwhinnie.wine
Web: dalwhinnie.wine
Open: Open Friday to Monday, 10am - 4.30pm.
5. Dogrock Winery
This small family-operated winery offers the best cellar door view in the Pyrenees. Premium hand crafted wines including Tempranillo, Grenace, Graciano and Arinto.
The property has seven hectares of vineyards and varieties include Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Tempranillo and Chardonnay. Both the family residence and the winery and cellar door are off grid with many environmental awards given for the way the business is structured and run.
In addition, many wine show trophies and awards are also on display at the new cellar door and the business was given the Gourmet Traveller Wine Best Small Cellar Door award for the Pyrenees/Ballarat region. DogRock is also a Five Red Star James Halliday winery. World class wine and world class views are a beautiful combination.
Address: 114 Degraves Road, Crowlands
Phone: 0432 734 102
E-mail: dogrockwines@westnet.com.au
Web: dogrock.com.au
Open: Open any time by appointment
6. Equus@Moonambel
Spectacular 360 degree views and fine Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines made by award-winning Owen Latta of Eastern Peake and Latta Vino.
However, at Equus we bring something else. In particular, Patricia is recognised worldwide as a children's book illustrator and writer. "Hattie and the Fox" (by Men Fox) is still in print. Now, customers love tasting wine and buying an autographed book for their children or grandchildren. This brings in a different aspect to the cellar door experience.
Patricia is a lady of many talents. One such talent is the restoration of antique rocking and carousel horses which is on display at the cellar door. It is an unusual but complementary addition to the wine tourist experience here.
Address: 106 Black Mares Lane, Moonambel
Phone: 0448 671 867
E-mail: sales@equus-at-moonambel.com
Web: equus-at-moonambel.com
Open: Weekends and public holidays, 11am-5pm or by appointment
7. Forest Gate Estate
A unique small batch boutique vineyard, cellar door and cafe on Avoca's doorstep. Enjoy exceptional wines and great food while overlooking the tranquil vineyard. We produce elegant red wine from brilliant fruit using hand tendered and traditional methods.
The cellar door provides a relaxed environment with both indoor and alfresco courtyard areas overlooking the vineyard and neighbouring forest for guided tastings.
Address: 122 Redpath Road, Avoca
Phone: 0409 654 838
E-mail: info@forestgateestatewinery.com.au
Web: forestgateestatewinery.com.au
Open: Weekends and public holidays, 11am-5pm
8. Grape Farm Winery
All wines are made from fruit harvested from our vineyard. Spanish 'tapas' style cafe opening in our picturesque cellar door.
Address: 107 McAdams Lane, Moonambel
Phone: (03) 5467 2145 / 0437 047 891
E-mail: sales@grapefarmwinery.com.au
Web: www.grapefarmwinery.com.au
Open: Friday-Monday, 11-5pm or by appointment
9. Kara Kara Estate
Producing fine parcels of estate grown fruit to craft full flavoured and structured reds, and elegant whites, that are truly Pyrenees in style.
Walk through the garden to the Hexagonal cellar door building, overlooking the vines. The cellar door provides a superb vantage point from which to taste and purchase our wines. Our terrace is a fantastic spot to enjoy a glass of wine and soak up the beautiful views of the vineyard, the State forest and the hills of the Pyrenees.
All of the wines available for purchase at cellar door are available for tasting. From time to time you can also purchase some museum wines exclusively available through Cellar Door.
Marlene has a passion for making preserves, Jams and sauces. These are available for sale at cellar door.
Address: Sunraysia Hwy, St Arnaud
Phone: (03) 5496 3294
E-mail: karakarawinery@activ8.net.au
Web: www.karakarawines.com.au
Open: 7 days, 10am-6pm
10. Mount Avoca Winery
Australia's most highly awarded organic winery has been consistently producing gold medal and trophy winning wines for over 50 years. The unique and special sense of place that defines Mount Avoca begins in the cool climate organic vineyard where grapes are carefully nurtured and hand-crafted into extraordinary wines. Try our wines in our cosy cellar door or bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a glass of wine in our gardens and several outdoor dining areas. The picturesque vineyards are surround by 1000 olive trees, and the Cellar Door is well-appointed with BBQ facilities and play areas for children.
Address: Moates Lane, Avoca
Phone: (03) 5465 3282
E-mail: friends@mountavoca.com.au
Web: mountavoca.com
Open: Monday-Friday, 12noon-5pm, Weekends, 11am-5pm
11. Peerick Vineyard
A boutique producer of premium red and white wines. Open for cellar door tastings and sales most weekends.
Our mission is to produce limited quantities of premium wines. The vines at Peerick are trained and pruned to preserve and enhance the great natural fruit flavours. When using oak, we use only the very best European and American oak, carefully combined to provide elegance and sophistication. Peerick wines can be found on some of the finest wine lists in restaurants and retail outlets through out Australia.
Address: 155 Wild Dog Track, Warrenmang
Phone: (03) 5467 2207
E-mail: wine@peerick.com.au
Web: www.peerick.com.au
Open: Most weekends, 11am-4pm
12. Sally's Paddock at Redbank Winery
Sally's Paddock continues to be family owned and operated, with a long established reputation for producing outstanding red varietals and blends. Open every day for tastings, grazing platters, coffee and delicious home made cakes.
Address: 1926 Sunraysia Highway, Redbank
Phone: (03) 5467 7236
E-mail: info@sallyspaddock.com.au
Web: www.sallyspaddock.com.au
Open: Daily 10am - 5pm.
13. St Ignatius Vineyard
Discover the Pyrenees like never before by visiting St Ignatius Vineyard. Our unwavering dedication to viticulture and winemaking ensures an authentic experience. Delight in unique handcrafted wines that you won't find anywhere else, including Torrontes, Carmenere, Malbec and a range of captivating blends with Argentinian flair. The winery specialises in producing super premium wines. Our charming cellar door is open most weekends and otherwise by prior appointment. A visit to St Ignatius Vineyard will warm your soul - book online to avoid missing out!
Address: 5434 Sunraysia Highway, Lamplough
Phone: (03) 5410 0525
E-mail: post@stignatiusvineyard.com.au
Web: www.stignatiusvineyard.com.au
Open: 7 days, 10am-5pm
14. Summerfield Wines
Traditional winemaking methods and minimal intervention is at the heart of the winemaking process at Summerfield Wines, creating deep, hearty and bold premium red wines. Halliday 5 Red Star Rating.
Also situated at Summerfield winery is a Wood fired pizza restaurant open Wednesday to Sunday offering a selection of mouth-watering wood fire pizzas, along with artisan poolish sourdough breads and pastry products, both savoury and sweet, baked fresh on site. If pizza isn't your thing, they have a deli stocking local and international produce such as smoked meats, cheeses, jams, chutney, relish, olives, olive oil, and nuts.
Turn a tasting into a weekend ... stay at one of our six studio apartments or the Summerfield Cottage
Address: 5967 Stawell-Avoca Road, Moonambel
Phone: (03) 5467 2264
E-mail: info@summerfieldwines.com.au
Web: summerfieldwines.com.au
Open: 7 days 9am - 5pm and Fri-Sat 9am - 8pm.
15. Taltarni Vineyard
Taltarni Vineyard and Winery is one of the pioneering wineries of Victoria's Pyrenees wine region. Initial plantings were of Bordeaux varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Shortly thereafter, Taltarni extended its plantings to encompass Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz as well as Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, enabling us to showcase a diverse portfolio of sparkling, red and white wines.
Taltarni was founded on the principles of individuality, independence and expression, which still guide us today. Combining old-world traditions with innovative new-world techniques, we produce a diverse range of high-calibre still red and white wines and methode traditionnelle crafted sparklings.
Address: 339 Taltarni Road, Moonambel
Phone: (03) 5459 7900
E-mail: info@taltarni.com.au
Web: taltarni.com.au
Open: 7 days, 11am-5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day)
16. Wayward Winery
Featuring sweeping views of the Pyrenees Ranges, eight acres of vines, cellar door and restaurant. The sixty five seat restaurant, gives our chefs a space to showcase local produce as well as produce grown on site. With an emphasis on cooking with fire, our chef's use both an Argentinian grill and a large wood fired pizza oven to deliver their seasonal menus which boast dishes that are curated to reflect what is in season and available at the time.
Address: 76 Quoin Hill Road, Waubra
Phone: (03) 5343 5365
E-mail: info@quoinhill.com.au
Web: www.waywardwinery.com.au
Open: Weekdays, 11am-5pm Weekends, 10am-5pm
17. Mrs Baker's Still House
Visit the cellar door at Mrs Baker's Still House in the pristine valley of Glenpatrick. Relax on the sun filled verandah and enjoy a guided tasting. Award-winning craft gins, whisky, liqueurs and wine. Phone ahead for grazing platters. Gin blending masterdass, gin garden parties and gin garden tours are scheduled events. Cellar door open Saturday and Sunday. 100% solar, family owned, sustainable production.
Address: 606 Elmhurst-Glenpatrick Road, Glenpatrick
Phone: 0418 141 685
E-mail: hello@mrsbakers.com.au
Web: www.mrsbakers.com.au
Open: By appointment
Winery Tours
Golden Nugget Discovery Tours
Come on our Pyrenees wine tour and taste premium wines and fabulous food while visiting the regions cellar doors - without the worry of having to drive. Cater 1 to 24 people.
Phone: 0407 542 796
E-mail: golden.nuggettours@bigpond.com
Web: goldennuggettours.com.au
Opening times change so please check with the winery before making any significant travel.
Web Links
→ Pyrenees Farmgate Trail Brochure (PDF)
