South Gippsland Food and Wine Trails
The diverse Gippsland region is enriched with many award winning wineries and exceptional food producers. While well known as a land of dairy farmers, beef producers, cheese makers, fishermen and artisans of all types, the South Gippsland and Bass Coast region also boasts many wineries and vineyards.
As well as a abundant supply of fresh fruit and vegetables, the region produces quality award winning wines, beer, olives and olive oil, chocolate, beef and condiments. Some of Australia’s best wines are being produced by the many vineyards and most have cellar door sales and welcome visitors.
South Gippsland is has long been recognised as a premium producer of cool-climate wine varietals, particularly the traditional Burgundian varieties of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It’s cool-maritime climate is reflected in elegantly structured wines with intense aromatics. It is a pristine environment of rolling green hills and dependable rainfall. A commitment to quality and sustainability is a consistent focus of the family owned and operated vineyards.
Leave Saturday morning for an easy relaxed day and finish the day in Fish Creek or anyone of the delightful South Gippsland towns. Head home or continue your trip on Sunday morning.
1. The Bass Valley Estate Winery
Lock in the start of your south Gippsland coast food and wine discovery with a trip to The Bass Valley Estate Winery. Located only an 1 hour and 40 minutes from the Melbourne CBD.
The Cutler family has established 3ha of riesling, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz on the eastern slopes of the Bass River Valley. The cellar door has barbecue and picnic facilities which take full advantage of the expansive views over the Valley.
Open 10am - 6pm
2. The Loch Brewery and Distillery
The next step, just around the corner that you won’t want to miss is the Loch Brewery and Distillery. It is approximately 9kms, less then 10 minutes, from the Bass Valley Winery
The Loch Brewery and Distillery housed in the village's former bank building & butcher's shop, brews traditional style beers that appeal to contemporary palettes, single malt whisky, real ale and gin made in South Gippsland. How? Australian and New Zealand grown and malted barley as the base. Specialty malts from the UK to enhance flavour. Unfiltered and 100% preservative free.
With traditional methods and modern ingenuity, the magic takes place in hand-beaten alembic copper pot stills. See it all at their Cellar Door.
Open Friday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm
3. Prom Country Cheeses
From Loch, head to the picturesque Moyarra Valley, to treat yourself to handmade specialty cheeses at Prom Country Cheeses. Sample cheese in the tasting room and enjoy a farm-fresh home-cooked meal with valley views on the verandah.
Only a further 17km, around 15 minutes from the Loch Brewery & Distillery
Enjoy Bronwyn’s country hospitality & home-baked meals such as slow cooked lamb pies, frittata, hearty soups or scones (call ahead to check the day’s limited menu): 03 5657 3338
Open 1st September to 1st July
Weekends 10am-5pm
Closed July & August during lambing
4. Meeniyan
Head to the quaint little foodie town of Meeniyan, approximately 1/2 hour down the road, where you can stock up on local provisions at the The Meeniyan Store, Pandesal Bakery and the Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar. Great place for a stopover if you are having a weekend away.
From Meeniyan you enter prime pinot noir country.
5. Waratah Hills Vineyard
Just 20 minutes down the road from Meeniyan is the Waratah Hills Vineyard, in Fish Creek. It is located on the road to the iconic Wilsons Promontory National Park Waratah Hills and is one of the southern most vineyards on the Australian mainland. Waratah Hills was planted over 20 years ago in the burgundy style of low trellising and close planting.
Enjoy cheese boards, tapas platters and weekend seasonal specials that all taste great with a glass of wine. All food is prepared on the day using local seasonal produce.
Cellar Door Hours
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 4pm
Public Holidays: 11am to 4pm
Everyday in January
6. Fish Creek
Stop over in this delightful little town for the night and enjoy some spectacular views of the Prom.
