Embraced by the fresh climate and rich soils of the Ballarat and Pyrenees wine regions, Ballarat’s exquisite gold rush country is known for premium cool climate wines, boutique viticulture and scene-sipping vineyards. Our guide helps you sample some of the best – along with a spectacular backdrop or two.
Tour the wineries around Ballarat
118 km / 1 hr 20 mins from Melbourne
Many wineries can be found within an hour’s scenic drive of Ballarat, with established vineyards and smaller boutique cellar doors firmly planting a presence. From delicate pinot noirs to spicy shiraz and character-filled chardonnays, Ballarat wineries produces a stunning array of both classic and new.
Only 15 minutes from Ballarat, the famous Michael Unwin Wines produces, barrels and bottles premium gamay, pinot noir and chardonnay. Visit the vineyard’s verdant 100-acres and drop by the cellar door, where you can sample some sophisticated, savoury or fruity signature varietals.
Situated in the nearby Ballarat Highlands, Eastern Peake offers cellar door experiences that include tasting boards paired with award-winning pinot noir and chardonnay. For a lunch amongst the vines, Blue Pyrnees Estate offers dining experiences overlooking the vineyards and its gold-rush era lake.
Many boutique wineries near Ballarat produce memorable labels. In the tranquil foothills of the Pyrenees, Bigiliba Wines offers a range of high quality reds and delicious platters. Twice awarded the Gourmet Traveller Wine Best Small Cellar Door, Dogrock is a highly-rated winery producing batches of Riesling, Grenache and Tempranillo.
Discover wine bars
Feel like settling in for an intimate evening? There are plenty of great wine bars to enjoy in the heart of Ballarat. Situated in a stylishly refurbished 140 year old produce store, Mitchell Harris is a local favourite. Settle in at the MH wine bar and choose from a huge range of local and Australian wine, matched with superb local produce.
For an intimate food and wine experience, RJMs Wine Bar delivers a cosy atmosphere with ‘Sip and Savour Sundays’. Relax in the alfresco area, surrounded by hanging vines and fairy lights during the warmer months, or by the log fire when it gets cooler. This bar has an extensive wine list, as well as local craft beers and cocktails.
Combining a winning European-styled ambience with rooftop views, Ellington’s Wine Bar is home to a curated list of local and international wines. Enjoy some acclaimed flavours while you enjoy the seasonal menu of shared plates. You’ll also find plenty of reasons to make a pilgramme to the Hop Temple in Ballarat’s Hop laneway.
Food and wine Events
Plan your trip ahead to one of region’s many food and wine events. In November the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival features Ballarat Unlocked, an event that opens the doors to some of the town’s oldest buildings for degustation menus and celebrated wine surrounded by history and heritage.
In April the Pyrenees Unearthed Wine and Food Festival brings forth a range of wines from 25 local wineries. This is a great opportunity to sample some rare vintages. The Ballarat Winter Festival also showcases some of the region’s best winter wines during the cooler months.
Where to stay in Ballarat:
Enjoy the perfect winery near Ballarat by finding accommodation that suits you. Quality Inn Heritage on Lydiard is a boutique hotel dating back to the height of the gold rush days. In the heart of town Quality Inn & Suites The Menzies also offers easy access to the town’s heritage charms.
For a slice of local history, book a room at the stylish Quality Inn The George Hotel Ballarat. Built in 1854, this hotel played a leading role part in history when troops met in the dining room to plan the siege of the famous Eureka Stockade.
