Make no mistake – Australia’s wine country is not just limited to the well known Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley and Margaret River regions. In fact, did you know that Victoria is home to more individual wineries than any other state in Australia?
You’ll find a surprising range of fabulous vineyards right here on the Great Ocean Road, and we promise you, they’re all well worth making the road trip for.
The Great Ocean Road also has a fast growing reputation for making some pretty good craft beers. The pure waters of the Otway Ranges are just perfect for the brewing process, and we count ourselves very lucky to have some fantastic breweries nearby.
Here are our top picks – all definitely worth a road trip for.
Forrest Brewing Company – Otway Ranges
The small town of Forrest is notorious for its fantastic mountain bike trails. This microbrewery has become a favourite spot for both visitors and locals to enjoy a delicious meal with a craft beer after an invigorating few hours of biking. Beer is brewed on site, and it’s all hand bottled and hand labeled.
Otway Estate Winery & Brewery – Otway Ranges
Otway Estate first opened back in 1997 as a boutique winery, but has now expanded to produce beer and cider, including the ever-popular Prickly Moses beer (which we promise is delicious!). Their cellar door and brewery outlet is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-5pm.
Basalt Vineyard – Killarney
We enjoy the Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Riesling from Basalt so much that we stock it here at Alkina Lodge. If you’re travelling between here and Port Fairy, it’s well worth a stop at Basalt Vineyard – the tasting room has just been beautifully renovated and there’s a great selection of tapas on offer.
Gosling Creek Winery – Murroon
Founded by husband and wife duo Peter and Jan, we’re sure you’ll love the beautiful setting of this winery. There are divine wines on offer and a very friendly service. Cellar doors are open 11am-5pm Saturdays and Sundays. Go on a Sunday afternoon for the free live music!
Yeowarra Hill Winery – Colac
You’ll find Yeowarra in the Otway Ranges hinterland. This family-owned vineyard produces award-winning Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, all made from top quality fruit which is grown only on site. Cellar door tastings and purchases are available by appointment only.
Blakes Estate – Deans Marsh
A small and friendly winery which specializes in Pinot Noir. Visitors often comment on the warm welcome they receive from the owners, Roger and Rosie. You’ll find a strong hint of raspberry in these wines which is testament to the nearby strawberry and raspberry farms which date back to the 1930s. Our top tip – buy a bottle of the delicious Pinot Noir, then sit outside, relax and enjoy the views across the vineyard!
Sow & Piglets Brewery – Port Campbell
When owner John Moloney needed to renovate the Port Campbell Hostel, he took the opportunity to do something a bit different and transformed part of it into a brewery! He named it Sow & Piglets after the original name for the Twelve Apostles (which are located close by). The brewery is still located within the Port Campbell Hostel, and a second production brewery opened last year in nearby Cooriemungle to keep up with demand.
Where To Stay
Alkina Lodge is the closest luxury accommodation to the Twelve Apostles and is within easy driving distance of all the wineries and breweries listed. There are three lodges, each with four bedrooms. Book online here or call (+61 3 5348 2008)
