Oakdene Vineyards Cellar Door

Oakdene is a family-owned winery on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula. Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley planted their first vines on the property in 2001, and now, along with their winemakers Robin Brockett and Marcus Holt, they craft outstanding cool climate drops and host visitors in Oakdene’s cellar door and boutique accommodation.

The Hooleys say the maritime climate on Victoria’s western coast is the perfect place for producing low yields of high-quality fruit. The specialties here are cool-climate drops like chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz, sauvignon blanc and pinot gris. Award-winners include the 2018 Jessica Sauvignon, and the 2019 Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Chardonnay and the 2018 Bellarine Peninsula Shiraz.

To find Oakdene’s unique cellar door, look for the wooden cabin that looks like it’s been turned on its side. Passionate staff who know the area run tastings in here for $10 a person. They go for around 45 minutes and include samples of six wines of your choice from the winery’s extensive selection.

A restored 1920s homestead offers rustic boutique accommodation and dining, while Mr Grubb, a large bistro among the birch trees, serves affordable pizzas and share plates to snack on while you drink your wine.