Seven Regional Breweries and Distilleries You Need to Visit this Autumn

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It's no secret that Victorians love a cold beer and some finely crafted spirits. But some might assume you need to head to the Big Smoke to taste the best of the best. In reality, though, many of the state's must-see breweries and distilleries can be found dotted throughout the Victorian countryside. And there's no better time to be visiting the countryside than when the autumnal colours are on show.

From seasonal ale specials to award-winning gins made from native botanicals, warm yourself this season with some of the state's best independent tipples. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding which places to cruise through. You could let your tastebuds lead you, but we've also picked out seven outstanding regional spots that are perfect for a trip this autumn.

ST ANDREWS BEACH BREWERY

As recently as 2014, the site of St Andrews Beach Brewery was home to horse trainer Lee Freedman and his cohort of race-winners. Nowadays, the place is almost unrecognisable offering a beautifully designed brewery and beer garden, while the nearby 1200-metre racetrack has also been taken over by St Andrews' 8000 apple and pear cider trees.

On entering, you'll immediately notice a wide-open garden flanked by revamped stables that have become a great spot for a friendly drink with pals. Situated in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula at Fingal, and within touching distance of the ocean, everything here is brewed onsite with strong aromas and subtle bitterness in mind — we recommend sampling the autumnal red IPA release: a smooth, malty brew perfect for setting you into the season.

160 Sandy Road, Fingal, Mornington Peninsula

BELLARINE DISTILLERY

The first distillery to set up shop on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria's southwest, Bellarine Distillery and its cellar door, The Whiskery, has become a popular destination for those in search of a fine, locally made gin. Previously a chicken farm for more than sixty years, the original farm shed has been refurbished into an elegant space with wooden fittings and a comfortable terrace surrounded by gardens. Relax outdoors and take in the autumnal sights and smells, but if it's just a bit too chilly, head inside. There's a fireplace to help warm you on the outside as you warm your inside with the house gin. Named Teddy & The Fox, it's a zingy citrus blend that's rich in juniper, coriander, orange, lemon myrtle, orris root and star anise. Make sure to bring a bottle home to enjoy on its own or use in G&Ts, garnished with orange or lemon and rosemary to bring out the gin's citrus notes.

2102–2120 Portarlington Road, Drysdale

BASS AND FLINDERS DISTILLERY

Having spent nine years in Red Hill, in December 2018, the Bass and Flinders Distillery decided it was time to move onto bigger and better things. Now based in nearby Dromana, the distillery's passion for artisanal spirit-making has seen it become one of the Mornington Peninsula's must-visit watering holes. Featuring a large outdoor garden for those bright autumn days, there's also a private mezzanine where you can take part in a range of gin-based masterclasses.

Despite its fresh modern space, Bass and Flinders remain devotees to tradition. Instead of combining botanicals with a standard base spirit like many other distilleries, the distillery uses its own spirit distilled from grapes as a base. This touch of finesse forms the foundation of the entire gin, brandy and liqueur range, while the native botanicals used are carefully sourced from around Australia. Combine these factors together, and you have yourself an unmissable experience.

40 Collins Road, Dromana

REED & CO. DISTILLERY

Situated high in the alpine hills of Bright, three hours northeast of Melbourne, Reed & Co. Distillery is one of those spots where you'll be welcomed with open arms. Founded by professional chefs Hamish Nugent and Rachel Reed, the distillery utilises traditional methods and exceptional botanicals to produce a well-balanced flagship product, Remedy Gin.

Here, you'll find Remedy used in a variety of vibrant cocktails, while the restaurant uses a custom-built solid fuel oven and grill to whip up dishes using local ingredients, like Harrietville trout fillet with creme fraiche, lightly cured and smoked duck breast with apple and yuzu and Flinders Island saltbush lamb rib with mountain pepper leaf and lemon. Everything on the menu is seasonal, but for now, you'll find the aforementioned dishes plus snacks that pair very well with booze, including barbecue octopus with caper mayo, locally made rye bread with seaweed butter and dried beef with mountain pepper.

Located in the centre of town, Reed & Co is a charming spot to enjoy a lunchtime session before heading out into Greater Bright and exploring the picturesque autumnal countryside.

 15 Wills Street, Bright

BRIDGE ROAD BREWERS

Located along Beechworth's historic main drag, Bridge Road Brewers has become one of the most popular spots for visitors stopping by the former gold rush town. Make tracks for the northeast township to see the changing leaves, and make sure to add this brewery to your list. Here, you'll find more than 20 beers on tap, including an ever0chaing selection of seasonal brews. For autumn, the first out of the gate is the Posse Autumn Hazy red ale, the brewery's take on a NEIPA; then there's the Celtic Red irish red ale and the chocolaty Robust Porter from the core range to warm up to; and at this year's High Country Hops Festival, the brewery will release two wet hop beers: The Harvest Fresh Hop and Mikkeller Dark Harvest.

50 Ford Street, Beechworth

OTWAY ESTATE WINERY & BREWERY

Sweeping views, a sprawling vineyard and a top-notch brewery to boot — that just about covers everything we want from a visit to the Otway Ranges. The Otway Estate Winery & Brewery offers all that and more, having established a longstanding reputation that's built on producing excellent wine, beer and food. The estate features 28 rolling acres, much of which are occupied by the winery's range of premium chardonnay, semillon, sauvignon and pinot grapes. So, if you prefer your drinks to come with a picturesque landscape, then this farmstead two hours from Melbourne is the place to visit — especially as the grape vines begin to turn gold. Take in the full glory of the area's autumnal sights on a scenic hike or two in nearby Colac. Or if you're after something more relaxing, warm up at one of the winery's three cottages onsite featuring sunken spa baths, fireplaces and views over the vines.

10 Hoveys Road, Barongarook

KILDERKIN DISTILLERY

In recent years, Ballarat has become recognised as a hub of high-quality regional craft beers and distilleries — and Kilderkin Distillery is one of its finest examples. When Kilderkin was opened by Scott Wilson-Browne and Chris Pratt (no, not that Chris Pratt), it was the first distillery to open in the region since the 1930s, when Victoria's only whisky distillery, Warrenheip Distillery, closed up shop. While you'll have to wait until later this year (or early 2020) to get your first taste of its barrel-aged whisky, there is a small but thoughtful selection of tipples primed and ready to pour, including two signature gin varieties — Scoundrel and Larrikin. Sharing its cellar door with the Red Duck Brewery, also owned by Wilson-Browne, there's a host of tasting flights, beer paddles and cheese platters to help warm you from the inside out.

11A Michaels Drive, Alfredton, Ballarat

For more autumnal places, spaces and events in regional Victoria, visit Your Happy Space.

Top image: Reed and Co.