Oakdene Vineyards

Overview

Head south of Melbourne by approximately 90 kilometres and you'll find yourself on the Bellarine Peninsula. You'll also find yourself in Oakdene Vineyards' backyard. This boutique outfit grows grapes in Mannerim and Wallington, operates a cellar door at the latter, and has been part of the local landscape since 2001.

If you know anything about the area, you'll know that the weather is cool. Oakdene makes the most of it, with its grapes the product of a long growing season. Yes, it focuses on wine varieties that suit the area and climate, too, such as handcrafted chardonnay, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc, as well as pinot noir and shiraz — although you'll also find merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon on its lineup.

At Wallington, at the aforementioned cellar door, you'll also sip wine in quite the interesting digs. Designed by owner Elizabeth Hooley, Oakdene is based in an upside-down A-frame house that looks like it has been blown over by a strong breeze. You'll definitely remember your visit, that's for sure.