Bellarine Peninsula Public Winery Tour – Lunch Included

Planning a day around wine tasting in Victoria can be a rewarding experience, and this Bellarine Peninsula Public Winery Tour offers a relaxed and authentic way to explore some of the region’s best-kept secrets. It’s designed for visitors who want a taste of local wines, stunning scenery, and good company—all bundled into a manageable eight-hour trip from Melbourne.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the chance to visit four unique wineries—each with its own story, atmosphere, and specialties—is a big draw. Second, the inclusion of a vineyard lunch adds a genuine touch of hospitality and local flavor. However, it’s worth noting that admission tickets are not included at the winery stops, so you’ll be paying separately for tastings if you choose to indulge.

This tour is ideal for those who prefer a small, intimate group experience—with a maximum of 10 travelers—making it easier to relax and chat. If you’re after a structured day with flexible booking options, this might suit you beautifully. Guests who love scenic drives, wine, and a leisurely pace will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personal experience and easier interaction.
• Four distinctive wineries highlight the diversity of Bellarine’s vineyards.
• Flexible booking and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides peace of mind.
• Vineyard lunch offers a taste of local produce and wine in a relaxed setting.
• The tour covers stunning views of Melbourne, Geelong, and You Yangs.
• Cost of $171.42 per person includes the tour but not tastings or additional expenses.

Contents

• Key Points
• An In-Depth Look at the Bellarine Peninsula Winery Tour
• Starting Point and Overall Structure
• Scotchmans Hill Winery
• Jack Rabbit Vineyard
• Leura Park Estate
• Flying Brick Cider Co
• The Lunch Experience
• The Value of Flexibility
• Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
• Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?
• FAQ
• Our Top Picks in Melbourne
• More Wine Tours in Melbourne
• More Tours in Melbourne
• More Tour Reviews in Melbourne
• Not for you? Here's more things to do in Melbourne we have recnetly reviewed

An In-Depth Look at the Bellarine Peninsula Winery Tour

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The day begins promptly at 9:00 am in Melbourne, at 54 Russell Street. From there, you’ll join a small group—up to 10 people—for a scenic drive toward the Bellarine Peninsula. The focus of this tour is on quality and authenticity rather than sheer quantity of stops. With four carefully selected wineries, each stop offers a fresh perspective on Victorian winemaking.

The 8-hour duration balances enough time to savor wines, enjoy meals, and absorb the scenery—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The tour ends back where it started in Melbourne, making logistics smooth and straightforward.

Scotchmans Hill Winery

The first stop is Scotchmans Hill, a multi-award-winning vineyard with over thirty years of reputation. Its secluded location and cosy architecture set a relaxed tone for the day. This winery is known for its high-quality wines, although admission is not included, so tastings are optional and paid separately.

Visitors love Scotchmans Hill for its warmth and commitment to tradition: “The setting is charming, and the wines are consistently good,” says one review. The 45-minute visit is enough to get a sense of the estate’s style and history. Expect a friendly, family-run atmosphere that emphasizes craftsmanship.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard

Next, you’ll visit Jack Rabbit Vineyard, famous not just for its wines but for panoramic views across the bay to Melbourne, the You Yangs, and Geelong. The 1 hour and 30 minutes here is a highlight, especially if you enjoy spectacular scenery.

While tasting isn’t included, the restaurant and cellar door are perfect for sampling wines while soaking in the vistas. The setting is described as “the ultimate pairing of wine and views,” making it a perfect spot for memorable photos and a relaxed break. The focus is on quality and a sense of place, which is evident in the wines and the atmosphere.

Leura Park Estate

The third stop, Leura Park Estate, is a boutique vineyard that champions estate-grown, hand-picked grapes. The owners’ mantra—“Life is short, celebrate well”—reflects a joyful approach to winemaking.

The 45-minute visit offers insights into traditional methods and grape integrity. The estate’s dedication to quality shines through, with reviews mentioning its “authentic, well-made wines.” This stop is especially appreciated by those interested in small-scale, dedicated vintners who focus on craftsmanship and authenticity.

Flying Brick Cider Co

Finally, the tour concludes at Flying Brick Cider Co, a unique spot on the Bellarine that specializes in maritime climate wines and ciders. Since this is the only winery that offers ciders as well as wines, it’s a good chance to try something a little different.

The 45-minute visit emphasizes the refined, maritime climate-driven flavors that aren’t easily found elsewhere in Australia. If you or your travel companions aren’t big wine drinkers, the range of ciders offers a delightful alternative. One traveler noted, “It’s a refreshing change, and the ciders are surprisingly good.”

The Lunch Experience

A major highlight of this tour is the vineyard lunch, included in the price. While the details of the meal are not explicitly described, such lunches typically showcase regional produce and local wines, giving you a taste of Victorian culinary culture. It’s a great way to rest, mingle, and discuss the day’s highlights.

The Value of Flexibility

One of the appealing features of this tour is the fully flexible booking policy. You can modify or cancel without charge up to 24 hours before the tour, which is a welcome feature in uncertain travel times. This flexibility makes it easier to plan your day without stress.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for small groups seeking a relaxed, authentic vineyard experience close to Melbourne. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts, scenic lovers, and those looking for a leisurely day without the chaos of large bus tours. The moderate price point provides good value considering the number of stops, the scenic drives, and the included lunch.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re interested in Victorian wines and want to explore some of the region’s less commercialized vineyards, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, quality, and intimacy. It’s particularly suited for small groups who prefer a more personal experience over large, crowded tours.

Travelers who appreciate beautiful views, authentic winemaking, and delicious local food will find this tour rewarding. However, if you’re looking for a deep dive into wine tasting with extensive tastings or winery tours, you might find this experience somewhat limited, as tastings are not included in the initial fee.

This tour delivers a charming and authentic day trip that combines scenic beauty, wine, and good company—a perfect mix for a memorable day outside Melbourne.

FAQ

Are tastings included in the tour price?
No, tastings are not included at the wineries. You will need to pay separately if you wish to sample wines.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to Melbourne by late afternoon.

How many wineries are visited?
Four wineries: Scotchmans Hill, Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Leura Park Estate, and Flying Brick Cider Co.

Is the booking flexible?
Yes, you can modify or cancel your booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 10 travelers, which allows for a more personalized experience.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, transportation is provided as part of the tour, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What kind of lunch is included?
The tour features a vineyard lunch, which typically showcases local produce, though specific details are not provided.

Can I bring children or non-drinkers?
While the experience is wine-focused, the small-group setting and scenic aspects make it suitable for non-drinkers or families, but check with the provider for specific age policies.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 54 Russell St, Melbourne, and returns there at the end of the day.

This Bellarine Peninsula Winery Tour offers a delightful way to explore Victoria’s wine country in a relaxed, scenic, and authentic manner. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply seeking a peaceful day out of the city, it’s a trip worth considering.