Take a Wine Trip to Beechworth

Compared to the Yarra Valley or the Mornington Peninsula, Beechworth is smaller and harder to get to. Typically a three-hour drive from central Melbourne, it’s best to take Beechworth in over at least a weekend, staying overnight. Once you’re there you will appreciate the effort. Beechworth punches well above its weight with fantastic cellar doors, as well as some other local produce and attractions.

Sorrenberg

sorrenberg wines

The Sorrenberg range

Sorrenberg are Demeter-certified, a trend that you see a lot in Beechworth. Most wineries align with Biodynamic or Organic farming practices and there is generally a fairly holistic green approach within the small community. Relying only on their own vineyards, Sorrenberg have a small range but each wine is a winner. Be on the look out for their Gamay which is a darling of the Melbourne wine scene. (By appointment only)

Castagna

castagna vineyard

Panorama of the vines outside the Castagna cellar door

Father and son duo Julian and Adam Castagna will greet you at their family home turned cellar door, and tell a few yarns while you try their fairly large range of wines. The Castagnas planted an empty paddock in 1997, and somewhat accidentally got into biodynamics along the way. The ethos shows in the purity of their wines as well as the diverse range – including an interesting vermouth using botanicals from their herb garden. (By appointment only)

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Giaconda

giaconda cave

The entrance to the underground cave at Giaconda

The wines from Giaconda tend to be very exclusive and often hard to get your hands on. That feeling does not at all extend to the cellar door – if you make a booking your visit can include a tour of the facilities, vines or a barrel sample and chat in the incredible cellar blasted into the rock beneath the winery. Founder and winemaker Rick Kinzbrunner has been impressing since the first releases in 1987 and built a true Aussie icon. (by appointment only)

Pennyweight

Pennyweight are another certified biodynamic winery, with beautiful grounds and a traditional style cellar door. As well as fantastic table wines, Pennyweight offer some fortified styles. They have a fortified dessert wine, the Pennyweight gold, which is made from mostly Riesling, as well dry sherry- style Fino and Amontillado. (Cellar door open 7 days 10-5)

Bridge Road Brewery

Bridge road

The Bridge Road Brewery has great beer and food offerings

Bridge Road makes great beer and has a fantastic beer hall and restaurant to taste and enjoy them. If you’re staying overnight this is a great place to have your evening meal – sharing pizzas and sampling beers by the tasting paddle. (Open 7 days, til late on weekends)

Top Tips

If you’re looking for higher end dining, Provenance offers a fantastic and highly rated degustation.
Make sure to make appointments ahead of time as not all the cellar doors have regular opening hours.
The Cellar Door wine store is a good place to find local wine if you didn’t manage to get around all the wineries on your list
The other great industry in Beechworth is honey – be sure to check out all the local honey and honey-based products.
If you’ve got another day or so you can continue the wine exploring and head over to Rutherglen.

Check out some other regional articles, like our Introduction to Burgundy or a look at the Exotic Grapes of the Mornington Peninsula.

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Kieran Clarkin

Digital Marketing and Tour Host at Wine Compass

Kieran is a WSET Diploma student, Chin Chin sommelier and host for Wine Compass. He loves chatting about wine, hosting tastings and getting people interested in wine generally. He's big into Victorian wine, the Loire Valley and the very under-rated wines of Greece.