Bendigo – Overlook this Amazing Wine Region at Your Peril!
Although today it stands in the shadow of its more famous sister-region, Heathcote, Bendigo (which once included Heathcote, before the latter separated itself into its own wine region) remains one of Victoria’s best wine regions and produces some of Australia’s most formidable red wines. Red, red, red is the story in Bendigo, where you will find many meaty Shirazes and soaring Cabernet Sauvignons. (Over 80% of the region’s production is red wine grapes.) Like Heathcote, Bendigo reds, at their peak, capture both power and elegance in a way few other AUS wine regions can achieve.
Less than two hours from Melbourne, Bendigo is a “can’t miss” on the AUS wine map. This fantastic region has been too long overlooked. It is a fantastic place to discover wine treasure. And unlike so many wine regions, Bendigo has the added benefit of a beautiful namesake city at its heart – a wonderful place to base your exploration. Bendigo’s Wine Bank On View is an extraordinary resource – itself a tour of the region in one stop!
When you do visit Bendigo, following are our top picks of wineries to visit.
* Balgownie Estate – The oldest winery extant in Bendigo, Balgownie Estate produces some of Victoria’s best wines! In the right year, Balgownie’s Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon (and Cab Merlot!) compete for Australia’s best. The place is a must visit. Unlike Balgownie’s Yarra Valley outpost, which can be a bit harried, we found the service in Bendigo to be exceptional (our hats off to Alan for an incredible tasting). You cannot go to Bendigo and not visit Balgownie!
* Blackjack Wines – Established in 1987, Blackjack is a pillar of the dream that Bendigo Shiraz has become, producing exceptional representations of the same, vintage after vintage. Their entry level “Chortles Edge Shiraz” is one of Australia’s best values. In addition, Blackjack produces a reliable Tempranillo and a tasty Rosé. You couldn’t say you know Bendigo if you haven’t visited Blackjack.
* Killiecrankie Wines – There are many things to recommend Killiecrankie, and the cellar door must be high on the list. They’ve made the most of a relatively small space, transforming it into something cool & hip that reminds one of the ultra-vibey Samuel’s Gorge in McLaren Vale. No surprise; John, the vigneron, is a cool dude in his own right. He more than lights up a tasting experience 🙂 The wines are all quality-made with a certain character that underlies the entire range. We were particularly fetched with the delightful 2019 Rosé, the nice barrel-aged 2015 Sangiovese, the delicious 2017 Cab/Merlot/Shiraz, and the complex 2016 Shiraz.
* Mandurang Valley Wines is a charming cellar door near Bendigo, the family behind which has been producing wines in one way or the other since the 1970s. The experience pays off in a small range of wines that land somewhere between “great” and “incredible”. On our last visit, we absolutely loved the 2016 Shiraz (quintessential peak Bendigo) and the 2018 Malbec (surprisingly delicate with bright varietal flavour). An additional bonus to visiting Mandurang is the walk down their gorgeous nature/flower path to reach the cellar door.
* Sandhurst Ridge Winery is one of our favourite stops in Bendigo and has one of the most unique ranges of wine. As with the rest of Bendigo, you’ll need to appreciate big reds, but if you do, this place has them in spades and all reasonably priced. Sandhurst’s cellar door is comfortable and well-designed, boasting beautiful views over the nature outside. Guests can even bring a picnic – a welcome relief for winery tour warriors. Winemaker and proprietor, Paul Greblo couldn’t be any more hospitable or informative. In our most recent visit, we loved the 2015 Italiano (a surprising and inspired blend of Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Sauvignon), the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (still plenty alive and immediately pleasing) and the jaw-dropping 2009 Reserve Shiraz.
The beautiful town, wine region, and people of Bendingo are #WhyWeLoveWine! To stay atop all of our wine adventures, like us at facebook.com/winehuntersaus