Exploring Heathcote’s Cellar Doors

Many wine drinkers around the country will have enjoyed a Heathcote Shiraz at some stage, however not many people have taken the time to visit this up and coming region. It’s location 90 minutes directly north of Melbourne makes it easy to get to, however due to the wine region being between the Calder and Hume highways it’s definitely a hiddem gem that you have to seek out.

Top tips for exploring Heathcote wine region –

Visit on a weekend when more of the cellar doors are open.
If you are coming from Melbourne, make your first stop a winery in the Southern part of Heathcote like Burke & Wills, McIvor Estate or Condie Estate.
Lunch options are limited however The Shiraz Republic does pizzas and the Heathcote Inn which is centrally located in town does fantastic food and has a cellar door attached serving Chalmer Wines.
Silver Spoon Estate is now doing meals and is a great option if you want to have a winery lunch.
Vinea Marson winery is a great choice if you just want to enjoy a tasting platter with some delicious wines.
After lunch aim to visit the wineries at the top end of the Northern Hwy and then work your way back to Heathcote. This will mean your travel time back to Melbourne is reduced.
A lot of wineries in Heathcote open at 10am which is great if you only have time for a half day visit.
If your time is limited there are fantastic options in town for a wine tour with Heathcote Wine Hub, Heathcote Winery, Chalmers Cellar Door (located upstairs at Heathcote Inn) Palling Bros Brewery are all located along the main street of Heathcote.
Lastly, there are now 3 options for Gin lovers with “In Good Spirits Distilling” at the Domaine Asmara cellar door, Envy Distilling is a new distillery Jasper Hill winery and Heathcote Juniper Lounge is in the main street of Heathcote (Palling Bros Brewery in the main street is also a great option for beer lovers)

Below are some photos I’ve taken from a couple of recent trips to Heathcote.

Shiraz Republic - Heathcote Wine Tour — **The trusty Bedford Truck at The Shiraz Republic adds to the rustic & relaxed pace here.**

Condie Estate Kelpie - Heathcote Wine Tours — **The welcoming committee at Condie Estate**

The road to Shiraz Republic - Heathcote Wine Tour — **Gravel roads lead to amazing wines in Heathcote.**

Tellurian Estate driveway to the cellar door - Heathcote Wine Tour — **The long driveway to Tellurian Estate is my absolute favourite in Victoria.**

**Sheep are a common sight between the vineyards.**

Tellurian Estate’s new sit down tasting experience is proving really popular. Try four red wines, four white or a mix for $10. Also consider a flight of aged marsanne or shiraz for $15 and $20 respectively.

**Shiraz vines and sheep – Heathcote’s two most common sites.**

**The Shiraz Republic is definitely not your typical cellar door. Guests can enjoy a wine or beer by the fire or enjoy a game of pool.**

**Lindsay Ross the owner and winemaker at The Bridge is a fantastic character.**

**Richie Condie the owner and winemaker at Condie Estate is always keen to share his wealth of knowledge.**

Wine tasting at Burke and Wills - Heathcote Wine Tour — **Hospitality taken to a new level at Burke & Wills where you are invited into their home.**

The clydesdale Burke and Wills Estate - Heathcote Wine Tour — **Mr Burke, the resident Clydesdale at Burke & Wills Winery.**

**Heathcote Winery’s cellar door is conveniently located in the main street of Heathcote**

**The view from the new cellar door at Peregrin Wines views are incredible.**

**Peregrine Ridge’s 2005 Museum Release Shiraz is a crowd favourite!**

**Kangaroos amongst the vines at Silver Spoon Estate.**

**Palling Bros Brewery is a new craft brewery located in central Heathcote**

Heathcote Gin - Enjoy Gin on a Heathcote Wine Tour — Heathcote Gin have taken over the old Heathcote Estate cellar door in the main street of Heathcote. As of November 2019, it still isn’t open yet but should be soon! You can also try their gins at the Heathcote Wine Hub

**The Heathcote Wine Hub in the main street of Heathcote is a fantastic stop as most of the region’s producers have their wines on tasting in here. It’s also open to 6pm on Saturdays.**

**Jane from She-Oak Hill Vineyard in Heathcote is an absolute gem. We cooked a BBQ here and sat down and enjoyed her stories and wine for a good couple of hours.**

**Post tasting group shot at She-Oak Hill Vineyard.**

**Premium Shiraz grapes almost ready to harvest.**

**Located in central Heathcote township a visit to Michel Chapoutier cellar door is highly recommended.**

**Behind the scenes at M.Chapoutier cellar door.**

**Madeleine from Vinea Marson is an incredible host and the antipasto platters here are delicious.**

Envy Distilling in Heathcote. — **Envy Distilling is a small craft distillery, owned and run by Nathan and Vanessa**

In Good Spirits Distilling Heathcote — **Andreas from Domaine Asmara cellar door has built a distillery on his property and is now producing small batches of gins and vodkas which you can try at the cellar door.**

Jono Ingram - Good Times Tours — **Your Guide – Jono Ingram**

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   Candy Tong 
 2024-07-03
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jono went above and beyond to ensure that my family enjoyed Mornington and Great Ocean Road. He has been very accommodating to our family needs, and the little children also absolutely adored him! I would 200% recommend booking the private tour with Jono to anyone.
  
 
       
   Kelvin Deer 
 2024-07-01
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jono (Good Time Tours) is a must if you are looking for something a bit bespoke and not your average trip out of Melbourne.  Nothing was too difficult for Jono. From the suggested itinerary, the various pickups and then throughout the day, we had a knowledgeable local who shared his experiences with our group.  Thanks Jono.... legend!
  
 
       
   Cindy Kennedy 
 2024-05-06
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Organised this wine tour to celebrate a couple of birthdays from work. Jono was very approachable, accommodating and flexible in terms of letting us choose our lunch destination. Each cellar door was very welcoming as Jono knew some of the winemakers and introduced us to them. Jono even went as far as suggesting this gorgeous spot for a great autumn pic. Overall everyone absolutely enjoyed their time and we will most likely book Jono again.
  
 
       
   Paul & Marie-Louise McElwee 
 2024-04-30
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an excellent trip to the Yarra Valley with Jono on Anzac Day. Nothing was too much trouble, from the initial enquiry the week before and arranging a tour that catered for the reduced mobility of two of our group. He was very flexible on the day as well. I would highly recommend touring with Jono.
  
 
       
   Kate Moxhay 
 2024-03-18
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jono was an exceptional driver and host for our group's tour around the Heathcote wine region yesterday. Would highly recommend Jono to anyone looking for a reliable, friendly and fun host!
  
 
       
   Jessica Cowin 
 2024-03-09
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jono was the most amazing tour guide. He elevated our Yarra Valley wine tour experience. Great fun and well managed tour, he got us everywhere on time and took us to some great wineries. Would definitely roll with him again!
  
 
       
   Nobu Kurihara 
 2022-11-19
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jono took our Japanese group to Heathcoat wineries. Excellent private tour. Our guide Jono was incredibly knowledgable, cheerful and gave us a fantastic day! We learnt about history, culture, features and much more. He was well traveled and have flexibility, high standards, and we were very happy with Jono's tour - he had great memory and experience in Japan and all over the world, we also enjoyed chatting with him!
  
 
       
   Dale Manson 
 2022-07-10
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jono was fantastic. From prior to the booking right through to the day, Jono was accommodating and a great communicator. Jono looked after us superbly throughout our wine tour in the Macedon Ranges. If you’re looking for a reliable and quality tour, hit up Jono!
  
 
       
   Anna Bevington 
 2021-02-07
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We loved our 1 day winery tour in Heathcote. Jono had picked some great independent venues where you got to meet the owners and everything was well organised from start to finish. The bus was comfy and clean, price was very good value and Jono was a great host. Would definitely recommend!

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