Discover the Bellarine Peninsula with Chillout Wine Tours’ New Public Tour

Victoria has no shortage of wine regions, but few combine vineyards, coastline and good food as neatly as the Bellarine Peninsula. Chillout Wine Tours has just launched a new Bellarine Peninsula public wine tour, a full day out for anyone who wants to taste cool climate wines without worrying about the drive home.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply after a relaxed day out with good company, here’s what to expect.

A Hidden Gem Just Beyond Melbourne

The Bellarine Peninsula sits on the western side of Port Phillip Bay, a short trip from Melbourne and Geelong. Many visitors know it for its beaches and seaside villages, such as Queenscliff, Portarlington and Ocean Grove. Wine lovers know there’s more to it than that.

Its maritime climate is the key. Sea breezes cool the vineyards, summers are long and gentle, and the grapes ripen slowly. The region’s black basalt soils add to the mix, producing fruit with real depth and wines of distinction, from bright, crisp whites to rich, structured reds.

The result is a wine region that feels both close and far away, with rolling vineyards, bay views and a relaxed pace that’s hard to find in the city.

What’s Included in the Bellarine Public Tour

Chillout Wine Tours’ new public tour is a full day of tastings, scenery and good food, with the planning and driving taken care of. The itinerary visits some of the Bellarine’s best-loved wineries and includes a vineyard lunch.

The Wineries You’ll Visit

Scotchmans Hill: One of the Bellarine’s most established names, Scotchmans Hill has a long history of producing quality cool climate wines. It’s a great place to learn how the region’s climate and soil shape what ends up in your glass.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard: Perched high enough for sweeping views over the bay, Jack Rabbit Vineyard is a place to slow down. The scenery is as memorable as the award-winning wines.

Leura Park Estate: Lively and welcoming, Leura Park Estate is a popular stop for good reason. The atmosphere is vibrant, the wines are delicious, and the cellar door suits visitors of every experience level.

Yes Said the Seal: Known for premium cool climate wines made with passion and precision, Yes Said the Seal rounds out the day with a taste of the Bellarine’s quality.

Each venue has its own personality. Some tastings are intimate and relaxed, while others come with sweeping vineyard views or a more lively cellar door buzz. Together they give you a well-rounded picture of what the region does best.

The Wines: What You’ll Be Tasting

The Bellarine’s cool climate suits a range of varietals, and over the day you’ll have the chance to sample a diverse mix, including:

• Chardonnay: Crisp, refined and food-friendly, with the bright acidity that cool climate regions are known for.
• Pinot Noir: Elegant and aromatic, and one of the region’s signature reds.
• Shiraz: Robust and flavoursome, with the peppery, spicy character that cooler growing conditions encourage.

Tasting these styles side by side, in the place they’re grown, is one of the best ways to understand them. You’ll also get to talk to the people who make and pour the wines, which adds plenty of context.

A Gourmet Vineyard Lunch

A good wine tour needs a good meal, and this one delivers. Lunch is included, and it’s built around fresh, locally sourced ingredients that pair well with the wines you’ve been tasting.

Depending on the venue, that might mean a casual vineyard picnic or a more refined dining experience. Either way, you’ll be eating in a setting that’s hard to beat, surrounded by vines with the Bellarine light doing its thing. Food and wine tell the story of a region together, and the lunch is the day’s chance to taste that connection properly.

Meet New People, Keep It Small

One of the joys of a public tour is the company. You’ll be travelling with fellow wine lovers, which makes it easy to swap recommendations, compare tasting notes and share a laugh.

Groups are capped at 10 people, so the day stays friendly and relaxed rather than feeling like a crowded bus tour. It’s a great option if you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with a friend and want to meet others. Small groups also mean more attention from cellar door staff and easier conversations at each stop.

Easy Pick-Up and Drop-Off

Getting there shouldn’t be the hard part. Chillout Wine Tours offers convenient pick-up and drop-off from multiple locations in Melbourne’s CBD, so you can start the day without navigating traffic or arranging a designated driver.

If you’re coming from elsewhere, alternative pick-up points are available in Werribee and Geelong. That makes the tour easy to reach whether you’re based in the city, the western suburbs or the Geelong region, and it means everyone can taste freely and relax.

Why Choose a Guided Wine Tour on the Bellarine?

You could plan your own Bellarine day, but a guided tour makes it much easier. Here’s why many visitors prefer one:

• No driving: Taste without worrying about getting home safely.
• Curated stops: The wineries have been chosen to give you variety in style, setting and atmosphere.
• Lunch sorted: There’s no hunting for a table or a booking.
• Local insight: Your guide knows the region and can share the stories behind the wines.
• Good company: A small group of like-minded people makes the day more fun.

Who Is This Tour For?

The Bellarine Peninsula public tour suits a wide range of travellers:

• Wine enthusiasts keen to explore cool climate varietals
• Couples looking for a relaxed day out
• Friends celebrating a birthday or just catching up
• Solo travellers who’d like to meet new people
• Visitors to Melbourne wanting to see more of Victoria than the city itself
• Locals who’ve never explored the Bellarine’s cellar doors properly

You don’t need to know anything about wine to enjoy it. Curiosity and an appetite are all that’s required.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Wear comfortable shoes. Vineyards involve a bit of walking, and some venues have uneven ground.
• Bring layers. Coastal weather can change quickly, even in summer.
• Pace yourself. There’s plenty of wine and food across the day, so enjoy it gradually.
• Ask questions. Cellar door teams love sharing what’s behind each wine.
• Book early. With groups limited to 10, spots can fill up, especially on weekends.

Book Your Bellarine Peninsula Wine Tour Today

The Bellarine Peninsula combines beautiful scenery, quality cool climate wines and a laid-back coastal feel, all within easy reach of Melbourne. With four standout wineries, a gourmet vineyard lunch, a small friendly group and hassle-free transport, Chillout Wine Tours’ new public tour makes it simple to enjoy the best of it.

Whether you’re a connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something here for you. Grab your spot, gather your curiosity and get ready to explore one of Victoria’s most beautiful wine regions.

Book your Bellarine Peninsula day tour here