Bendigo wine region

Bendigo's gold-mining past is etched upon its surface, with glorious sandstone buildings and a landscape littered with the remnants of long-abandoned mines. Today, instead of gold diggers, eager wine lovers flock to the area to enjoy the now famous deep red shiraz and cabernet sauvignon wines.

Hills and valleys
Find wineries hidden in the picturesque hills and valleys around the region, many still operated by the families who founded them. Meet the winemakers, taste varieties, dine with a view of the vines, and make the most of the many cellar doors, which offer a casual, friendly atmosphere.

On the grape vine
The first grape vines were planted here in 1856, just after the massive gold rushes. The climate of central Victoria, with its long hours of summer sunshine, coupled with deep soils, make it ideal for growing the robust, fully flavoured shiraz and cabernet sauvignon for which the region is famous. The area also produces chardonnay, riesling, sauvignon blanc and sangiovese, all of which bear distinct regional characters.