Centred around the port city of Geelong, this region is well known for premium shiraz, stylish pinot noir and chardonnay. Wines achieve great depth and flavour in a cool, maritime environment with limited rainfall. Shiraz is dark berried, structural and concentrated with savoury nuances, while chardonnay shows plenty of life and minerality. The region also makes high quality sparkling wine, varietal cabernet sauvignon, riesling, viognier, sauvignon blanc and pinot gris.
While vineyards were established in Geelong in 1845, the industry was short-lived due to an outbreak of the phylloxera pest. Viticulture was revived in the 1960s and plantings have now grown to 500 ha. The region can be divided into three main districts: Moorabool Valley, Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast. Surf Coast lies along the great ocean road, where temperatures are moderated by the cooling breath of Bass Strait. The Bellarine district also enjoys a maritime influence and benefits from gentle winds rising across Port Phillip Bay. Further inland to the north of Geelong, the Moorabool Valley is more continental. Soils vary throughout the landscape, ranging from clay loams and cracking black biscay to rich volcanic deposits, sand and limestone.
The rugged coastline of dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops near Torquay is one of many highlights along the great ocean road. Bells beach is a legendary surfing haunt on the international pro-tour circuit.
[Jillong] – land/cliffs, Wathaurong Aboriginal word
