5 Winter Wine Tasting Spots in Phillip Island & Surrounds
5 Winter Wine Tasting Spots in Phillip Island & Surrounds
As winter blankets Phillip Island with its soothing chill, there's no better way to warm up than indulging in the rich taste of locally produced wines. After a day of sightseeing and admiring the natural beauty the Island has to offer, sip, savour, and soak in the delights at one of our world class wine tasting spots.
Purple Hen Winery
In the quaint village of Rhyll lies family owned and operated Purple Hen Winery. With sprawling vineyards, the estate overlooks the Bay of Western Port and offers expansive views across Denne Bight, to French Island.
Venture inside the cellar door to explore an impressive selection of award-winning cool climate wines, expertly crafted to tantalise your taste buds. Can’t decide which wine to taste? Take a tasting paddle and try them all! Purple Hen Winery have won over 150 Medals and 30 Trophies at wine shows in Australia, so don't forget to try their Pinot Noir or their Riesling that both won gold in 2022!
Shearwaters and Bandicoots
Step off the main street of Cowes and into Shearwaters and Bandicoots! This small family-owned retail store and wine bar has collated the finest boutique wines and craft beers into a cute and cosy one stop shop. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you make the perfect selections to do a wine tasting, enjoy in the courtyard, or take away to enjoy later.
Phillip Island Winery
With picturesque views over rolling rural landscapes, Phillip Island Winery is the epitome of rustic elegance. Immerse yourself in the warm, earthy decor of the cellar door and taste a diverse range of wines.
Soak up the winter sun while the kids (or four legged friends) enjoy the lawn and outdoor area or snuggle up inside in front of the crackling fireplace. In the mood for something more? Pair your wines with a mouthwatering array of grazing boards, shared plates, and daily specials showcasing the finest locally-sourced produce.
Grenache Wine Bar
Grenache is a boutique wine and gin bar located in the heart of Cowes. Boasting an impressive local and international wine list, this establishment is set to impress any wine enthusiast. This sleek space offers a casual front area, and a back zone for dining. With an everchanging menu curated using locally sourced produce, you will want to pair your wines with Grenache’s share-style food. Open until late, this is the perfect spot for a winter wine-down.
The Gurdies Winery
Discover the delights of The Gurdies, just 25 minutes from Phillip Island (on your way to the island) at The Gurdies Winery. Overlooking Western Port Bay, The Gurdies Winery offers spectacular views and a large cellar door facility. Bring your own picnic or use the barbeque facilities to enjoy a relaxed day for the whole family in the large garden area.
The winery produces a range of varietal and blended wines made from eight varieties of Estate-grown grapes, using traditional wine-making processes. The wines are typically cool climate in style, the most popular being Riesling, Verdelho-Chardonnay, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and their new Sparkling Red.
Need help getting around?
Leave the car at home and try one of the local tour operators. Local Way Tours offers a wine, wildlife and penguin tour departing from either Melbourne or Phillip Island. Other local tour companies include Ambling Along Tours, Exceptional Tours and Specialty Wine Tours.