Local Wines

From LCA2012

Ballarat is close to a number of wine regions, including the Pyrenees, Heathcote and the Grampians. A number of local wines are well worth seeking out, and most restaurants and cafes in the area stock the locals.

• Michael Unwin Wines. Michael is a master wine maker, located in Beaufort and sources grapes from a number of vineyards in the area. His wines come under four labels, which in increasing cost and sophistication order are: Black Hen (only available at the cellar door), One Goat, Acrobat (formerly Umbrella Man) and Tattooed Lady. These wines are well worth seeking out.

• Redbank Winery has their top of the range Hundred Tree Hill, as well as the lower priced Sally's Paddock labels. These wines tend to be big and bold reds, and the Hundred Tree Hill range especially is better when you can get at least a 5 year old vintage. They cellar very well.

• Taltarni is a large winery with vineyards in the Pyrenees, Heathcote and in Tasmania. Renowned for their sparkling wines, the Brut and Tache are excellent celebration drinks. They also have their T series, of which the Shiraz is worth looking for.

• Blue Pyrenees have an excellent range of wines, and every one is worth trying. Highlights though are their sparklings, the Midnight Cuvee and Sparkling Shiraz outstanding.

• Warrenmang and Bazzani Wines cover a range of styles, however if you can afford it the Warrenmang Estate Grand Pyrenees is something worth trying. The restaurant at Warrenmang (a bit out of the way) is superb and a great atmosphere, fantastic food and brilliant views over the vineyard.

• Summerfield has some very nice reds, their blends are extremely quaffable.

• Dalwhinnie (not the whisky) is renowned for its wines, (and its prices).

• Mount Avoca. In an area renowned for its reds, Mount Avoca doesn't disappoint, and has some excellent whites as well.