Relax and unwind sampling some of the region’s finest locally made wines. Hillstowe is conveniently located close to a variety of Gippsland vineyards and wineries perfect for a day out with friends or date night with that special someone.
D’Angelo Estate Vineyard
41 Bayview Road, Officer Victoria 3809 – 7mins from Hillstowe
D’Angelo Estate Vineyard is a family-owned winery located just meters from Hillstowe. This local hotspot offers a wide selection of tantalising wines and moreish gourmet pizza from Friday to Sunday. Planting their first 10 acres of vines over 20 years ago the D’Angelo family’s mission has always been to create a premium wine that captures the essence of life. Many of their wines pay homage to the local Officer area including the Arresting Officer Pinot Noir and Officer Ben Shiraz. Not into wine? D’Angelo also have a deliciously refreshing pear and apple ‘D’Cider’ worth trying. Book your table here.
Carlei Wines & The Green Vineyards
1 Alber Road, Beaconsfield Upper, VIC 3808 – 15mins from Hillstowe
Sergio Carlei didn’t set out to make wine. He began as a chemist then a chiropractor before studying oenology and graduating in 1996 with his winemaking degree. Sergio’s passion for biodynamics and sustainable, organic vineyards continuously yields highly accredited wines made from the heart. Just 15 minutes away from Hillstowe, pop in for a tasting tour complemented by picturesque views of the Dandenong Ranges or make a day of it, enjoying some authentic wood-fired pizza paired with a pinot gris at their Cellar Door & Pizzeria, open 12pm-5pm Saturday and Sunday. Visit their website here.
Cannibal Creek Vineyard – Gippsland Winery
260 Tynong North Rd, Tynong, VIC 3813 – 22mins from Hillstowe
Cannibal Creek Vineyard is a hidden gem founded and built by Patrick and Kirsten Hardiker over 20 years ago with a focus on sustainability. Experience new flavours at their award-winning Modern-Australian style restaurant set in the serene Gippsland valley and purchase a bottle or two of their award-winning vintages. The restaurant and vineyard are both kid and pet friendly, so little ones are more than welcome!
To find out more and book your experience visit their website here.
Paternoster Wines
17 Paternoster Rd, Emerald, VIC 3782 – 22mins from Hillstowe
Founded in 1985 as one of the first premium vineyards in the Cardinia Region, Paternoster Wines is a boutique winery specialising in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Conveniently located less than 20 minutes from Hillstowe, come for the views and stay for the beautiful selection of wines. Located on the rolling hills of Emerald, the estate contains deep, free draining, chocolate red soils that offer ideal conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Open from 12pm-5pm Saturday & Sunday come and explore the scenic site and meet Paternoster’s owner Phil Hession for a taste test of their homegrown selection. Visit their website here for more.
Honourable Mentions
If you’re looking to make a day of it and want to explore more of the region, these wineries are still within an hour from Hillstowe and well worth the drive.
Killara Estate
Cnr Warburton Hwy & Sunnyside Road, Seville East, VIC 3139 – 45 mins from Hillstowe
Nestled in the upper Yarra Valley, Killara Estate is an Italian family-owned winery open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm. Indulge in the Killara Estate wines whilst dining on their decadent food offerings at the Cellar Door Kitchen.
Check out the Killara Estate wines here.
Ripplebrook Winery
681 Gardner and Holman Road, Ripplebrook, VIC 3818 – 40 mins from Hillstowe
Sip on Ripplebrook’s lovingly crafted premium cool climate wines while soaking in the breathtaking views of Mt Baw Baw. If you’re feeling peckish, they offer some special aeolian-inspired woodfired pizza to cure any cravings.
Find out more here
Brandy Creek Estate
570 Buln Buln Rd, Drouin East, VIC 3818 – 40 mins from Hillstowe
Complete with a Restaurant, Bar Lounge, and Day Spa, Brandy Creek Estate will blow you away with more than just their wines. As a true relaxation centre, this is the perfect place to enjoy delectable flavours, and delicious drinks. The on-site day spa includes a Turkish inspired Hammam steam treatment so you can unwind and leave rejuvenated.
Discover more about the Brandy Creek Estate offering visit their website here