Say ‘I do’ to these gorgeous vineyards with a view

Newly engaged and looking for a spectacular venue to celebrate the most important day of your life? Look no further than our beautiful region. We may be a little on the bias side, but we think Geelong and the Bellarine is home to some of the best wineries in the country. The plethora of options we have here are world-class — and we’re not just sayin’ that either. They’ve got the awards to prove it. Read on to discover some of the most idyllic wineries that we have on offer, and don’t forget to stop by for a vino or two…

Recently recognised as a ‘Star Cellar Door’ by Australian Gourmet Traveller, this picturesque vineyard is out to impress. Situated in Bannockburn, just an hour away from Melbourne’s CBD, Clyde Park offers rustic ambience and 360-degree views of the Moorabool Valley, making it the perfect backdrop to say ‘I do’. There are two gorgeous locations to choose from to have your ceremony, and also a spot on the terrace for your guests to mix and mingle afterwards while you lead your bridal party into the valley for the perfect photo opportunity.

For great wine and a good time, Provenance Wines delivers in spades. This brand-new venue is situated in an old heritage building erected in the 1800s. Following 18 months of renovations, the venue has emerged with a fresh new look that harks back to its glory days as an old paper mill. There are three venues to choose from, each with its own unique charm. The Barrel Room — also known as ‘the Industrial Cathedral’ — is a large space which overlooks Buckley Falls on the Barwon River. The Winery Room places your guests amongst the action, surrounded by large wine tanks and other shiny equipment. For those looking for a more intimate affair, the contemporary River Room seats 40 people and delivers stunning water panoramas.

The word terindah means ‘most beautiful’ in Indonesian, and this Bellarine dream sure makes good on its name. This boutique winery encompasses everything you’d want from a wedding venue: great food, great wine and jaw-dropping views. Picture-perfect moments are abound at Terindah Estate. You’ve got an ocean backdrop on one side, mountain views on the other. For an extra dramatic entrance, helicopter arrivals can be easily organised. Located just 80 minutes from Melbourne, 60 minutes from Sorrento and 20 minutes from Geelong, this private escape needs to be seen to be believed. Terindah Estate can accommodate up to 220 guests.

Hold the day of your dreams at Baie Wines, a charming family-owned winery overlooking the scenic You Yangs and Port Phillip Bay. If you’ve got your heart set on a rustic setting to say your nuptials, amongst 100-year-old cyprus trees, then this may just be the venue for you. There’s a site for marquee weddings which can accommodate up to 180 guests, or alternatively, the industrial-chic wine shed can hold up to 140 guests and overlooks the vineyard. Drinks and canapes can also be served in the cellar door. Baie Wines is situated in Curlewis, just 20 minutes’ drive from Geelong or just over an hour from Melbourne.

Picturesque doesn’t even begin to describe some of the ceremony locations available at Mt Duneed Estate. This stunning winery – easily accessible from Geelong, Torquay and Melbourne — has hosted many a rock star; from Sir Elton John to Bryan Adams, and come the end of the year it’ll also welcome the likes of Robbie Williams and Florence and the Machine. For weddings, choose between the Barrel Hall which has a huge dancefloor and can seat up to 350 guests, or the Vineyard Room which is perfect for weddings up to 120 guests.

This Bellarine beauty is a vision for those dreaming of an intimate winery reception. Jack Rabbit is elegant yet understated, quirky but classy, and offers a number of scenic spots to hold your special day. Here, good food meets good wine and it’s most definitely something worth writing home about. For your reception, choose between two award-winning dining establishments: The House of Jack Rabbit or Jack Rabbit Restaurant. The House of Jack Rabbit is a contemporary space attached to a cellar door where your guests can catch some rays on the sundrenched deck (or by a roaring fire in the winter months) after the ceremony; while award-winning Jack Rabbit Restaurant is a little more luxe and boasts incredible views over the bay.