Vine and unwind: Five winery stays worth packing an overnight bag for

Sometimes a long lunch deserves a longer stay. If you’ve ever sipped a glass of something special and thought, I could live here, this blog's for you. Geelong and The Bellarine has quietly become one of Victoria’s best wine regions.

Here’s the local secret: you don’t have to rush home.

Luxury pods, glamping tents, and cosy country houses. These winery stays are built for slow mornings, full glasses and front-row seats to the vines.

Here are five winery stays that make it very hard to leave.

Cabins, wine and a very good dog.

Blame Mabel is quirky in all the right ways. Set on 30 acres in Staughton Vale (in the Moorabool Valley), this boutique getaway comes with three cabins, a farmhouse and a dog named Mabel who runs the place.

The cellar door is open to the public but if you’re staying on site, you get your own key. Come and go as you please. There’s wine (grown in those rugged soils), board games, a fireplace and a few surprises tucked into the farm shop. It’s calm, charming and just different enough to feel special.

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French style in the vineyards.

Just outside Bannockburn, Vintners Lodge at Clyde Park is a proper vineyard stay full of charm, history and space to breathe. This restored home mixes antique charm with modern touches. Each of the three bedrooms has its own personality. The mirror in one room came from Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne, which is a conversation starter in itself.

You’ll find two fireplaces inside, an outdoor bath and fire pit, plus homemade baked goods and a bottle of Clyde Park wine on arrival. It sleeps up to six, or eight with the sofa bed, and the views across the vineyard are just as good with morning coffee as they are with a glass of pinot in the evening.

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Swap the swag for something softer.

Glamping doesn’t get much better than this. Bellarine Estate has been growing grapes for almost 30 years, and they’re sharing the vineyard with Coastal Glamp. It’s back this November and it’s the kind of experience you’ll want to book early.

Tents are fully set up for comfort, with outdoor games and a bonfire for the cooler nights. Wine, firelight and zero stress. Sounds like a pretty solid plan.

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Stay between the vines and the olive trees.

Mt Duneed Estate is known for drawing a crowd, but it’s also set up for those who want to slow down and stay a while. Their luxury king bed pods are perfect for a restful escape, surrounded by vines and wide open space.

Each pod includes a continental breakfast, a bottle of Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine and products from The Herbalist. You can choose between two outlooks, either over the olive grove or the vineyard.

The vineyard pod also comes with an outdoor bath. It’s a quiet spot to unwind and enjoy the estate at your own pace.

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A quiet vineyard stay with everything you need.

McGlashan’s Estate offers modern eco villas with views across the vineyard and all the comforts built in. Each villa has a private alfresco area, ideal for a slow morning or a sunset drink.

Stays include complimentary tastings at the cellar door and special rates on wine to take home. You’ll also find FarmDog Brewing on site, pouring small-batch gin and craft beer. It’s relaxed, unpretentious and just the right distance from the coast.

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If your ideal weekend includes a glass of wine, a comfy bed and a good view, these winery stays are calling your name. Each one has its own flavour. Literally. And it gives you time to slow down and take it all in.

You don’t need a reason. Just pick a date and make it happen.