Scotchmans Hill

Geelong > Scotchmans Hill

Brilliant 18/20

190 Scotchmans Road, Drysdale VIC 3222

Open 7 days 10:30am-4:30pm
Cards MC,V,AE

Tasting bench

The Verdict

To "Cellarbrate": Amazing views from the tasting room, friendly and knowledgeable team, great cellar door space, large range on tasting, including a number of great cellar door only wines, broad based appeal. 2 Doors awarded.

To "Wine about": Nothing.

How many bottles did we buy: 6 and 12

Suitable for: Couples, families and groups

Visited February 2017 (weekday) and May 2018 (weekday)

Getting There

Country

State/Province

Region

Accessibility

Australia

Victoria

Geelong

Paved road followed by 700m of gravel road plus a gravel driveway of approximately 500m, all in good condition

Upon Arrival

Parking

Setting

Commercial/Boutique

Ambiance

Airconditioning/Fireplace

There is ample gravel parking near the entry to the cellar door

The cellar door has recently changed location from the front of the property up to back of the property, which was a fantastic decision. The cellar door is the old owners guesthouse and has a Cape Cod feel and best of all an amazing view over the vineyards and back to the Melbourne skyline. There is a nice outdoor area with plenty of seating, surrounded by lawns, trees and vineyards

Commercial

The tasting room has a bit of a Cape Cod feel with wood panelling, brick flooring and a central fireplace. There are some tables and chairs as well as some big comfortable couches around the room and best of all the windows that look out over the vineyards and to Port Phillip Bay beyond. There is also a private tasting room upstairs within the roofline, which gives it a really cosy attic feel and which also makes the most of the fabulous view

Yes/Yes

Tasting Experience

Number of wines on tasting

Particular wines or varietals known for

Wait time

Knowledge of wines

Staff attitude

Winery Tour Offered

Tasting seating available at counter

Tasting sheet/order form provided for notes

15+

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

We were not kept waiting and there were a few groups at the tasting bench during the course of our tasting. The cellar door assistant kept up well with the requests of all the groups and was still able to give a great rundown of the wines

Excellent knowledge of the wines and vineyards

On both occasions that we have visited, the cellar door team have been very friendly, welcoming and efficient and happy to provide a great insight into the wines, the winery and the region, including some great local food and wine recommendations

Yes, by appointment only. Groups of up to 20 in winter and 40 in summer are taken for tours and tastings

While there are no stools at the main tasting bench, there is plenty of seating available including a wooden bench with some stools directly adjacent to the tasting bench as well as couches and numerous tables and chairs around the room

Yes, a very good tasting/order form is available which gives cellaring guidance and details of discounts for case purchases

Food Offering

Yes/No

Restaurant/Café/Tasting platter

Yes

Light lunches and platters now available with a focus on seasonal, local produce. We sampled a couple of the dishes and they were delicious

Hip Pocket

Price range of wines

Tasting Fee

Refundable on purchase?

Tour Fee

Delivery cost per dozen

Club Membership with Discounts etc

$20-$60

$5 for each of the ranges (2 different ranges on tasting)

Yes

$35+ depending on options chosen

$10 - $20

Yes, Friends of Scotchmans Hill, offers special members pricing and discounted freight

Other features, facilities and offerings

Gift Shop

Toys/play area for kids

Dog friendly

By the way...

Yes, colouring books are available

Yes, outside only

This is our second visit and on both occasions we had a great tasting, with the new cellar door setting and offering adding greatly to the overall experience. We also understand that there are further plans in place to establish a full restaurant in the house across the courtyard and add further parking to accommodate this expansion and we look forward to revisiting once this is complete.

The new setting has also capitalised on it's setting and if it is a clear day, there is an amazing view of the Melbourne skyline with the vineyards in the foreground. In summer, there is an outdoor tasting bar set up to make the most of these fantastic views.

Scotchmans Hill participates in the Free Shuttle bus from the Ferry in Portarlington, which is shared between Bellarine Estate, Terinda Estate and Bennetts wineries. A really great initiative that we look forward to trying out!

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