Del Rios is a family-owned vineyard, winery, restaurant and cellar door. Established in 1996 by Gus and Esther del Rio, del Rios blends traditional influences with contemporary techniques where the owner and winemaker, Gus del Rio, produces a range of low-yield, beautifully crafted wines. The wines are elegant and complex, reflecting the true varietal character of the volcanic Mt Anakie site in the Moorabool Valley region.

The vineyard is positioned on the south-west slope of Mt Anakie with forty-two acres of vines, seven varietals and fourteen clones split across thirteen blocks. The vines are hand pruned and trained; the shoots are often thinned to control crop levels to facilitate airflow and sunlight exposure. The fruit is all hand-picked before processing on-site.

Meanwhile, the del Rios kitchen showcases the best of estate and local seasonal produce, blending contemporary and traditional Spanish cuisine and using the estate’s Scottish Black Angus beef and Texel Friesian cross lamb. There’s a strong focus on partnering with other local farms and producers to provide an authentic experience to those that visit. In the restaurant, the family philosophy of great wine, food and friends comes together, with options for indoor and outdoor dining available while enjoying fabulous sweeping views of the estate and Moorabool Valley.

The family have worked hard to curate a range of experiences on the premise that allows guests to immerse themselves in everything that is del Rios. This includes Wine Tasting experiences (vertical, variety and vintage) that you can pair with charcuterie and cheese. For Wine Club members, del Rios also hold exclusive nights that showcase the best of its wines, produce and education. If you ask the staff nicely and mention Wineries of Victoria, they might even give you a glass of their homemade Ciclo Limoncello.

The estate is just a twenty-five-minute drive from Geelong and one hour from Melbourne; if you’re looking for an impressive experience off the grid – del Rios Winery and Restaurant is a fantastic place!