“Dedication to excellence in the vineyard and winery has produced incredible results.”
Oakdene
Oakdene
Oakdene is a family-owned vineyard situated in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula on stunning coastal farmland, where the maritime climate offers excellent conditions for producing low yields of high-quality fruit. Approximately twenty minutes east of Geelong, the venue features a cellar door, restaurant, café, accommodation and gardens.
Established in 2001, owners Liz and Bernard Hooley planted the first chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz vines – traditional varieties well suited to the cool climate of the Bellarine region – to produce the flagship wines of the brand. Now, the family produces both still and sparkling wines and have added several other varieties to the production, including pinot gris, merlot and cabernet franc. Dedication to excellence in the vineyard and winery has produced incredible results, with medals and trophies at major wine shows and a consistent five red-star rating in the James Halliday Wine Companion.
The Oakdene cellar door, known as the ‘Upside Down House’, is a fascinating building positioned amongst stunning vineyards and gardens filled with artwork just waiting to be explored. Driven by a small team of locals with an intimate understanding of the region and deep knowledge of the award-winning wines, visitors can experience expertly guided wine tastings and sample estate-grown, extra-virgin olive oils.
Visitors to Oakdene are spoiled for choice when it comes to indulging in a bite to eat. Marty @ Oakdene is a fine dining experience located inside the beautifully restored homestead, while nestled amongst a mass of birch trees is the cafe, Mr Grubb @ Oakdene, for more casual, relaxed offerings. The team also caters for weddings and special events.
More than just a place to visit, Oakdene is a destination like no other.
Tasting Notes
⇐ 2017 Liz’s Chardonnay
Straw-yellow in colour, this chardonnay has a complex bouquet of pear, white peach and barley sugar, alongside barrel ferment characters. The fresh and bright palate has a generous mid-palate weight and creamy texture, which is balanced by a citric acidity and cedar spiced-oak finish. This wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for four to eight years.
⇐ 2017 Peta’s Pinot Noir
Deep garnet in colour, the intense palate of earthy cherry and dark plum notes is paired with spice and savoury characters derived from the whole-bunch addition. With excellent fruit/acid/tannin balance and firm acidity augmented by the cool growing season, this pinot noir was destemmed (with the inclusion of 20 per cent whole bunches), then fermented in small open-top pots using wild yeast, pressed to barrel for
malolactic fermentation and matured in French oak barriques (30 per cent new) for 12 months.
⇐ 2017 William Shiraz
Deep red in colour with a highly perfumed nose of white pepper, spice, and black and red fruit, this shiraz leads to slightly sappy whole-bunch notes. Its medium-body palate has fruit characters, ripe tannins and well-integrated French oak, perfectly balancing its acidity and providing a long savoury finish.
⇐ 2017 Bernard’s Cabernets
Deep crimson in colour with a complex bouquet of bright mulberry and blackcurrant fruits that dominate the mid-palate, this wine is a vineyard blend of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Ending on a refreshing note of tobacco leaf, this blend is balanced by a firm but fine tannin backbone, and can be enjoyed now or cellared for 5 to 12 years.
VISITOR’S GUIDE
Getting There
255 Grubb Road,
Wallington
Contact Details
Tel: (03) 5256 3886
Email: info@oakdene.com.au
Website: www.oakdene.com.au
Cellar Door
Open 10:00am–4:00pm daily
Restaurant
Marty @ Oakdene is open for lunch on weekends and dinner, Wednesday to Saturday
Mr Grubb @ Oakdene is open daily. Visit the website for seasonal opening times.
Weddings & Functions
Max 120
Accommodation
Three bed-and-breakfast rooms
Additional Features
Wine tastings and cooking classes