Geelong , VIC
Cool maritime climate/Elevation 10-100m

Geelong is located about 80km southwest of Melbourne and was initially established by Swiss immigrants in 1842. It was one of Victoria’s pioneering wine districts and enjoyed considerable success during the 1860s and 1870s. The chill factor over winter is bone crunching. In spring, blustery cool winds are quite prevalent and can affect flowering and fruit set. Soils are diverse, mostly volcanic over limestone with some lesser quality black soils. Rainfall is moderate and even throughout the calendar year. Blustery weather during spring can affect ripening. By the late 1870s, phylloxera was discovered. Vignerons were told to uproot their vines by the Legislative Assembly bringing the wine industry to a virtual halt. The area was re-established in the late 1960s. It is Bannockburn Vineyards, however, that put this region on the quality map in the mid 1980s. As a wine region Geelong is disparate with too few standout wines to define its style. The best wines seem to be made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz.

Pinot Noir

The region is very cool – ideal for Pinot Noir. Bannockburn’s Pinot Noirs are exceptional. Its tete de cuvee Serre Pinot Noir and classified Pinot Noirs are beacons of quality. Scotchman’s Hill is also making an impression.  - Andrew Cailliard MW