Bellarine Winery: Texas BBQ Platter Lunch with Wine

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Authentic Texas BBQ Meets Victorian Vineyards: A Review of Bellarine Winery’s Lunch Experience

Imagine combining the smoky flavors of a Texas-style BBQ with the elegance of Victorian vineyards — that’s exactly what Bellarine Winery offers with its Texas BBQ Platter Lunch paired with local wines. We haven’t personally been on this tour, but based on detailed reviews and the experience outline, it promises a laid-back yet flavorful journey into farmhouse-style food and boutique wines in a family-run setting.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the authenticity of the BBQ and the small, intimate group setting make for a relaxed, personalized outing. Second, the chance to sample estate-grown wines and spirits, including gins from Thirty Acres Distillery, adds an extra layer of local craftsmanship. Third, the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the attention to detail in food and drink presentation seem to elevate this beyond a typical vineyard visit.

A potential consideration is the cost per group, which at $86 might seem high for some, but when factoring in the quality of food, wine, and the intimate setting, it appears to be an offering that prioritizes quality and experience over quantity.

This tour is ideally suited for foodies, wine enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed, authentic Australian vineyard experience with a twist of American barbecue culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Texan BBQ served in a family-run vineyard setting.
Estate-grown wines and spirits, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and gin.
Small group experience limited to two participants for personalized service.
On-site cellar door tasting allows exploration of Bellarine Estate wines.
Perfect for those wanting a relaxed, intimate food and wine experience with a unique American twist.
Suitable for adults only, especially lovers of good food, wine, and spirits.

Exploring Bellarine Winery: What to Expect

A Family-Run Estate with a Passion for Quality

Bellarine Estate, established in 1996 by Peter and Lizette Kenny, has a genuine family vibe that permeates every part of the experience. We loved the fact that all the winemaking happens on-site, ensuring full control over quality — from grapes to bottle. The estate specializes in cool climate varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz, which translate into wines that are crisp, elegant, and characterful.

The Texas BBQ Platter: A Hearty, Flavorful Feast

The star of the experience is undoubtedly the American BBQ platter, which features house-made and house-cured meats. Reviewers mention the food as delicious and plentiful, with a good balance of smoky, tender meats and seasonal local sides. Expect a generous serving that leaves little room for hunger, perfect for sharing or a hearty solo lunch.

The BBQ honors one of the founders’ Texan roots, adding a layer of authenticity to this unique pairing. The sides, made from fresh local produce, enhance the smoky meats without overpowering them, creating a balanced, satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with the wines.

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Wine and Spirits: A True From-Field-to-Flask Experience

Each guest receives a glass of wine from Bellarine Estate’s selection, typically including their signature cool climate varieties. These wines are known for their smoothness and complexity, making them a fitting complement to the smoky flavors of the BBQ.

For gin lovers, the nearby Thirty Acres Distillery offers a range of gins, rums, and cocktails, all crafted from estate-grown vines. This adds an extra layer of local craftsmanship, turning a simple wine tasting into a more diverse exploration of from-field-to-flask spirits.

Guided Tastings and Informal Atmosphere

While the experience is described as a small, intimate group limited to two participants, reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guides for their friendliness and helpfulness. Expect a relaxed, conversational style that makes tasting approachable and fun, rather than formal or rushed.

Additional perks

The estate’s cellar door is open for exploration, where you can see the various wines and perhaps pick up a bottle or two.
The distillery offers an additional layer of local spirits, perfect if you’re looking to take home a unique souvenir.
The entire experience lasts around two hours, making it a perfect half-day outing, especially if you’re exploring the broader Victoria region.

How the Experience is Structured

The itinerary packs a lot into two hours. Starting with a warm welcome and a brief overview of the estate’s history, you’ll then move on to a guided tasting of Bellarine’s wines — learning about the cool climate varieties and their characteristics. The highlight follows with the BBQ lunch, where the focus is on flavorful, generous portions of smoked meats and seasonal sides.

Throughout, the staff are praised for their welcoming attitude and helpful insights, making the experience both informative and relaxing. The intimate size of the group means you can ask questions and get personalized recommendations, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

Value for Money

At $86 per group (up to two), this experience offers a decent value when you consider the quality of the lunch and the wine included. For wine lovers and foodies, it’s a chance to indulge in authentic flavors without the crowds or formality of larger wineries.

The inclusion of estate-grown spirits from Thirty Acres Distillery adds to the value, allowing you to sample a wider range of local products in a single visit. For those seeking a laid-back, authentic, and informative experience in Victoria’s wine country, this outing seems to offer a lot of bang for your buck.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you love good food paired with quality wine, enjoy discovering local distilleries, and prefer small, intimate groups over large tours, this experience is a great fit. It’s especially appealing for couples or solo travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic vibe with personalized attention.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 18, as the focus is on wine, spirits, and adult flavors. Also, those on a tight budget might find it slightly expensive, but most reviewers agree that the quality and authenticity justify the price.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In a nutshell, this tour offers a genuine taste of American-style barbecue combined with Victorian wines and spirits — an unexpected but delightful combination. The family-run feel, knowledgeable hosts, and delicious food make it stand out from more commercial vineyard experiences.

It’s perfect for foodies, wine aficionados, and those seeking a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path outing. The intimate size and focus on quality mean you’ll leave with more than just a full belly — you’ll take home a deeper appreciation for Victoria’s local wines and spirits.

If you’re after a memorable, authentic, and flavorful experience that balances good eats with boutique wines, this is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

How many people are in the group?
The experience is limited to just two participants, so you’ll enjoy a very personalized setting.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers the Texas BBQ platter for two and a glass of wine per person, with additional spirits from Thirty Acres Distillery available.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for adults only, given the emphasis on wine and spirits.

How long does the experience last?
The entire experience runs for around two hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Are there any dietary options?
The provided description doesn’t specify dietary options, but given the focus on meats and sides, it’s best to ask ahead if you have specific dietary needs.

Is the estate accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I sample wines from other vintages?
The review suggests a tasting of Bellarine Estate’s range, but specific vintages or varieties aren’t detailed.

Are the spirits produced on-site?
Yes, Thirty Acres Distillery produces gins and rums from estate-grown vines, offering a true from-field-to-flask experience.

Is this experience suitable if I’m not a big drinker?
While the experience centers around wine and spirits, the food alone makes it worthwhile; you can simply enjoy the BBQ and the ambiance.

In sum, the Bellarine Winery Texas BBQ Platter Lunch with Wine offers a distinctive taste of American barbecue culture blended with Victorian wine craftsmanship. It’s ideal for those who appreciate good food, quality wines, and a quiet, personal atmosphere. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just seeking a relaxing escape, this experience delivers genuine local flavor with friendly service.