Go on, you’ve earned it.
Many wineries of East Gippsland are clustered around the Gippsland Lakes, perfect for leisurely days spent exploring the towns of Bairnsdale, Metung and Lakes Entrance.
Wineries and breweries are peppered along the Great Alpine Road, tucked into the gently sloping foothills and magnificent peaks. For those adventurous in spirit, towns along the way make the perfect base for hiking, camping, fishing and even rafting down the mighty Mitta Mitta. With all these physical pursuits, you’ll be in need of a cleansing ale.
WINERIES
- Lightfoot & Sons Wines
- Sarsfield Estate Vineyard & Winery ⁺ *
- Nicholson River Winery
- Tambo Wine
- Wyanga Park Winery
- Ensay Winery
BEER & OTHER BREWS
- Red Bluff Brewers
- Bullant Brewery
- Blizzard Brewing Company
- Sailors Grave Brewery
- Blizzard Brewery
⁺ Open by appointment only
* Tastings not available; wine sales by the bottle
Start the journey at Lightfoot & Sons Wines’ stylish cellar door. The tasting space connects beautifully with the region, using reclaimed timber from the old Calulu Bridge and Gippsland Lakes jetties. The exposed position on a limestone cliff creates both exceptional views and excellent conditions for producing fine wines, which can be enjoyed with a local tasting platter on the deck.
It’s worth a quick visit to Sarsfield Estate Vineyard & Winery where you can grab a few bottles for home.
At Nicholson River Winery, the wines reflect the characters unique to the area while paying homage to a European style. There is an extensive range of wines on tasting at the cellar door, complete with local cheese and antipasto platters which can be enjoyed in the picnic area overlooking the Nicholson River.
Just down the way is Tambo Wine. A long hunt and a lot of research brought owners Bill and Pam Williams to this very spot, their “warm site in a cool area”, allowing them to produce fine wines with a sense of place.
The newest microbrewery venture in Lakes Entrance is Red Bluff Brewers. Their handcrafted ales are named for the places of interest around the traps and you can pop by for a tasting in the retro-industrial fitted space.
Wyanga Park Winery is Gippsland’s oldest winery, where a range of award winning wines, including the famed frozen Muscat, are served at the cellar door. The winery can be reached by Wyanga Park Winery Cruise, departing from Lakes Entrance.
Heading toward Bruthen, the land starts to open out to hilly countryside, passing through pockets of magnificent native bush. Vistas of this beautiful patch can be enjoyed from the expansive deck at Bullant Brewery, whose beers are full flavoured, hop-forward and very easy to drink. Have a tasting paddle to sample the dozen or so beers made on-site and choose from an extensive food menu to match.
The scenery becomes more dramatic as you make your way up the Great Alpine Road. Call in at Ensay Winery’s rammed earth cellar door to taste the Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are grown and made on the estate.
For those heading on to Mount Hotham and beyond, a stop at Blizzard Brewing Company in Dinner Plain is a must. With bragging rights for Australia’s highest brewery, the craft beers are brewed with pure waters and melted snow of the Victorian Alps.
PUBS
Albion Hotel, Swifts Creek | Laid back country pub with hospitality to boot
Little River Inn, Ensay | For excellent home-cooked meals in a charmingly rustic old pub
Buchan Caves Hotel, Buchan | The town’s only pub has a big heart, rebuilt with funds raised by the community
Golden Age, Omeo | This splendid Art Deco hotel oozes with the warmth of Gippsland’s high country
Hilltop Hotel, Omeo | Perched high on the hill is a pub with old-fashioned country hospitality
Marlo Hotel, Marlo | The elevated sun-drenched deck boasts views over the Snowy River estuary
Grand Terminus Hotel, Bairnsdale | Enjoy one of the many drinks on tap with the locals at this bar & bistro
The Main Hotel, Bairnsdale | With craft beers on tap and an impressive display of local wines, The Main is what you deserve.
Waterwheel Beach Tavern, Lake Tyers | The views don’t come much better than from the deck of this country pub
Central Hotel, Lakes Entrance | Enjoy fresh produce and a local wine list
Kalimna Hotel, Lakes Entrance | Perched on the hillside with views across the inlet and bay enjoy a bite to eat and local beverage
Metung Hotel, Metung | Have a drink on the boardwalk and soak up the sun
Mallacoota Hotel, Mallacoota | A pub with a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful fireplace and a comfortable lounge and bar.
The Nicholson Hotel, Nicholson | Sitting on the banks of the Nicholson River, Meals in the bistro, beers in the bar and a bottle shop
The Swan Reach Hotel, Swan Reach | Overlooking the Tambo River, enjoy your beer in the beer garden and your meal in the homestyle bistro.
Lindenow Pub, Lindenow | Authentic country pub sitting high over the Mitchell River flats
The Paynesville Hotel, Paynesville | The place to be for that perfect pub meal
Wy Yung Pub, Wy Yung | The trendy place to enjoy your pub favourites and modern delights
Mitchell River Tavern, Bairnsdale | Beautiful food with some of your traditional pub favourites and fine dining options.
The Club Hotel, Bairnsdale | Traditional pub food, cold beers on tap and country hospitality at its prime
Bruthen Inn Hotel, Bruthen | Perched high overlooking the river valley beyond, enjoy a beer and meal with a view
Blue Duck Inn, Anglers Rest | Renowned for its wholesome local food and wine served in the friendly atmosphere of a traditional country pub.
Benambra Hotel, Benambra | Bistro meals and beer garden in the hotel of the Omeo Plains.
Orbost Club Hotel, Orbost | “The bottom pub” operating since 1884 still serving great beer and awesome food.
Bellbird Hotel, Cabbage Tree Creek | Home cooked meals within a homely pub. You can’t help but relax.
Bemm River Hotel, Bemm River | Cold beer, views, a cosy wood heater, beer deck, family friendly bistro and an impressive wine selection. Ticks all the boxes.
Cann River Hotel, Cann River | A historic pub serving the coldest of beers and a varied selection of meals.
Bendoc Pub, Bendoc | Traditional country pub serving icey cold brew.
Dinner Plain Hotel, Dinner Plain | The original High Country Pub. The iconic DP Hotel has a huge lounge, 3 spectacular open fires and a fully stocked bar.
High Plains Hotel, Dinner Plain | Something for everyone. From fine dining, a burger bar and wood fired pizzas and an extensive wine list.