The Bendigo wine region in Victoria, Australia, is renowned for its diverse range of wines, including deep red shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, as well as chardonnay, sangiovese, pinot noir, riesling, and sauvignon blanc. The wineries are situated in the scenic hills and valleys around Bendigo, many of which are still family-operated. Visitors can enjoy meeting the winemakers, tasting a variety of wines, and experiencing a casual and friendly atmosphere at the cellar doors. The region's winemaking industry has thrived thanks to the favorable climate, featuring long hours of summer sunshine and cool winters.
In addition to its excellent wines, the Bendigo wine region is known for hosting popular food and wine events throughout the year. These events include the Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival in autumn, Bendigo Uncorked Week in October, and the Barrel Tasting Weekend in July. During these events, visitors have the opportunity to taste wine straight from the barrel and immerse themselves in the local wine and food culture at historic venues across the city.
The winemaking tradition in the Bendigo region dates back to the 1850s, following the gold rushes, and has experienced a resurgence with the establishment of new vineyards in the late 1960s. The majority of wineries in the region are small to medium-sized and continue to be run by the families who originally founded them. This contributes to the region's intimate and authentic winemaking atmosphere.