When it comes to our producers, we strive to work with the best of the best, so it’s no surprise that we choose to stock wines from Scotchmans Hill, the original winery of the Bellarine. Here we talk with Robin Brockett, head winemaker of Scotchmans Hill Winery.
Located on an extinct volcano named Mount Bellarine, Scotchmans Hill Winery is a producer of premium cool maritime climate wines. Being one of Geelong’s most well-known wineries and having such a knowledgeable and engaging winemaker in Robin Brockett, it was a clear decision to have Scotchmans Hill as our wine producer.
The beginning of Scotchmans Hill Winery
The winery was originally started by David and Vivienne Browne, who brought the property in 1975 whilst they were living in London. The first vineyards at Scotchmans Hill were planted in 1982/1983 and then the first small amounts of wine were made in 1986. The winery’s first major vintage was made in 1990.
Scotchmans was the first on the Bellarine Peninsula, leaving a legacy of the original winery in the region. David’s passion for wine is the reason Scotchmans Hill still exists today.
A highly recommended drop
A tough choice for head winemaker, Robin however, the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have always been flagship wines, they are what Scotchmans Hill’s reputation has been built on. In recent years, the Shiraz has been an equal favourite, so all three are as good as each other.
Here, at the Estate, we love to pair the Scotchmans Hill Jack & Jill Shiraz with one of Chef Adam’s signature dish; Eye fillet, trompette mustard vinaigrette and beer battered onion rings.
A unique winery in the Bellarine region
Located off Scotchmans Road in Drysdale, on a hill as the name suggests, Scotchmans Hill winery has some of the best views in the region. The winery looks over Port Phillip Bay, the Head Bass Strait and Melbourne CBD if you are lucky enough to visit on a clear day, giving it one of the most unique positions on the Bellarine.
Although the volcano that Scotchmans Hill sits on is no longer active, volcanic remains still exist in black soil which is rich in iron. This volcanic soil is unique to both Scotchmans Hill and its immediate surrounding areas.
