Bellbrae Estate

Nestled on a picturesque stretch of rolling hills, just five minutes from the world-famous Bells Beach, Bellbrae Estate Winery boasts a rich history and a scenic location. The Geelong region was first planted with grapevines 150 years ago by Swiss settlers, but the area’s wine industry was devastated by Phylloxera in the 1870s. More recently, Bellbrae Estate took advantage of the region’s wonderful climate and enticing northfacing slopes, planting the first vineyards here in over a century. Each Bellbrae Estate wine is named after a famous surf break in the Bells Beach area along our iconic Surf Coast region. With founder Richard MacDougall’s Swiss heritage, the winery brings the story of the region’s viticulture full circle. Simon Steele joined Bellbrae Estate in January 2024, following nine successful years as Head Winemaker at Medhurst in the Yarra Valley. Prior to that, Simon served as Senior Winemaker at Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley and Winemaker at Shadowfax, focusing on Geelong and the Macedon Ranges. His experience includes numerous vintages in Burgundy, Spain and McLaren Vale. Simon brings energy and dedication to farming Bellbrae Estate’s 7 hectares more sustainably, incorporating biological farming practices, reducing chemical inputs and eliminating insecticides. Under his stewardship, the vineyards are cultivated to enhance their natural strengths and reflect the unique terroir. The Bellbrae range thrives on north-facing slopes of calcareous marl over limestone. Moderate fertility and the dry, windy site provide ideal conditions for producing wines of remarkable detail, poise and power. Naturally low yields ensure the wines have the structure to age gracefully under Simon’s attentive care.