Winery of the Month: Bellbrae Estate

Two ranges, one iconic coastline. Discover the wines of Victoria’s Surf Coast.

This month we’re heading to Victoria’s spectacular Surf Coast to spotlight Bellbrae Estate and Longboard, two distinctive wine ranges that capture the character of one of Australia’s most recognisable coastal regions.

Located just five minutes from the world-famous Bells Beach, Bellbrae Estate combines cool-climate viticulture, limestone-rich soils and a deep connection to the local surfing culture. From the elegant, structured wines of Bellbrae Estate to the fresh, easy-drinking Longboard range, there’s something for every occasion.

A Little History of Bellbrae Estate

Established in 1999 by Richard MacDougall, Bellbrae Estate helped revive a winemaking tradition in the Geelong region that stretches back more than 150 years. Swiss settlers first planted vines in the area during the 19th century, before phylloxera devastated the region’s vineyards in the 1870s. More than a century later, Bellbrae Estate returned grape growing to these picturesque hills, taking advantage of the region’s maritime climate and north-facing slopes. Today, the estate comprises seven hectares of vineyards planted on calcareous marl over limestone. The combination of moderate fertility, coastal winds and naturally low yields produces fruit with concentration, freshness and structure.The winery’s connection to the Surf Coast runs throughout its identity, with wines named after famous local surf breaks, including Bells Beach, Bird Rock and Boobs.

A New Chapter with Simon Steele

In January 2024, experienced winemaker Simon Steele joined Bellbrae Estate, bringing an impressive background in Australian and international winemaking. Previously Head Winemaker at Medhurst in the Yarra Valley, Simon also held senior winemaking positions at Brokenwood and Shadowfax, with additional vintage experience in Burgundy, Spain and McLaren Vale. His approach focuses on allowing the vineyard to express its natural character while introducing more sustainable farming practices. Across the estate’s seven hectares, Simon is working to reduce chemical inputs, eliminate insecticides and incorporate biological farming methods, encouraging healthier soils and more resilient vines.The result is a thoughtful approach to cool-climate winemaking, producing wines that balance elegance, texture and regional character.

The Bellbrae Estate Range

The flagship Bellbrae Estate wines showcase the depth and potential of the Surf Coast’s cool-climate vineyards. Carefully selected French oak, traditional winemaking techniques and naturally concentrated fruit create wines with complexity, structure and excellent cellaring potential.

Bellbrae Estate ‘Boobs’ Chardonnay

A generous yet elegant cool-climate Chardonnay, combining citrus and stone fruit with struck-match complexity and carefully integrated French oak. Creamy texture and subtle richness are balanced by freshness and precision, delivering a wine with both power and finesse.

Bellbrae Estate ‘Bird Rock’ Pinot Noir

A beautifully expressive Pinot Noir with bright red and dark berry fruits, delicate floral notes and savoury spice. Whole-bunch characters contribute complexity, while fine tannins and a supple, medium-bodied palate create an elegant, layered finish.

Bellbrae Estate ‘Bells’ Syrah

A refined, cool-climate expression of Syrah, showcasing red and black fruits, rose petal, pink peppercorn and subtle tobacco notes. Fragrant, savoury and beautifully structured, with fine tannins and a long, elegant finish.

Award-winning wines

Both the ‘Bird Rock’ Pinot Noir and ‘Bells’ Syrah have received 95 points and Gold recognition from Philip Rich in the Halliday Wine Companion, highlighting the quality of Bellbrae Estate’s flagship reds.

Meet Longboard: The Relaxed Side of Bellbrae

While Bellbrae Estate focuses on elegance, structure and age-worthy wines, Longboard embraces the relaxed lifestyle of the Surf Coast. Produced by the same winery, the Longboard range is all about fresh fruit, vibrant flavours and wines designed to be enjoyed now. Inspired by the beaches, surf breaks and laid-back coastal culture surrounding Bells Beach, these wines deliver approachable, varietally expressive drinking without sacrificing quality.

The Longboard Range

Longboard Rosé

Fresh, vibrant and dry, with bright red berry fruit and a refreshing finish. An easy choice for warm afternoons, casual dining and summer by-the-glass lists.

Longboard Pinot Gris

A fragrant, textured Pinot Gris with pear, white peach and delicate floral characters. Generous fruit is balanced by refreshing acidity, making it a versatile food-friendly white.

Longboard Pinot Noir

Bright red fruit, gentle spice and soft tannins define this approachable cool-climate Pinot Noir. Supple, fresh and ideal for everyday drinking.

Longboard Chardonnay

A fruit-driven Chardonnay offering stone fruit and citrus characters, with a rounded palate and a fresh, balanced finish.

Longboard Sauvignon Blanc

Lively citrus, fresh orchard fruit and subtle herbal notes combine in a crisp, refreshing white with plenty of immediate appeal.

Longboard Shiraz

A medium-bodied, cool-climate Shiraz with plum, cherry and subtle spice. Smooth, balanced and well suited to food.

Why We Love Bellbrae Estate & Longboard

There’s something special about a winery that reflects its surroundings so naturally. Bellbrae Estate captures the best of Victoria’s Surf Coast, combining distinctive limestone soils, maritime influences and thoughtful winemaking to produce wines with genuine regional identity. What makes the winery particularly exciting is the contrast between its two ranges. The flagship Bellbrae Estate wines offer elegance, complexity and cellaring potential, while Longboard delivers the same coastal spirit in a fresh, approachable style made for everyday enjoyment. Together, they offer an impressive selection for restaurant wine lists, retail shelves and by-the-glass programs, from premium cool-climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah to vibrant, versatile wines at accessible price points.

Two ranges, one iconic coastline, and plenty of reasons to discover the wines of Bellbrae Estate.

Explore Bellbrae Estate and Longboard through Vintage Wine Co.