Scotchmans Hill brings a taste of France to Drysdale
A CHARMING new cellar door has opened on the Bellarine Peninsula, showcasing the best wines from Scotchmans Hill.
The French provincial-style farmhouse, nestled among the vineyards, is now open to the public, with a 360-degree fireplace and bar a welcoming addition to the picturesque landscape.
Cellar door assistant Liam Tromp said the new cellar door had been built inside the old Drysdale homestead, built in the late 1970s.
“Outside is a large bricked courtyard that’ll be great once the weather is a bit nicer and inside downstairs a large fireplace,” he said.
“It’s got a much better feel with lots of texture making it really warm and homely to make it feel like you’re stepping into someone’s very expensive lounge room.
“It’s a much larger and more usable space.”
Mr Tromp said the cellar door was designed to focus more on the wine experience.
“That’s the key, we think,” he said. “We want people to come here and walk away saying the wine was fantastic and the staff were really knowledgeable.
“We spend a lot of time here learning about wine and our wine list is very strong with a significant single vineyard wine selection.”
Scotchmans Hill’s first vintage was produced in 1986 with 80 tonnes of grapes processed during its first truly commercial vintage. Scotchmans Hill today produces 600 tonnes of grapes.