Bellbrae Estate — Attraction in Bellbrae

We spent an afternoon at Bellbrae estate on Sunday. We arrived and not many people and had pick of what table we wanted. We ordered a bottle of wine and the pizza that was the special one the day. Pizza was lovely, but we were not offered any cutlery or plates. ( table next to us had to ask for cutlery and plates also). Wine was nice but price was not on the menu per bottle only glass. My husband just paid, and didn't think anything about it, until they arrived at our table with another pizza, I said no, not ours. The girl said you should have said yes and it would then be yours! That would mean someone would not get their food. I ask my husband to check if we paid for it, and realised we paid $8.50 to drink the wine we purchased from them on the premises. We live on the Bellarine and NO one charges for this. You dismissed my husbands simple review as this was a common charge by quality establishments, but so sorry, this is just ridiculous. If you want to charge this, to pay your staff as you say, add it to the price of the bottle of wine, and maybe it won't be so confusing to why a surcharge is expected, which just come across as a money grab. We love visiting wineries on a regular basis, but we won't be back. Bellarine only...

NOTE: this is a comment about the online shop, not the winery itself. It such a shame that despite producing lovey wines, the process to purchase online is appalling. I made a purchase two weeks ago. I required shipping. I was in the office for the first attempted delivery. Rather than taking the items to the post office I was asked to complete a redelivery form.

I did this, requesting a new date as my re-delivery date. I advised them that I was going away for the long weekend and advised them of the dates I’d be away. I provided specific instructions if I wasn’t home. No one attempted delivery as I was home all day. I was, again, home all day the next day. And then, I received an email saying they reattempted delivery despite me notifying the company I’d be away…I have now had to pay an additional fee for another delivery attempt and my delivery has still not arrived. You cannot phone the courier company to discuss delivery matters either - All enquiries need to be submitted via online forms.

I contacted the winery directly but I did not receive a response. Sadly I won’t be purchasing from your online...

Perfect afternoon enjoying pizza and wine in a welcoming and relaxed environment.

We enjoyed a prepaid experience of wine flight and pizza that could of lasted many hours more, the sun, the setting and the staff really made for a perfect little afternoon.

The best parts: -Knowledge and enthusiasm showed by staff, we felt very welcomed and accommodated to. -Tasting notes! What fun to discuss the wine amongst ourselves and then refer to the supplied notes to see how much we really knew… -The live music and open space was a delightful place to spend some time unwinding. -Accurate alc.% is incorporated into tastings and ensured for safe driving afterward.

The not as good parts: -The fact we had to leave and get on with our plans… Slightly confusing layout of prepaid package options on website, we purchased ahead of time to be safe and we’re glad for it, but felt somewhat unsure of what we were buying ahead of arriving.

I would absolutely suggest taking some time to visit Bellbrae Estate if wine and relaxing open spaces are experiences you know/ or think...