About Us
Our History
Established in 1996 by Peter and Lizette Kenny, Bellarine Estate is an award-winning family-run winery set on top of the rolling hills of the Bellarine Peninsula, overlooking Corio Bay.
Located less than 20 minutes from Geelong, the Bellarine Estate property is home to the Kenny Family’s two chief wine labels –Bellarine EstateandPortarlington Ridge @ Bellarine Estate,a new gin distillery –Thirty Acres Distillery @ Bellarine Estate, a cellar door,Texas BBQ @ Bellarine Estateand the winery’s new luxury glamping accommodation -Coastal Glamping @ Bellarine Estate.
Now in its second generation, eldest son - James Kenny has taken over the reins from his parents as Bellarine Estate’s General Manager whilst his younger brother - Julian Kenny is the estate’s Head Winemaker.Â
About the property
Situated on more than 100-acres between the Drysdale and Portarlington coastline, the Bellarine Estate property is perfectly poised to take advantage of the maritime climate.
Bellarine Estate produces wines that are classically cool-climate, smooth and complex. Specialising in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, Bellarine Estate has a wine to suit every taste palate – with an award-warding rosé and a fortified Pinot Noir among the distinctive offerings.Â
The Wines
Every stage of the winemaking process from growing the grapes on the area’s rich ballast soils, all the way to the final bottling, occurs on-site at the family-run winery.
Boasting a 27-acre vineyard, the property produces a total of 16 wines each year – ten of which are under theBellarine Estatelabel that uses fruit exclusively from Bellarine Estate’s vines, while the other six varietals under thePortarlington Ridge @ Bellarine Estatelabel are created collaboratively with other growers across the Bellarine region.
Since the first vintage back in 1999, the Kenny family have continued to win high acclaim for their wines both domestically and internationally. In fact, three of the winery’s estate-produced wines were chosen to be part of the domestic and international Business Class service on the nation’s international airline, Qantas in 2022.Â
Our Winemaker
Growing up on a family winery has shaped Julian Kenny's future and career ambitions. Julian became Bellarine Estate's Head Winemaker in 2018, whilst continuing his studies in a Bachelor of Wine Science through Charles Sturt University.
Continuing to craft wines in the traditional method as a testament to the origins of the family-run winery, Julian loves being able to produce something that people can take home and enjoy with friends and family over a meal, create memories and celebrate life.
