Wineries worth the day trip from Echuca Moama: Heathcote wine region edition

Explore the many cellar doors in the Heathcote wine region near Echuca Moama, including Shiraz Republic

Leave the river behind and the landscape changes fast. Drive south from Echuca Moama and the country opens up with quieter roads and wider skies. Soon after, rows of vines start to appear, marking the start of the Heathcote wine region. It’s barely an hour from the Murray, close enough for a day trip but far enough to feel like you’ve gone somewhere entirely new.

This is red-soil country. It’s home to big shiraz, generous hospitality and cellar doors that still feel like a find. The region’s clay and gravel soils produce everything from bold shiraz and cabernet sauvignon to tempranillo, chardonnay and viognier.

Up north, Echuca Moama’s Perricoota wine region offers another side of the story. The riverside vineyards, red gums and cellar doors can even be reached by paddlesteamer. But if you follow the road south, Heathcote’s northern pocket is where you’ll find long lunches, laid-back makers and wines that speak straight from the soil.

Here are a few Heathcote wineries worth adding to your visit.

And while it’s an easy drive, do plan ahead and line up a designated driver, or book a local wine tour so everyone can relax and enjoy the day.

For the long lunch crowd: Tellurian Wines

Hear the stories behind each pour from the friendly team at Tellurian Wines in the Heathcote wine region

Tellurian Wines is one of those places where you sit down for a tasting and end up staying for the afternoon. Known for its shiraz and Italian-inspired varietals like fiano and grenache gris, this modern cellar door pairs its wines with an ever-changing three-course lunch by Bendigo restaurant Ms Batterhams. The view stretches across the Mount Camel range, the service feels effortless and time seems to slow once the first glass hits the table.

For the story seekers: Vinea Marson and Silver Spoon Estate

The off-grid cellar door at Silver Spoon Estate in the Heathcote wine region

Every bottle in the Heathcote wine region has a story, and a visit to these two cellar doors proves it.

At Vinea Marson, Italian heritage runs through every detail. Winemaker Mario Marson pours wines inspired by his family’s Friulian roots like sangiovese, nebbiolo and barbera, alongside estate-grown olive oil and antipasti platters. His daughter Madeleine is also part of the team as the next-generation winemaker. There’s usually a family member behind the counter and always plenty of conversation to go with the tasting.

Further along the range, Silver Spoon Estate feels different again. The winery is completely off-grid, powered by solar, and sits above the abandoned silver mine that gave it its name. The view rolls out over the Mount Camel hills and the wines are as expressive as the landscape itself.

Together, they show how Heathcote’s winemakers bring both tradition and experiment to the table, each one with a different take on what makes this place special.

For those who don’t want to stop at wine: Shiraz Republic, Domaine Asmara and Wren Estate

A relaxed stop at Shiraz Republic includes a glass of wine or their Cornella beer

At Shiraz Republic, wine, beer and live music all share the stage. The Cornella Brewery sits beside the vines, the pizza oven is usually going and in spring the canola fields turn the surrounding paddocks gold.

Domaine Asmara mixes wine with spirits, (sort of) literally. Alongside their handcrafted reds and whites, they distil small-batch gin and limoncello and run springtime bud-burst walks through the vineyard for those curious about what happens long before harvest.

Then there's Wren Estate, surrounded by olive trees and rows of low-slung vines. Tastings here often include their own olive oil and a reminder that everything you see (well, taste) comes from just beyond the window.

By the time you’ve visited all three, you’ll have met the makers, heard a few stories and probably added a couple of new favourites to the car boot.

Local note: In early September, our region’s canola fields are at their brightest and it’s one of the prettiest times of year for a drive.

For the views: Peregrine Ridge

Perched high on the eastern side of the Mount Camel range, Peregrine Ridge is a reward for anyone who likes their wine with a view. The cellar door has full glass windows and overlooks miles of farmland that change colour with the seasons.

The wines are big reds that suit the landscape perfectly and they’re estate-grown. Settle in with a glass and let the silence do its thing.

Tip: If you love the views, don’t miss the nearby on the Cornella-Toolleen Road.

For staying the night: Heathcote II and Shiraz Republic

Accommodation villas at Heathcote II overlook the vines and olive trees on the slopes of Mount Camel

Some visits deserve an overnight stay, and you’ll find them around here.

You'll find Heathcote II tucked into the lower slopes of Mount Camel, surrounded by vines and olive trees. Their villas sit quietly above the vineyard, with decks that catch the afternoon light and views that stretch across red soil and pale hills. Inside, everything feels considered. There’s a fireplace for cool nights and a cellar stocked with good wine and of course, a few bottles of their own.

Mornings start slowly here. Local bread, eggs from the neighbour’s farm and the breeze through the olive trees. It’s peaceful in a way that makes you forget how close you are to town.

And if you prefer something a little more laid-back, Shiraz Republic's vineyard cabins are just down the road. A short stroll from their cellar door and perfectly placed for one last drink before calling it a night.

Getting there

Flash Fairlane Tours runs small-group winery tours from Echuca Moama in classic vintage cars

The drive from Echuca to these wineries takes just over an hour. On the way, small towns like Rochester and Colbinabbin make it easy to turn the trip into part of the experience. Stop for coffee (or road trip snacks), wander the painted silos or pick up something local before heading deeper into the heart of Victoria.

If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, Echuca Moama Winery Tours and Flash Fairlane Tours run small-group trips that cover the best of the region’s cellar doors.

Most wineries open Friday to Sunday, though a few will happily welcome mid-week visitors if you call ahead.

Why this pocket of the Heathcote wine region is worth the detour

Don’t miss tasting the Heathcote wine region’s top drops when you visit Echuca Moama

The Heathcote wine region is known for its premium shiraz, but what sets these wineries apart is the personality. It’s a mix of food, stories, scenery and winemakers who still pour their own tastings.

Whether you’re heading north to the Murray, south to the goldfields or spending a few days in Echuca Moama to explore the region, take the slower roads, and you’ll be well-rewarded.

Final note:

Remember: If you’re consuming alcohol, always drink responsibly and plan a safe way home. Oh, and check with each venue for the most up-to-date opening hours to avoid disappointment.