Discover West Gippsland wines and add another delicious dimension to your Ridge House experience
We’re firm believers in the restorative power of a glass of good wine. So, when you arrive at The Ridge House, you’ll find the pantry flush with a selection of our favourite West Gippsland wines.
We’re proud to support our region’s fiercely talented independent winemakers by offering you the chance to buy their produce. These wines are locally grown and exquisitely made by:
A.R.C. Wines James and Jess Audas take a ‘hands off’ approach to winemaking, ‘preferring not to manipulate the wines and rather let them express their fruit and journey.’
William Downie Wines A winemaker for 15 years, Gippsland born and bred William Downie makes ‘wines of purity and detail that reflect their place of origin.’
Entropy Wines Ryan and Ashlee Ponsford make small batches of wild fermented, ‘unfined’ (unfiltered) wines.
Alle Vare Wines duo Alysha and Lucy are two women who make great wine and love sharing a bit of crazy fun from their lives as winemakers with their fans.
If sampling our mini cellar launches a love affair with these stellar winemakers, you’ll find their wine at Baw Baw Cellar Door (more on them in a minute.)
Say cheese
Or perhaps, ‘cheese please, Kristy,’
If a scrumptious cheese platter is your idea of ‘perfect with wine’, just ask. Kristy will prepare one for your arrival, and it’ll be beyond scrumptious.
There’ll be a ‘spoilt for choice’ selection of cheeses from our local heroes at Tarago River Cheese Company, Butterfly Factory, and Maffra Cheese, snuggled up to a chunk of Green Hills Farm fresh hive honeycomb and a walloping dollop of homemade quince paste.
“Kristy also offers yummy add ons. I would recommend the dinner in and local cheese platter with local wine so you can arrive, settle in and enjoy the tranquillity.” Anne, November 2021”
Pack a perfect picnic
We provide the picnic basket packed with glasses, cutlery, plates and a blanket.
You just need to choose something luscious to sip as you savour the sunset from Loggers Lookout or stay warm and convivial around the fire pit.
Add a gourmet grazing box from The Gippsland Grazer, or stop by Gippsland Food and Wine or Stella’s Pantry and stock up on cheese, charcuterie and loads of other hamper enhancing picnic treats.
“Kristy has created something so special. All the little details are so thoughtful - a pantry full of local wine, blankets to snuggle with, board games, a stocked bar trolley! It was so dreamy.’ Olivia, April 2022
Take the Wine Trail
If you don’t feel the need to venture beyond Loggers Lookout, we get that.
However, if meeting our stellar winemakers on their patches of Gippsland paradise is on your ‘must do’ list, here’s what we suggest.
Begin at Baw Baw Cellar Door -- home to Wild Dog Winery and our favourite farm to table restaurant Hogget Kitchen. They host a handful of boutique producers of wine, beer, cider and gin.
Linger over a glass at the cellar door or drop by for a tasting.
Then grab the Wine Gippsland Touring Map and find as many of its 53 wineries as you fancy. We’re fond of these ones:
Find bars, pubs and even more wineries on Visit Gippsland’s interactive map.
Take a wine tour
Prefer having a chauffeur and a navigator? Great Southern Escapes or Specialty Wine Tours will take great care of you. Our guest Anna recommends touring with, Jacquey from Gippsland Travel.
‘Absolutely magical weekend away. Kristy was so helpful and great to communicate with. We had a great wine tour with Jacquey from Gippsland Travel too. Perfect spot to relax and switch off.’ Anna, December 2021
Find out more Visit Wine Gippsland for more information on local wineries, events, and alternative trails.
Download Eat Drink Gippsland for the ultimate, authoritative guide to all things delicious and delectable in our amazing region
Spread the word.
If you’re convinced (as we are) that Gippsland wine is world-class wonderful, share your story using #winegippsland #eatdrinkgippsland #DiscoverWineGippsland and tag us at #theridgehouse, we love a great wine story.
The last word
Goes to Kath. Her review captures the contribution a glass of great wine adds to The Ridge House experience.
“Our weekend at The Ridge House was everything we hoped for. Breathtaking views, stylish decor, warm & cosy. Take up the cheese plate and meal on arrival, open a bottle of wine and instant relaxo! Wish we could have stayed longer!” Kath, December 2021