Bellarine Smokehouse announces expansion move

THE region’s top smokehouse has a new home on the Bellarine, changing location after more than six years at its original home.

Bellarine Smokehouse + Provedore, known for its locally smoked foods and advocacy for local artisan producers across the Bellarine, will now call 16/93 Murradoc Road in Drysdale home, moving from its original location at Bellarine Estate Vineyard after more than half a decade.

Business owners, operators, and couple Sarah Fenton and Jason Smith said the overall move is expected to be fully completed over the next four months, but the business has already received an abundance of customers to its new Drysdale provedore.

“It’s been quite interesting already, we originally planned to be open six days a week, but due to the interest already, we’re now open the whole week, it’s been a great sign to see word is already spreading about our new location,” Ms Fenton said.

“We needed to expand, we have a premium product and we weren’t capturing the local traders, so with this long-term investment we hope to be able to do that while celebrating the producers we have across the Bellarine.

Remaining construction will include the completion of the business’ production room and wine shop and tastings area on the site’s second storey.

The provedore will also display more than 50 different food and beverage brands, advertising products both on the Bellarine and further afield including cheese, charcuterie, pickles, chocolate and homewares items.

Mr Smith said the move has been a daunting process but remains doubly excited to see the business expand and continue to grow as the region’s leading smokehouse.

“There has been so much growth in Drysdale, enough to sustain a business like ours, but entering this next chapter has been scary, we’ve extended the mortgage on our house, we’re investing in the region, and we have our driving business as well to make additional income.

“But as Sarah said, we’re super excited to see how this business continues to grow, and we hope everyone can come down and see what we have on offer.”

Mr Smith also gave huge thanks to Bellarine Estate Vineyard owners Peter and Lizette Kenny for hosting the smokehouse dating back to 2018.

Bellarine Smokehouse + Provedore is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm.