Trail offers bigger taste of the Bellarine

THE Bellarine Taste Trail is continuing to attract support from local producers and suppliers keen to promote all the fabulous food and wine the Bellarine has to offer.

Starting in 2010, the taste trail was created to bring recognition to the burgeoning food and wine scene in the region.

It started with 40 food and wine businesses, including farmgates, provedores, wineries, breweries and restaurants/cafes, and three tour companies.

And now, seven years later, there are 47 businesses taking part, including four tour companies and three events.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine Executive Director Roger Grant said enjoying local food, wine, beers and ciders had become an important part of the visitor experience to The Bellarine.

“For an increasing number, it is the primary reason to visit our region,” Mr Grant said.

“The updated Bellarine Taste Trail puts the spotlight on our finest array of produce, often served in stunning locations that captures the essence of the Bellarine.”

Mr Grant said the Bellarine Taste Trail map and website featured 47 local producers and suppliers as well as suggested accommodation and tour operators.

“The new updated map will assist visitors to navigate their way around this gourmet treasure trove,” he said.

Research statistics for visitation to Geelong and the Bellarine revealed that both domestic overnight travel and domestic daytrip travel,

“Eat out, dine at a restaurant or cafe” was the most popular activity undertaken by visitors to the region, followed by “visit friends and relatives” and “go to the beach”.

New businesses that have joined the Bellarine Taste Trail for 2018 include The Whiskery, run by a local family producing whiskey and gin and opening early 2018, and The Q Train, which offers guests an exclusive fine dining experience.

There is also Wayawu Estate, Merne at Lighthouse, Little Mussel Café, The Bellarine Smoked Fish Company, Chocolates for Everyone, The Bungalow Restaurant, Wattle Grove Honey, and Wine Wheels.