New era awaits for Maiden Gully winery

THE restaurant, function and accommodation operations at the former Balgownie Estate winery in Maiden Gully will continue on after Villawood Properties, which bought the property and its adjoining vineyards last year, onsold the facilities to holiday-rental and property-management company Regional Escapes.

In a statement, Villawood described the sale as “a great outcome” for Bendigo’s tourism sector, retaining a much-loved asset and helping create local jobs.

“We’ve always understood the importance of this facility to the Bendigo community and economy, and we were determined to find the right hospitality operator who would not only continue the operation, but invest in improving the facility,” Villawood’s Victorian region general manager Julian Perez said.

“There’s more than $15 million of working infrastructure on the ground and very clear opportunities.

“We really didn’t want to see the doors stay closed, so we’re looking forward to its function and accommodation businesses running as usual once again.”

Regional Escapes managing director Ji Thornhill said the Hermitage Road site was a “great facility and a tremendous opportunity.”

“We’ve been casting about for a boutique central Victorian project to suit domestic and international visitors, and this just ticks all the boxes,” he said.

“We already have a great catalogue of premium accommodation venues across the Bellarine Peninsula and along the Surf Coast – adding Bendigo is perfect for us.

“The Bendigo region is a similar quality destination and we’re very excited to become part of it.

“Hermitage Road has everything visitors look for – great accommodation, restaurant and venue options, and more.”

Mr Perez said Villawood would retain the vineyard’s various grapes for the coming season while seeking an operator willing to take on the award-winning vines.