Top 10: South Gippsland

For the next four weeks, the region is home to Wine Down Pop Up, a temporary hotel of two eco-luxury upcycled converted shipping containers at Waratah Hills Vineyard.

From sipping the south’s famous Pinot Noir to indulging in local produce, Wine Down Pop Up provides a central hub for visitors to discover the passionate producers, brewers, distillers, wine makers and chefs who are behind Gippsland’s growing culinary reputation.

1. Udder and Hoe

Purveyors of seasonally sourced local produce, slow food and good conversations, Udder and Hoe have expanded their pantry and café offering in Gippsland’s south to Loch and Korumburra since opening at the Kilcunda General Store in 2015. The beautifully rustic converted provedore on Loch’s main street features exposed beams and full of natural light from the incredible full façade of glass windows. Founder Rachel Russo teamed up with Tamsin Carvan of Tamsin’s Table to open a third location at The Borough Dept Store in Korumbarra.Udder and Hoe Kilcunda, 2/3535 Bass Highway, Kilcunda, Victoria, 3995;Udder and Hoe Loch, 37 Victoria Rd, Loch, Victoria, 3945;Udder and Hoe Korumbarra, 63-67 Commercial Street, Korumburra, Victoria, 3950.

2. Waratah Hills

The Waratah Hills Vineyard is located in the Tarwin Valley, six kilometres from the town of Fish Creek and only a short distance to the entrance of one of Australia’s most beloved national parks; Wilsons Promontory. Set amongst a pretty valley overlooking the Hoddle Ranges, Waratah Hills Vineyard is one of the most southerly cellar door on the Australian mainland and is recognised as one of Australia’s best locations for the production of Pinot Noir. Visitors to drop into the cellar door for a tasting, stop by for lunch or browse the shop of locally made products. The property is hosting the Wine Down Pop Up hotel from April 3-27. 20 Cottmans Rd, Fish Creek, Victoria, 3959. (03) 5683 2441.

3. Gurney’s Cider

Family owned and run, Gurneys’ Cidery is set in the South Gippsland hills, with picturesque views overlooking Wilsons Promontory National Park and Corner Inlet. Located on 70 acres of farmland with an orchard of roughly 3000 heritage cider apple trees, the cidery offers a true reflection of the high quality of local produce. Gurney’s Cider create and sell a range of different craft ciders - including seasonal limited-releases - which visitors can be enjoy by glass, bottle, or tasting paddle, with cheese and meat platters. 343 Fish Creek-Foster Road, Foster, Victoria, 3960. 0423 039 863.

4. Coffee Collective

The Coffee Collective brings a taste of Melbourne to the heart of Wonthaggi with a design inspired by contemporary and industrial flair with exposed brick walls, funky counters and polished concrete. The café is community-minded venue that offers fresh local produce and great coffee in a friendly, convivial atmosphere. The cafe serves Melbourne-quality coffee and offers balanced cafe-style dining with an emphasis on local, organic and sustainable produce. 50-52 McBride Avenue, Shop 1, Wonthaggi, Victoria, 3995. (03) 5672 4555.

5. Dirty Three Wines Tasting Room

Dirty Three’s Tasting Room, located in Inverloch, provides visitors with the opportunity to taste the range of quality wines, alongside sample platters of local cheese and charcuterie, as well as beer, gin, and coffee from other local businesses. Dirty Three Wines are named after the three ‘dirts’ (vineyards) that their vines are grown in, and accordingly, the three distinct flavours of Pinot Noir which are produced. 64 Cashin Street, Inverloch, Victoria, 3996. 03 5606 8128.