Media Release

A former Maiden Gully winery remains “very much open” to parties keen to utilise its varied vineyard, cellar-door, restaurant, function and accommodation facilities, new owner Villawood Properties says.

Villawood, which bought the property last year, is actively seeking expressions of interest in all or parts of the Hermitage Road winery’s varied operations.

“The winery (formerly Balgownie) still offers a range of business opportunities we’re more than happy to discuss,” said Julian Perez, Villawood’s regional Victoria General Manager.

“We’re looking to breathe a new life into this precinct, to re-set the agenda.

“We have more than $15 million of working infrastructure on the ground which can be utilised any number of ways. We can see very clear opportunities. And we really don’t want to see the doors stay closed.

“Equipment, facilities and machinery are all there for winemaking, cellar door, brewing, distilling, cold storage, restaurant, bar, functions, accommodation – even glamping.

“We’re very much open to all ideas. Interested parties don’t have to take on the lot, they can utilise different business elements of the precinct individually if they like.”

Mr Perez said any Villawood development could take up to five years to conceptualise, plan and initiate – if the development is approved. He said the group was keen to integrate aspects of the former winery precinct into its plans.

“We want to retain what we can,” he said. “It might be community buildings or operations like a boutique clubhouse, café, a restaurant, outdoor dining. We’re very keen for people to come to us to investigate the opportunities.

“But right now, there is a real opportunity to lease ready-made, walk-in facilities that could generate business revenue from day one.

“We’ve talked with the city’s economic development unit, who have been helpful in our ambitions for the precinct. It could be that we have multiple users taking up operations.”

The former winery was a part of Bendigo for five decades, producing high-end premium wines and helping drive the region’s reputation as a gastronomy centre.

Mr Perez said the overall 79-hectare holding was set in picturesque surroundings close to town and well poised to capitalise on Bendigo’s varied historical, cultural and natural tourism attractions.