How is Cellar Door at Balgownie Bendigo restaurant rated?

Cellar Door at Balgownie Bendigo

4.2 (302)

$41 to $100

Australian

46 Hermitage Rd, Maiden Gully, AU-VIC 3551

About this restaurant

Great for fine wines
Charming
Good for special occasions

Welcome to Cellar Door at Balgownie Bendigo.

We are located at Balgownie Estate in Maiden Gully. Balgownie Estate is Bendigo’s oldest commercial Vineyard. We have been producing award winning wines from our first vintage back in 1972. Today you can visit our restaurant and cellar door and taste from our extensive selection of wines made from hand harvested fruit grown on their beautiful old vines that are now over 50 years old.

Whilst here, take the opportunity to, dine in our restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Our menus feature contemporary Seasonal Australian Cuisine, sourced from premium local suppliers. For Breakfast enjoy a romantic Champagne Breakfast (our version of it anyway…!)

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Australian, Winery, Modern European
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 8:00 am–10:00 am Sat, Sun 8:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm
Phone number
(03) 5449 6222
Website
http://www.balgownie.com/bendigo/dining
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Private party facilities
For private events please email eventsbendigo@balgownie.com

Location
46 Hermitage Rd, Maiden Gully, AU-VIC 3551
Neighborhood
Bendigo
Parking details
Free parking on site.
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 302 people are saying

Cellar Door at Balgownie Bendigo reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.2Service
4.2Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Energetic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Cellar Door at Balgownie Bendigo offers a "beautiful setting" with an "outstanding service" led by Alan, Rachel, and team. The wines, especially the Bendigo Chardonnay, are praised for their quality. Despite limited menu options, the "overall ambience" and stunning views make it a cherished spot for a final visit before its closure.

302 Reviews

P
Peter
Melbourne5 reviews
3.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Balgownie used to be a great place to eat. Sadly no more. Both the mince beef pie and pumpkin quiche had clearly been hanging around beyond their use by date. I understand the owners are trying to sell the winery and hospitality is a hard slog these days, but the staff were really good and don’t deserve to be lumbered with having to serve sub standard food. On a more positive note, the wines are still good especially the Bendigo chardy (better than its Yarra Valley cousin) and the guy serving the cellar door is a good ambassador for the brand.
Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on April 21, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to review. We are sorry that the food did not live up to your expectation. We can assure you that the food was not hanging around or past it's best before date. The team will be delighted that you thought highly of their service as they need all the positivity they can get right now, especially with only one week before the venue close for good under the Balgownie brand.
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K
Karen
Victoria2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Rachel was wonderful and we all had a great time enjoying the food, wine, view and overall ambience. We are very sorry that this beautiful vineyard and restaurant are closing down. It has been a big part of Bendigo’s culture for as long as I can remember.
Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on April 21, 2025
Thank you for your review, the team appreciate your support. It is obviously very disappointing that we are closing after a 56 year presence in Bendigo. We do however hope someone will take on the responsibility of running this wonderful space from August (after the sale is settled) albeit under a different name.
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A
Andrew
Victoria2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding service by Alan, Rachel and one other lady made the experience due to the professional and highly personable professional service. Any employee is very fortunate to have one or all of them?
Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on April 21, 2025
The team are certain to be delighted by this review. Thank you for your words of support.
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S
Sharon
Victoria2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful setting great service. So sad Balgownie is closing at end month after all these years.
Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on April 21, 2025
Thank you for words we are happy you enjoyed your experience and share your sadness re the closure.
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H
Heather
Victoria1 review
5.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We chose an outside table & enjoyed looking toward the vines while enjoying lunch. Service was outstanding, I am sorry that I can't recall the servers name. Meat platter was devine & the wine was wonderful. Thank you for the fabulous lunch, the last time we will enjoy your hospitality. Best wishes to you all.
Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on April 21, 2025
Thank you for this lovely review, we are so happy that you enjoyed your experience (s) with us.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Victoria1 review
5.0
Dined on March 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely outlook/setting. Recommend for a light lunch or a wine.
Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on April 21, 2025
Thank you
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M
Miki
Melbourne8 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
We wanted to go to the beautiful restaurant at Balgownie Bendigo one last time - it has been such a favourite. I had wondered how they were managing the closing of the restaurant with staff retention etc. I have my answer 😞😞 bar service - pizzas - a home made pie - store bought cakes in the fridge by the look of it - a really disappointing way to say goodbye to- I do understand though
Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on April 21, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to make the review and for your sympathy. It has been very hard for the team to keep going through until the end and sadly we could not maintain the previous offering. We hope you remember Balgownie Bendigo for the fantastic venue it was rather than the last couple of months!
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J
Jianwei （Eric）
Victoria1 review
5.0
Dined on January 29, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was a great experience, highly recommended! 👍
Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on April 21, 2025
Thank you
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L
Lisa
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined on January 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My husband and I did the wine tasting, everything we tried was amazing and explained in detail. Staff were very helpful. We had lunch and the pizza was cooked perfectly. We stayed in the safari tent for the night that I highly recommend. Aircon, mini bar, kitchenette, double bed, bath and en-suite made it very comfortable. We also spotted kangaroos from the front of our tent. Breakfast was included. Staff gave us tips for places to see in Bendigo. Will definitely return.
Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on April 21, 2025
Thank you for your kind words. The team all have access to this platform and do monitor the reviews. They are always so excited when the positive reviews come through.
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B
Brendan
Victoria5 reviews
3.0
Dined on January 25, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Service was poor. Walked in staff walked past us and then after a few minutes they enquired if we were being looked after. They were shocked at the reply of No. We were early for our lunch booking but were prepared to do a tasting prior to our booking time. We would have understood but it appeared there were no staff for wine tasting. No alternative was not offered. Eventually we were sorted and advised we were early. We felt as if we were an inconvenience because we arrived early. It was explained they were short of staff. We accept that but then we were told our table number which was occupied by others. Note: This was still occupied when we left. The atmosphere and vibe was questionable and we did consider walking away. Wanting to give them a go. Had pizza’s and glass of bubbles. Wine was fine. Had a glass of estate Shiraz again fine. Would l recommend, not really, limited menu and service that needs to lift. Wine was fine. The big question is would l go back. No
Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on January 27, 2025
Thank you for your review of the Cellar Door here at Balgownie. We are sorry we did not live up to your expectations. With the impending closure of the business we are finding ourselves short-staffed and the remaining team are trying their hardest to service guests as best they can. I am sure they too will be disappointed at your perceived experience.
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FAQs

Cellar Door at Balgownie Bendigo is rated 4.2 stars by 302 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for Cellar Door at Balgownie Bendigo

46 Hermitage Rd, Maiden Gully, AU-VIC 3551

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Bendigo
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 8:00 am–10:00 am Sat, Sun 8:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Australian, Winery, Modern European
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Free parking on site.
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.balgownie.com/bendigo/dining
Phone number
(03) 5449 6222
Private party facilities
For private events please email eventsbendigo@balgownie.com