Business Details
30 Years
experience
Premium Wines and Exquisite Dining at del Rios Winery
Established in 1996, del Rios Winery is a family-owned and operated vineyard nestled in the Moorabool Valley near Geelong. Our journey began with a deep connection to the land, driven by owner Gus del Rio's transition from dentistry to winemaking, bringing over two decades of hands-on expertise. We specialise in crafting premium wines using traditional methods, including wild yeast fermentation and French oak barrels, to reflect the unique terroir of our red volcanic soils. Our estate features a restaurant offering panoramic views, a cellar door for tastings, and event spaces for weddings and corporate gatherings.The del Rios family remains deeply involved, ensuring every bottle and experience embodies our commitment to quality and community. Sustainability and innovation guide our practices, from vineyard management to wine production, while our restaurant showcases a Spanish-inspired menu paired with estate-grown wines. We pride ourselves on creating an inviting environment where visitors can savour the fruits of our labour under the sun or in our cosy dining spaces.
Services
Wine Production
Wine Tasting
Restaurant Services
Event Hosting
Online Sales
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of family-owned winemaking expertise.
- Our wines use wild yeast fermentation and French oak barrels.
- We provide immersive vineyard experiences with panoramic views.
- Our restaurant features a Spanish-inspired menu paired with estate wines.
- We host bespoke events in a unique natural bushland setting.
Services
Wine Production
We craft premium wines using handcrafted processes, wild yeast fermentation, and French oak barrels. Our vineyards in the Moorabool Valley feature red volcanic soils ideal for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each vintage reflects the unique terroir and climate conditions of the region.
Wine Tasting
Our cellar door offers tastings of estate-grown wines in a scenic vineyard setting. Visitors can sample limited releases and vintage collections while learning about our winemaking philosophy. Tastings run daily during operating hours with knowledgeable staff.
Restaurant Services
The restaurant features panoramic views of the estate with a Spanish-inspired menu paired with del Rios wines. Dine in the Vista Room, Balcony, or Ledge areas for lunch or dinner. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Event Hosting
We host weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations in our vineyard estate. Spaces include the Vista Room, Dining Room, and outdoor areas with capacity up to 80 guests. Custom menus and wine pairings available.
Online Sales
Purchase estate wines through our online store with delivery Australia-wide. Available products include current vintages, museum releases, and gift cards. Orders processed securely with tracking updates provided.
People
Gus del Rio
Owner / Winemaker
Gus transitioned from dentistry to winemaking in 1996, bringing over 25 years of hands-on experience. He designs custom barrique specifications and focuses on terroir-driven techniques. His innovative approach balances tradition with modern winemaking methods.
Esther del Rio
Owner
Esther creates the welcoming atmosphere at del Rios, managing the cellar door and estate hospitality. Originally from Brunei, she combines her passion for food and wine to enhance visitor experiences. She oversees daily operations and guest interactions.
Questions
What are del Rios' opening hours?
Cellar door open Friday 11 AM-5:30 PM, restaurant Friday 5:30 PM-9 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11 AM-5 PM.
Do you offer wine tastings?
Yes, guided tastings available daily at the cellar door with options for premium and vintage selections.
Can I host a private event at del Rios?
Yes, we accommodate weddings, corporate events, and private functions for groups of 10+ with custom packages.
Are meals available at the winery?
Our restaurant serves Spanish-inspired cuisine with vineyard views, open for lunch Saturday/Sunday and dinner Friday.
How can I purchase del Rios wines online?
Visit our online store to order current vintages, museum releases, and gift cards with Australia-wide delivery.
Reviews (6)
Philippa Cowden
Nov 28, 2021
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We held our work Christmas party here for 30 people. Excellent service and easy to deal with. The food was delicious and the wine went down very well. I would definitely recommend
Elise Jones
Oct 28, 2021
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Nice looking place and views, but the food is rather disappointing and bland, something youd except at a cheap tourist place on the main strip. The staff mean well, but lacking a genuine touch and becomes rather annoying and full on. Looks like many reviews are made by the owners friends and family, especially the 5 stars.
Jessica Stephens
Oct 28, 2021
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A fantastic out of lockdown experience for my family! Thank you to the team at del rios for making our first lockdown family lunch such a special and memorable one, we had the set menu which featured delicious estate grown beef, paella, prawns and some yummy dessert to finish! Couldn't fault the service or flexibility of the staff with changes to the menu! My only disappointment is I didn't visit earlier! Highly recommend :)
Tommy William
Oct 24, 2021
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Such a hidden gem in the Greater Geelong region. A short drive from Geelong leads towards the cute little town of Anakie. Turn right after town into the lovely family run del Rios winery where the del Rios' second eldest son Josh is leading the charge with creating new and exciting ways for visitors to enjoy the amazing views from the property and delicious selection of wines clearly made with love.
We are looking forward to using the Bus from Geelong back on another occasion on a warm Friday night and enjoying the summer deck which is being built. We sampled the new limoncello with dessert following
We are looking forward to using the Bus from Geelong back on another occasion on a warm Friday night and enjoying the summer deck which is being built. We sampled the new limoncello with dessert following
Luke Goggin Real Estate
Sep 06, 2021
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Fantastic as usual, the new additions to the menu like anchovies on tomato, bread and rocket while simple was delicious, the prawns were amazing as were the mussels. The meatballs were fantastic we get them every time, as was the lamb cutlet and chicken skewers. The oysters always steal the show. Very friendly staff, the family run business know how to make you feel welcome and the wines are of course magnificent. We will be back again and again. i recommend this place to everyone.
Amanda Connell Team Premmie Emmie
Aug 10, 2021
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Our lunch experience and food was absolutely perfect, staff and atmosphere could not be faulted we were even lucky enough to have a large group of kangaroos hopping through the paddocks, it was absolutely spectacular I really wanted to be able to give this winery 5 stars based on the above but I feel my disappointments needed to be addressed.
when we arrived no one had read the notes on our booking which stated we had 3 children who then had to be squashed into our already booked table, and most terrifying was the menu that stated my salmon meal was gluten free but when it came to the table it
when we arrived no one had read the notes on our booking which stated we had 3 children who then had to be squashed into our already booked table, and most terrifying was the menu that stated my salmon meal was gluten free but when it came to the table it
