E-biking your way to the wineries
Our friends at Bella E-Bike Hire have put together some great ideas on what to get up to around Portarlington… by bike. And yep, they have baskets on board to fill up with all the beautiful produce (wines) you might come across in your journey 🙂
Here’s what Jeremy has to say……
Hiring an electric bike from Bella E-Bike Hire is a great way for an adventure on the Bellarine. The combination of catching the ferry from Docklands to Portarlington and riding an e-bike can make it a car and hassle-free day. Many of Bella E-Bike customers have taken advantage of the cluster of good wineries near Portarlington. They have a great time and their e-bike winery quest follows a winning itinerary.
The day starts by catching the morning ferry with Port Phillip Ferries from centrally located Docklands to Portarlington. There is ample on-board bike stowage for friends who might be bringing their own bikes and the café will keep you fueled up for the day.
Jeremy, will meet you at Portarlington Pier with your electric bikes and helmets. He will fit you with a bike and provide instructions on using it. The e-bikes are much like riding a conventional bike but the electric motor and battery gives you an automatic boost when you are pedaling. As Trailblazer800905’s review on TripAdvisor stated “Riding an electric bike … is like cruising on a Harley, totally effortless.” Not everybody would completely agree but they are loads of fun and help you tackle those hills.
Within 5km from Portarlington there are a number of wineries to choose from. Head up the Geelong Road and 20 minutes riding gets you to Bellarine Estate, Bennetts on Bellarine, Kilgour Wines, Terindah Estate, Jack Rabbit or Scotchmans Hill. Not to mention The Whiskery with their multi-award winning gin + the new cellar-door Lethbridge @ Hat Rock. All of the wineries are within a couple of kilometres of each other, so e-bikes are the perfect way to explore them and get some exercise.
The views at Jack Rabbit and Terindah Estate across Corio Bay to the You Yangs are sensational. The view from Scotchmans Hill back to the Melbourne CBD is picture postcard perfect. Food is available at the wineries with different menus and each has their own vibe. Check the websites from details and opening hours.
Finally ride back to the Portarlington Pier to catch the ferry home. If the joy of the wineries was too much, a call to Jeremy for a lift will get you safely back for the ferry before your whisked back to Docklands. On board get a nice cup of coffee, another wine or cold beverage to relax at the end of the day and you might even see dolphins frolicking in the water.
Book your e-bikes online or call 0439285825 to lock in your hire. Riders must have had their 18th birthday – sorry kids!