“Basils Farm is a little bit different to your average winery,” says general manager Kim Dema. That may be an understatement: the 20-hectare property certainly has vines – pinot noir, chardonnay and shiraz – but there are also orchards, a market garden, a conservation project for the adjacent protected wetlands, and a bevy of farm animals (chickens, ducks, and more). Between the cellar door, the cafe, the organic gardens, the sun-drenched lawns and the fine views over Swan Bay, it’s a captivating place to spend an afternoon. basilsfarm.com.au

In a chic, light-filled dining room Merne at Lighthouse has stunning views over an olive grove and vineyards is. The menu by co-owner and chef Josh Smith has a sharing/grazing focus. The name ‘merne’, an Indigenous word that loosely translates as ‘food from the earth’, gives a good indication of the menu philosophy: local, sustainable, ethical and seasonal. merne.com.au

Tracy and Peter Bold’s eatery, The Little Mussel Cafe , is a compelling foodie stop. “We are the only place [on the peninsula] where you can buy direct from the farmer,” says Tracey. “You just can’t get mussels any fresher.” The pair have been farming mussels in the area for more than 35 years, and their cafe dishes up generous, rustic fare. Try the homemade chowder, the excellent arancini balls and, if it’s on the specials board, the Masterchef Mussels – a classic blend of plump bivalves with a broth of tomatoes, garlic, wine and cream. advancemussel.com.au

Love mussels? Take your knowledge and appreciation a step further on a Classic Mussel Tour with Portarlington Mussel Tours (departing from Portarlington Pier).Head out into Port Philip Bay on a refurbished boat to learn all about mussel farming with grower Lance Griffen. You’ll see (and touch) mussel ropes and experience onboard cooking demonstrations and local produce tastings. portarlingtonmusseltours.com.au

Kill two birds with one stone on The Q Train, an award-winning restaurant on rails that’s a delightful way to experience the best of Bellarine produce while admiring passing vineyards and coastal country. The journey includes a return trip from Drysdale (start with a glass of bubbles on the platform) with a stop in Queenscliff to stretch your legs. theqtrain.com.au

Boasting scenic panoramas of the You Yangs and Port Phillip Bay, the expansive deck at Jack Rabbit Estate’s upscale restaurant has arguably the peninsula’s best views – and it’s the perfect place for a long lunch featuring local lamb and beef. jackrabbitvineyard.com.au

At charming cafe/grocer Annie’s Provedore & Produce Store the shelves are filled with artisan pantry goodies, the display cabinets groan with sweet and savoury treats, and the Italian-leaning menu promises (and delivers) tastiness, from breakfast bowls and homemade pies to fresh salads and sambos. Come evening, it’s all about the pizza. anniesprovedore.com.au

With its upside-down cellar door, ‘fairy-tale garden’ featuring an eclectic collection of teapots, and rambling array of farm machinery displayed as sculpture, Oakdene (255 Grubb Rd, Wallington) is a unique winery experience.Come to taste the range of elegant wines before enjoying lunch on the birch-shaded deck at Mr Grubb – perfect for families thanks to casual classics like fish and chips, burgers and pies as well as tacos, pizzas and other share-fare. oakdene.com.au

The setting of At The Heads is impressive enough: perched on the jetty, on the sandy banks of the Barwon River, just as it meets the sea. Inside, the refined space is pared back; nothing distracts from the 270-degree views – apart from the food, which, given the location, leans towards seafood. If it’s on the menu, start with the beetroot-and-raspberry-cured salmon; follow it up with their ever-popular fish and chips. attheheads.com.au

A region this close to Melbourne naturally has more than one coffee hotspot: in St Leonards, head to Wildings Pantry Essentials. In Barwon Heads, it’s the aforementioned Annie’s Provedore.

Every visit to a beachy region requires a taste-test of the local ice-cream. The Scandinavian Ice Cream Company has been the local favourite for more than 30 years – and with outposts in Queenscliff and Barwon Heads, it’s easy to get your fix. Choose from traditional or waffle cones; as to flavours, honeycomb is the most popular in Queenscliff, while peppermint is the standout in Barwon Heads. We suggest you sample both. facebook.com/TheScandinavianIceCreamCompany

The Bellarine is a subregion of the wider Geelong wine area. It’s a relatively young district (particularly when compared to places like the Barossa and Hunter), but that hasn’t stopped the plaudits rolling in, especially for pinots and chardonnays, the renowned varietals of the region. Highlights on the Bellarine wine-tasting trail include Leura Park Estate. leuraparkestate.com.au

Here you’ll sip on award-winning wines while dining on delicious food while overlooking vast stretches of vineyards. Terindah Estate makes for the perfect place to long lunch and soak in the sun. terindahestate.com

Scotchmans Hill has been producing premium cool maritime climate wines for over forty years. Situated in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula, the winery has become a renowned local producer. scotchmans.com.au

If you love waterside eating, it doesn’t get much closer than Tarra Restaurant. On the first floor of the spectacular architecturally designed Queenscliff Ferry Terminal, Tarra offers floor to ceiling views of the water where, if you’re lucky, you may even spot a dolphin. The contemporary Mediterranean-inspired menu includes the signature Tarra Charcuterie, a generous board of housemade smallgoods, pickles and bread. tarra.com.au