Awarded with two nominations as a finalist in the 2019 Deakin University Geelong Business Excellence Awards, Bennetts on Bellarine is well-placed to go even better next year.
The Bellarine Peninsula winery and restaurant made the final round of nominations in the Tourism and Hospitality and Regional Business categories.
Bennetts on Bellarine’s award entry described the business as “approachable, rustic, comfort, family, relaxed”.
“When you read those words what do you think of,” the entry asked.
“Maybe home cooked meals with mum? A friendly business that is passionate about their product?
“Or perhaps an out of town escape where you can kick up your feet?
“We like to feel that Bennetts on Bellarine is a beautiful mishmash of all of these stories.”
A true family-owned-and-operated business under the leadership of mother-and-son duo Gill and Jamie Bennett, the venue took over its premises on Portarlington Rd, Bellarine, in 2013.
The operators admit in their entry that they were unsure of what the new venture had in store for them.
They stood under the site’s 100-year-old gum tree, looked at the empty space and began dreaming.
“Five years (and a few grey hairs later), that dream has finally come to fruition,” the award entry says.
“In December last year they opened the doors to a brand new cellar door.
“Through the years of planning and modifications, one thing has always remained. The key words: approachable; rustic; comfort; family; and relaxed.”
