Regional Business Award: DEL RIOS WINERY AND RESTAURANT
Open to all Geelong-based businesses operating 10 kilometres or more from Geelong CBD, the Geelong Business Excellence Awards’ (GBEAs) Regional Business Award is proudly sponsored by Gartland.
The winner of this year’s Regional Business Award is del Rios Winery and Restaurant.
Established in 1996 by Esther and Gus del Rio, traditional influences are blended with contemporary techniques in the family-owned business.
Winemaker Gus del Rio produces a beautifully crafted range of low-yield wines from the del Rios vineyard and winery, where it is served and sold at the venue’s restaurant and cellar door.
Boasting 42 acres of vines at the south-west slope of Mount Anakie, the vineyard is hand pruned and trained. Vertical shoot positioning assists in facilitating airflow, allowing sunlight exposure, and low rainfall reduces disease and chemical spraying.
Fruit is handpicked from the vines prior to processing, with this labour of love resulting in elegant and complex wines, reflecting the true varietal character of the volcanic region.
Visitors can enjoy a cellar door experience with both indoor and outdoor dining, with the kitchen showcasing the best local seasonal produce in a contemporary and traditional blend of Spanish food. To top it all off, sit back and enjoy sweeping views of the Brisbane Ranges as you sip your wine and enjoy your meal.
“del Rios continued exceptional performance, especially throughout the turbulence caused by the pandemic, can largely be attributed to their clear-eyed understanding of the financial aspects of their operations,” said the judges.
“Their willingness to embrace clever and innovative thinking and practices has resulted in more efficient use of the company’s resources, lower operating costs, and improved profitability.”
