Cellar Door at Balgownie Bendigo

Cellar Door at Balgownie Bendigo reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. P

   Peter

   Melbourne5 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 20 April 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Balgownie used to be a great place to eat. Sadly no more. Both the mince beef pie and pumpkin quiche had clearly been hanging around beyond their use by date. I understand the owners are trying to sell the winery and hospitality is a hard slog these days, but the staff were really good and don’t deserve to be lumbered with having to serve sub standard food. On a more positive note, the wines are still good especially the Bendigo chardy (better than its Yarra Valley cousin) and the guy serving the cellar door is a good ambassador for the brand.
   

   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 21 April 2025

   Thank you for taking the time to review. We are sorry that the food did not live up to your expectation. We can assure you that the food was not hanging around or past it's best before date. The team will be delighted that you thought highly of their service as they need all the positivity they can get right now, especially with only one week before the venue close for good under the Balgownie brand.
   

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2. K

   Karen

   Victoria2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 13 April 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Rachel was wonderful and we all had a great time enjoying the food, wine, view and overall ambience. We are very sorry that this beautiful vineyard and restaurant are closing down. It has been a big part of Bendigo’s culture for as long as I can remember.
   

   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 21 April 2025

   Thank you for your review, the team appreciate your support. It is obviously very disappointing that we are closing after a 56 year presence in Bendigo. We do however hope someone will take on the responsibility of running this wonderful space from August (after the sale is settled) albeit under a different name.
   

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3. A

   Andrew

   Victoria2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 13 April 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Outstanding service by Alan, Rachel and one other lady made the experience due to the professional and highly personable professional service. Any employee is very fortunate to have one or all of them?
   

   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 21 April 2025

   The team are certain to be delighted by this review. Thank you for your words of support.
   

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4. S

   Sharon

   Victoria2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 12 April 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Beautiful setting great service. So sad Balgownie is closing at end month after all these years.
   

   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 21 April 2025

   Thank you for words we are happy you enjoyed your experience and share your sadness re the closure.
   

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5. H

   Heather

   Victoria1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 30 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We chose an outside table & enjoyed looking toward the vines while enjoying lunch. Service was outstanding, I am sorry that I can't recall the servers name. Meat platter was devine & the wine was wonderful. Thank you for the fabulous lunch, the last time we will enjoy your hospitality. Best wishes to you all.
   

   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 21 April 2025

   Thank you for this lovely review, we are so happy that you enjoyed your experience (s) with us.
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Victoria1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 28 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Lovely outlook/setting. Recommend for a light lunch or a wine.
   

   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 21 April 2025

   Thank you
   

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7. M

   Miki

   Melbourne8 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 23 February 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   We wanted to go to the beautiful restaurant at Balgownie Bendigo one last time - it has been such a favourite. I had wondered how they were managing the closing of the restaurant with staff retention etc. I have my answer 😞😞 bar service - pizzas - a home made pie - store bought cakes in the fridge by the look of it - a really disappointing way to say goodbye to- I do understand though
   

   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 21 April 2025

   Thank you for taking the time to make the review and for your sympathy. It has been very hard for the team to keep going through until the end and sadly we could not maintain the previous offering. We hope you remember Balgownie Bendigo for the fantastic venue it was rather than the last couple of months!
   

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8. J

   Jianwei （Eric）

   Victoria1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 29 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was a great experience, highly recommended! 👍
   

   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 21 April 2025

   Thank you
   

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9. L

   Lisa

   Melbourne1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 27 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   My husband and I did the wine tasting, everything we tried was amazing and explained in detail. Staff were very helpful. We had lunch and the pizza was cooked perfectly. We stayed in the safari tent for the night that I highly recommend. Aircon, mini bar, kitchenette, double bed, bath and en-suite made it very comfortable. We also spotted kangaroos from the front of our tent. Breakfast was included. Staff gave us tips for places to see in Bendigo. Will definitely return.
   

   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 21 April 2025

   Thank you for your kind words. The team all have access to this platform and do monitor the reviews. They are always so excited when the positive reviews come through.
   

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10. B

    Brendan

    Victoria5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 25 January 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2

    Service was poor. Walked in staff walked past us and then after a few minutes they enquired if we were being looked after. They were shocked at the reply of No. We were early for our lunch booking but were prepared to do a tasting prior to our booking time. We would have understood but it appeared there were no staff for wine tasting. No alternative was not offered. Eventually we were sorted and advised we were early. We felt as if we were an inconvenience because we arrived early. It was explained they were short of staff. We accept that but then we were told our table number which was occupied by others. Note: This was still occupied when we left. The atmosphere and vibe was questionable and we did consider walking away. Wanting to give them a go. Had pizza’s and glass of bubbles. Wine was fine. Had a glass of estate Shiraz again fine. Would l recommend, not really, limited menu and service that needs to lift. Wine was fine. The big question is would l go back. No
    

    Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 27 January 2025

    Thank you for your review of the Cellar Door here at Balgownie. We are sorry we did not live up to your expectations. With the impending closure of the business we are finding ourselves short-staffed and the remaining team are trying their hardest to service guests as best they can. I am sure they too will be disappointed at your perceived experience.
    

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