Beechworth

Right alongside the celebrated Bridge Road Brewers (try the Bling IPA or a Little Bling IPA for a starter) in the middle of town, Eldorado Road’s cellar door has had a recent upgrade, now with a cantina serving snacks in the cosy hidden courtyard. As ever, the wines here, drawn from Beechworth, Rutherglen and the tiny estate vineyard located near El Dorado (in the Beechworth foothills), remain glorious outliers. The nero d’Avola is arguably the best in the country, the Perseverance Shiraz a fascinating ode to stubborn hard work. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch Eldorado Road winemaker Paul ‘Bear’ Dahlenburg (perhaps better known as the manager/winemaker at Baileys of Glenrowan) behind the counter at this welcoming small cellar door, espousing the joy of Australian durif & nero d’Avola. ANDREW GRAHAM

OUTSTANDING WINE: 2017 Eldorado Road Perseverance Old Vine Shiraz, A$65