Latest News

[ What's On ] [ Latest News ] [ Oktoberfest ] [ Newsletter ] [ Brewers Experience ]

July 2010

Otway Estate has taken out the 2010 Geelong Business Excellence Award for Manufacturing and Export sponsored by the City of Greater Geelong. This makes it two awards in succession for Otway Estate at the Geelong Awards.

We had a road trip to Sydney during July to participate in the Sydney Good Food and Wine Show. Hamish, Tony, Janine & Andrew helped introduce our Prickly Moses Beers in to Sydney. Our beers will soon be served at the Sydney Tatts Club so watch this space for more details.

Janine and Andrew celebrating success at the 2010 Geelong Business Excellence Awards.

June 2010

As Victoria struggles through it's coldest day so far this year - things are hotting up at Otway Estate. Our limited release Otway Panther IBA (India Black Ale) has hit Melbourne's most historic pub - Young and Jacksons along with our Otway Brewing Organic Lager, Red Ale, Otway Ale and Otway Stout.

Earlier in June we ventured up to Melbourne to take part in this years Good Food and Wine Show at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. A fun three days was had by the team at Otway Estate who were kept busy with a steady stream of punters keen to try our Prickly Moses Beers.

Andrew and Irish - Melbourne Good Food & Wine

May 2010

We glammed up and celebrated in style at this years Australian International Beer Awards held at Melbourne's Crown Casino. With over 240 breweries from 34 countries, Otway Estate's Prickly Moses Beers scored 2 silver and 5 bronze medals. including a silver for the Reserve De Otway and Stout, while the Summer Ale, Organic Lager, Wheat Beer, Farmhouse Ale and Strong Ale all received bronze medals.

Otway Estate held it's second Bridal Expo offering all future bride and grooms the opportunity to arrange their finer details with some of the regions best wedding suppliers. The fashion parade highlighting fashions from both KJ Fashions in Colac and Affordable Elegance in Camperdown saw some stunning fashion options. Many thanks to all our supporters for this wonderful event.
 

April 2010

The team took a road trip to country Victoria during April, participating in both the Grampians Grape Escape and the Clunes Back to Book town festivals. The fresh Autumn climate provided the perfect weather for these fantastic festivals. The Grape Escape, hosted at Halls Gap, provided a spectacular outlook for this wonderful festival.

Meanwhile, back at Otway Estate we celebrated Anzac day with the release of our new Golden Nugget Ale. The Golden Nugget Ale is a limited release beer available exclusively to Beer Club members and at Cellar door. Our wood-fire pizza weekend was a huge success many thanks to our talented chefs - Duncan and Dan.
 

March 2010

March has been another busy month for the team starting off with the Taste of Sydney with Hamish and Tony having a big weekend in Sydney.

Our slow lunch took place on March 14th as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. This spectacular lunch provided diners with a gourmet treat with the best of local produce including Otway Prime Beef and Apollo Bay seafood.

Our next outing was to the Kardinia International College Food and Wine Festival which was once again a fantastic event.

International star Kim Ritchie performed at Otway Estate as part of our Girls Day Out which was a great lead up to the Apollo Bay Music Festival. The team once again had a ball at the festival and are proud long time supporters and sponsors of the event.
 

Rosie, Janine, Ash & Luke

February 2010

The Otway Estate team have been out and about over February, travelling across the countryside, setting up new distributions and attending festivals and events. Our distribution now extends to the Mornington Peninsula and across central Victoria from Portland to Bendigo and Ballarat.

Our wee friend 'Prickly Moses' was causing some strife recently when he decided to park himself under my car when I had to rush off to a meeting. He was none too pleased about moving but after some brute force I was able to escape.

Prickly Moses under Janine's car

Our outing to Hanging Rock was a lot of fun - although our ears are still ringing from Irish's constant chatter all day. Thanks to all of those who supported us - hope you had as much fun as we did.

The other exciting news was Andrew and Hamish's trip to China to help find some kegs ... look for details in the next instalment!!
 

January 2010

January festivals got under way early with St Kilda veg out market taking place on the 2nd January. The famous Portarlington Mussel Festival was on the 9th January offering plenty for lovers of mussel's great food, wine and of course beer. The wind gusts made it an interesting day - so many thanks to those dedicated supporters that helped keep the beer tent from flying off as they enjoyed a Prickly or two.

Otway Estate were proud beer sponsors of the Rainbow Riders 70's party which took place mid month. Guests were entertained by the fabulous Darryl Braithwaite and partied the night away in their favourite 70's gear. A great effort by all to support this worthy trust.

January is never complete without Australia Day and we all proudly waved the flag for a big weekend of celebrations. Guests at Otway Estate were keep entertained by local favourites Gazz Jazz who never fail to disappoint.

The month ended with the Queenscliff market which was a tough day for all campers due to the forecast 40 degrees - it was luckily great beer drinking weather!
 

December 2009

As the end of 2009 quickly approaches and we are all set for Christmas things are really getting busy. With markets at Flemington and Queenscliff our team have been flat out making sure all the Christmas orders arrive on time.

The team managed to take time out to celebrate Christmas at Old Lorne Road Olives - Many thanks to Andy and Judy for making us so welcome.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our fantastic customers for all of your support throughout 2009. We could not have achieved all we have during this year without our amazing staff. We now look forward to 2010 which is set to be another awesome year.
 

November 2009

Otway Estate followed the weary riders as they travelled almost 500 kms from Portland to Geelong on this years Great Victorian Bike Ride. Our team were there with a smile and samples of our Otway Estate wines and Prickly Moses beers at most stops along the ride. Congratulations to all participants and many thanks for your support.

You'll find the Otway Estate team busy during the 'market season' with regular appearances at St Kilda, Flemington and Queenscliff - check our 'What's on' section for where you'll find us.

October 2009

*** NEWS FLASH ***

Otway Estate takes out the 2009 Powercor Colac Otway Business Excellence Awards. After winning the Tourism / Hospitality for the 3rd time, Otway Estate is proud to announce winning the major award for Business Excellence in the Colac Otway Region. We are really excited about the win which helps top off a fantastic year after our recent win at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards.

What a way to start October but with our Oktoberfest celebrations - the sun was shining, the pig trotters were slippery and everyone was in party mode. The band was pumping and the German food was cranking and that was another Oktoberfest at Otway Estate - watch this space for details on the 2010 event.

Pig racing, dog jumping, wood chopping and of course beer tasting! Yes that's right the 2009 Birregurra Weekend Festival was here again. Visitors got to sample fresh local produce and our fantastic beer and wines while visiting the Birre festival. If you missed us this year ... don't worry we'll be back in 2010.

We also visited the big smoke during October with an outing to Southbank for the inaugural Cellar Door at Southgate tasting.

October is certainly the month for festivals - we are also out and about at Bellbrae Estate in Torquay for Toast to the Coast, Murdeduke Garden in Winchelsea, the Volcanic Festival in Camperdown, Queenscliff Market and Flemington and St Kilda Markets - and they say that the Leyland Bros used to travel all over the country side!!
 

Winner - Colac Otway Business Awards 2009
photo courtesy of The Colac Herald

Hamish & Anthony - Oktoberfest
 

September 2009

Not only is September Footy Fever time in Australia it is also the start of Spring which generally means one thing ... it's festival time! The team at Otway Estate have been preparing themselves for the busy season ahead. Our early kick off started with the Taste of Melbourne held at the Exhibition Centre, Melbourne. Keeping a bit of the country in the city ... Otway Estate also attended the "Feast of the Senses" at Williamstown, The Royal Melbourne Show, Flemington Market and the Beer Showcase at Parliament House.

Meanwhile back at Otway Estate Sunday Jazz continues to attract fantastic crowds who were entertained by the wonderful local traditional jazz - Gazz Jazz.

Don't forget to book your tickets for our upcoming Oktoberfest - tickets available at Otway Estate or from Moshtixs.
 

August 2009

August at Otway Estate is jam packed with activities - from the Corangamarah Art Prize - Art Exhibition, our regular Jazz gig on August 18th to our Bridal Expo on August 23rd then rounded off by our final indoor Winter Farmers Market. Make sure you get along to Otway Estate this month so you don't miss out on the action.

If you don't get the chance to get to Otway Estate over August - make sure you head along to the Taste of Melbourne from August 27th to 30th at the Melbourne Exhibition Building in Carlton.

Don't forget to book your tickets for our upcoming Oktoberfest - tickets available at Otway Estate or from Moshtixs.
 

July 2009

Otway Estate takes out Geelong Advertiser - Business Excellence Award to Hospitality. "We are so proud to have won this award from such a hotly contested field - a big thank you to the fantastic team at Otway Estate" ... Janine Rose.  Click here to see the video (segment 5).

Otway Estate takes out it's first gold medal for its Semillon Sauvignon Blanc at Canberra's cool climate wine show.

Otway Estate's Sunday jazz features Romajanco. Romajanco , with Janece Brown on guitar and vocals and Roman Goldine on guitar, is a unique and impressive acoustic duo. Both accomplished guitarists, they combine the skills of their classical guitar backgrounds, with their own superb original arrangements, to create a rich and full sound.
 

Winner 2009 Hospitality Award

June 2009

Don't miss our first indoor winter farmers market for 2009 on Sunday, June 28th, over 30 stall holders showcasing the best and freshest local product and crafts. Held the last Sunday throughout Winter - make sure you call in Market on from 10 am - 2 pm.

Did you get to try our wonderful beers at this years Good Food Show - if not, what are you waiting for pick up and try some at your local stockist - see our outlets list for further details.

Congratulations to the lucky winner of our major draw at the Good Food Show - winning 2 nights accommodation including meals, tour and some fantastic beer and wine.

May 2009

Harvest is finally over, the leaves are starting to drop and the beautiful colours of autumn are shining through.

• May  1st - Friday Night Live with Howlin Wind - Live music and dinner from 7 pm

• May 9th - Werribee Saturday Market, Werribee race course from 8:30 am

• May 10th - Happy Mothers Day, come and celebrate at Otway Estate

• May 17th - Sunday Jazz in the vines

• May 24th - Flemington Sunday Market, Flemington race course from 9 am

Werribee Market
 

April 2009

Don't miss our HUGE harvest sale on over the Easter long weekend - starting Good Friday. Pick up a bargain with dozen lots starting at just $45.

• April 3rd - Friday Night Live - Live music and dinner from 7 pm

• April 12th - See as at the Point Lonsdale Market from 10am - 3 pm

• April 18th - Werribee Saturday Market

• April 26th - Flemington Sunday Market

Otway Estate's harvest has also kicked off during April with the first fruit - the Sauvignon Blanc being picked on April 7th. It is set to be another busy month with the on-set of harvest and chasing off the hungry birds!!

Andrew & Rosie - Apollo Bay Music Festival 2009
 

March 2009

It's March madness at Otway Estate with a jam packed calendar of events, including

• March 6th - Friday Night Live - Live music and dinner from 7 pm

• March 8th - Sunday, Slow Food in the Otways 12 noon

• March 17th - 18th, Microbrewers Showcase at Federation Square

• March 19th - 21st, Australian International Beer Expo at Melbourne Showgrounds

• March 19th - Thursday, Australian International Beer Show

• March 21st - Saturday, Apollo Bay Show

• March 21st - Saturday, Kardinia International College Food & Wine Show

• March 22nd - Sunday, Lara Food & Wine Show

• March 27th - 29th, Apollo Bay Music Festival

• March 28th, St Patricks Day Races, Colac

Tony. Luke, Janine. Andrew, Kingsley & Hamish celebrating success at the 2009 International Beer Awards
photo by: Stu Morley

February 2009

Otway Estate has commenced its Friday and Saturday night dining. Our al a carte menu will now be available Friday, Friday evening, Saturday, Saturday evening and Sunday with our gourmet deli starting during March.

With our events calendar almost complete - watch this space for all our on-site events. Friday Night live will kick off shortly.

Don't miss out on booking for the Slow Food lunch on Sunday, March 8th - email or phone us for further details ... and the price to pay for a Slow Lunch ...

• Slow Food Members:

  • $65 excluding beverage

  • $95 including beverage

• Non Members

  • $70 excluding beverage

  • $100 including beverage

Duncan & Abbie cooking up a storm!

January 2009

Happy New Year. After a fairly cool start to Summer it certainly went off with some pretty intense heat getting up over 40 degrees for a nice long stretch. Luckily our grapes handled the heat ok and managed to get sufficient water to prevent any damage.

We have been busy out and about in January attending the new farmers market at Torquay - for those that have not yet attended get down to Bristol Street, Torquay every Saturday for some wonderful local produce, beer and wines.

The Portarlington Mussel Festival was a huge success again this year, this fantastic event takes place early January every year - make sure you put this one in the diary.

Portarlington Mussel Festival

December 2008

Our new range of Otway Estate wines were released just in time for Christmas, these include;

• 2008 Semillon Sauvignon

• 2008 Gewerztraminer Riesling

• 2008 Rose

• 2008 "Geelong" Shiraz

• 2008 Dolce

December was busy with many Christmas celebrations then a well earned break on Christmas day before a busy end of December.

Otway Estate would like to wish all our our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Safe and prosperous 2009.

November 2008

Otway Estate wins Ministers Award at the 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards. After a huge year for the business - firstly taking out the Colac Otway Business Awards, Otway Estate was also awarded the Ministers Encouragement Award. Janine and Andrew accepted the award from the Tourism Minister - Tim Holding.

On November 30th Otway Estate took part in this years Harvest Picnic at Werribee, a fantastic event for all lovers of fine food, wine and our course beer.

The Federal Opposition Leader - Malcolm Turnbull visited Colac and Otway Estate for a meeting with local business leaders. Mr Turnbull enjoyed a working lunch at Otway Estate before spending the rest of the afternoon in Colac.

October 2008

October is festival season and time to celebrate ... and what better reason to celebrate than Oktoberfest. This year Otway Estate is holding it's very own Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 25th.

Enjoy our fantastic Otway Estate beers and try our German style beers - brewed specially for the festival along with German imported beers. You will be entertained with German music and fare. You can tuck into some bratwurst and sauerkraut, participate in a tutored beer tasting or watch the Cox Plate on the big screen (hey we know this isn't German ... however it's an Aussie icon so we'd hate you to miss out).

Bus transfers available from Melbourne or Geelong - check out Otway Oktoberfest for further details.

If you can't make it to the beer festival make sure you come and see us while we are out and about during October - see What's On for all the details.

Otway Estate wins the Colac Otway Business Awards - Manufacturing category.
 

September 2008

September started with a musical treat with local artist Gracie Hester delighting crowds before our head line act Tiffany Eckhardt and Dave Steel. It was a fabulous evening so watch our What's on for upcoming acts.

Meanwhile ... out in the vineyard the buds are finally starting to burst with the first leaves starting to shoot as Spring comes our way. We have also started our grafting program to graft over our Cabernet vines to more suitable cool climate varieties such as Riesling.

We were out and about during September - taking on the Australian Capital by storm at the National Capital Beer Festival - you can now enjoy our Prickly Moses beers at the Wig & Pen and the Olims Hotel. Our head brewer (Luke) and winemaker (Matt) were at the Royal Melbourne Show this year sharing their knowledge on all things beer and wine.

Otway Estate has been nominated as a finalist for this years Golden Plate awards ... watch this space for update details.

September has certainly been a busy month - Otway Estate has been nominated as finalists in both the Tourism / Hospitality and Manufacturing categories in the Colac Otway Business Awards.
 

Tiffany Eckhardt

August 2008

After a short break during July our Saturday evening dining has re-commenced with a fabulous new menu. Abbie is the master when it comes to desserts, try some of the wonderful new tastes on offer. Make sure you phone to make your reservation today.

Matty Orchard and Loretta Dawes entertained crowds at the recent Friday Night Live. Guests enjoyed these wonderful local talents. Our next month entertainers include the awesome Tiffany Eckhardt and Dave Steele. Tiffany has established herself as one of Australia's finest singers and songwriters. Don't miss out on our next Friday Night Live on September 5th - book now before sold old. For more info on Tiffany see http://www.tiffanyeckhardt.com for details.

The Corangamarah Art Prize was awarded during August and was taken out by Mark Threadgold for his work titled From "Where We Were Standing We Knew We Only had Two options". The Brewers Choice Award was selected as Samantha Everton's "Imaginations of the Night". The event attracted over 200 people to opening night with a steady flow of visitors to the exhibition over the two week period.

Don't forget ... the 3rd and final Winter Farmers market is on August 31st - don't miss out on the wonderful fresh produce, art and craft. See Gracie Hester perform on the day.

July 2008

Otway Estate takes over Gellibrand River Hotel.

The Oldest pub in the Otways, the Gellibrand River Hotel will now be run by Otway Estate - a group of staff and investors took over the hotel on July 1st and is now offering meals 7 days a week for both lunch and dinner.

Our Friday night live music took place on July 4th with a fantastic crowd in to see local talent - Bridie and Kerryn O'Sullivan along with Red Violets (Claire Foley & Jill O'Dowd) and Ambitious Fish. Check out What's on for our upcoming acts.

June 2008

As we see the start of winter - so is the commencement of the indoor winters farmers markets. The first market was a huge success with over 30 stall holders selling goods from fresh farm produce, gourmet chocolates, jewellery and hand made soaps just to name a few. Don't miss the next market on Sunday, July 20th.

Colac College hosted its band night at Otway Estate on June 20th - the Year 9 and 10 students were fantastic as the rocked and danced along to a enthusiastic crowd. Five bands, two dance routines and a solo vocalist really showed some upcoming local talent.

Speaking of local talent. Otway Estate's Friday Night Live Music is helping to promote and highlight some awesome local talent. Held on the first Friday of the Month, this months act included Red Violets, Vicious Fish and Another Day.

May 2008

The leaves have started to fall as harvest comes to an end. The last fruit has now been picked and is busy fermenting. The fruit quality this year has been stunning particularly our sparkling base so we have high expectations for the future.

Meanwhile back in the brewery the first of our organic lager brews is well under way and our first organic apple cider will be ready mid May.

Don't forget to treat your mother for Mothers Day at Otway Estate - take her to lunch or breakfast or buy a wonderful gift from our gallery.
 

April 2008

* PRESS RELEASE **

Otway Estate scoops 1 silver and 3 bronze at the Australian International Beer Show. Our Summer Ale scores a silver medal while our Stout, Strong Ale and Red Ale take home bronze medals.

April is a huge month for Otway Estate being mid harvest as well as the annual trek to Apollo Bay for the Apollo Bay Music Festival. This year once again is showcasing some fantastic talent so don't miss out on the festival - or checkout the local talent playing the first Friday of every month at Otway Estate for our "Friday Night Live"

What's On ...

• April 4th - Friday Night Live

• April 25th - 27th: Apollo Bay Music Festival

• April 20th - Point Lonsdale Easter Market, 9 am - 2 pm

• April 27th - Queenscliff Market

March 2008

Visit us on site over the Easter long weekend and pick up some bargains during our annual Harvest sale. Try some of our latest released beers including;

- Otway Light
- Summer Ale
- Stout
- Pilsner

Out and about ...

• March 9th - Point Lonsdale Market

• March 15th - Kardinia International College, Food and Wine Festival

• March 22nd - Point Lonsdale Easter Market, 9 am - 2 pm

• March 30th - Queenscliff Market

February 2008

Don't miss the opportunity to visit us at Federation Square on Feb 27th and 28th as we take part in the Microbrewers Show Case. Try some of our fantastic beers for yourself.

Out and about ...

• February 23rd - Otway Odyssey - Forrest 10 am - 6 pm

• February 24th - Queenscliff Market

• February 27th & 28th - Federation Square, Microbrewers Show Case

Photo courtesy of Andrew Connolly

January 2008

Happy New Year

The start of 2008 certainly put the heat on with 40 degree plus heat. A hot start to what we hope to be a very exciting year. Our re-branding will kick off in January then our new website by mid year. We will also be expanding our range of beers to include 12 different varieties.

Out and about ...

• January 12th - Portarlington Mussel Festival, try some amazing local seafood teamed with our range of Prickly Moses Beer and Otway Estate wines.

• January 14th & 21st - sample Otway Estate wine and beer at the Otway Fly tree top walk. Visit one of Victoria's major natural attractions and sample some of our fabulous products.

• January 26th - celebrate Australia Day at Otway Estate, Live Music, Free Shuttle bus from Colac