Our Family-Owned Vineyard in Marcus Hill

Banks Road Vineyard is a family-owned, small production winery in Marcus Hill on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, part of the Geelong wine region – just outside Geelong and within easy reach of the Surf Coast.

The vineyard was established in 2002 by William and Avanelle Derham, following Will’s early introduction to wine alongside his father, Jim. Sharing different varieties across a range of price points sparked a deeper interest for Will, not just in taste, but in how wine evolves, how it reflects place, and how each individual experiences it differently. Wine became a way to connect with friends and family, to open conversation, and to explore the relationship between land, season and flavour.

That curiosity developed into a long-term commitment to viticulture on the Bellarine Peninsula. The first five acres were planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – varieties chosen specifically for the region’s cool climate conditions and maritime influence from Port Phillip Bay. Over time, plantings expanded to include Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, each selected to suit the coastal air, moderate temperatures and long, steady ripening season that define the Geelong wine region.

The vineyard is intentionally low-yielding, with fewer bunches per vine so the fruit ripens slowly, retains natural acidity, and develops balance and structure. Guided by Will’s interest in the science behind the wine – soil, temperature variation and seasonal conditions – Banks Road takes a measured, minimal-intervention approach in the winery, with careful timing and respect for the integrity of the fruit. The result is clear, cool climate wines that are elegant, food-friendly and distinctly expressive of the Bellarine Peninsula. All wines are estate grown, made and bottled on site in Marcus Hill – a direct line from vineyard to cellar door, only a few hundred metres apart.

Collaboration has always been part of the story. Banks Road maintains strong working relationships with other growers across the Bellarine Peninsula and broader Victorian wine community, sharing knowledge, refining techniques and contributing to a resilient regional industry. As a family-owned winery in the Geelong region, the focus remains on supporting local suppliers, supplying local venues, and keeping skills, production and investment within the community. Sustainability and regional identity are practical decisions made each season.

The Banks Road Cellar Door & Café offers a relaxed Bellarine winery experience overlooking the vines and sculpture garden. Visitors can taste current releases, explore museum stock, and enjoy seasonal, locally inspired dishes designed to complement the wines. The setting is suited to long lunches, private functions and small events, and remains dog friendly and welcoming to families.

Across the year, seasonal vineyard activations — including grape picking days during harvest — offer a closer connection to the working landscape and cool climate growing conditions that shape each vintage.

Banks Road’s award-winning wines are poured throughout Geelong and the Surf Coast, and stocked by selected venues across Victoria.

Visit our Marcus Hill cellar door to experience our estate-grown Bellarine Peninsula wines, or get in touch to book a tasting or private event.