Cellar Door at Balgownie Bendigo

Review summary

1. 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
   

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2. 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! 👍
   

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3. 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.
   

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4. 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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5. G

   Gary

   Sunshine Coast3 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on 17 January 2025

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

   Very quiet only 4 customers for lunch, very limited menu
   

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6. M

   Melissa

   Victoria2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 29 December 2024

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

   The day was perfect. Michael and his knowledge of wine was amazing. We had a great day
   

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   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 7 January 2025

   Thank you for your review, we are happy you enjoyed your experience with us. Michael will be super happy for the shout out also.
   

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7. C

   Campbell

   Victoria1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 10 December 2024

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

   Great food, great wine, well worth the visit Thanks
   

   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 7 January 2025

   Thank you for your review. We are happy you enjoyed your experience with us.
   

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8. S

   Sue

   Victoria1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 15 November 2024

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

   My friend and I enjoyed the beautiful day, view, delicious food and bubbles. We had excellent service with friendly knowledgeable staff. Being able to enjoy the experience in the peaceful ambience of the vineyard.
   

   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 3 December 2024

   Thank you for the wonderful review, we really appreciate it. We are very happy that you enjoyed your experience with us.
   

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9. R

   Robert

   Victoria1 review

   4.0

   Dined on 12 November 2024

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

   Our experience was good have been before and has always been great.The staff were excellent the views are to die for over looking the vineyard. Our lunch was great tasty and the wines excellant
   

   Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 3 December 2024

   Thank you for your positive review. We are glad you enjoyed your experience with us.
   

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10. E

    Elizabeth

    Tasmania1 review

    1.0

    Dined on 9 November 2024

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

    On arrival waitresses we’re quiet rude and reminding us that we needed to leave at a certain time which we knew. Basic food platters were average yet quite expensive. We were contentious encourage to order due to a wedding scheduled at later time yet we open to ordering and staying within our booked time slot. Disappointing experience for a birthday outing with friends. Would not come back, disgusted in the experience.
    

    Cellar Door at Balgownie BendigoResponded on 3 December 2024

    Thank you for taking the time to make this review. We take our guest feedback seriously and to heart. We are disappointed that your experience did not live up to your expectations. The day in question was busy and as you mentioned we did have a wedding on and as such we needed to turn the restaurant. Unfortunately we did not close the booking s down as quickly as we should have and rather than cancel we tried to push through.
    

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