Situated in Victoria, Geelong was the largest grape-growing region in the 1800s. Its climate, a cross between the world-renowned French wine regions - Bordeaux and Burgundy, as well as rich soils, are today being acknowledged yet again. Geelong has 3 sub-regions - the Bellarine, the Moorabool Valley, and the Surf Coast. The climate can best be described as cool and pleasant, with the vineyards in the Bellarine Peninsula receiving a maritime influence. Considering that the region is divided into 3 distinct subregions, the soil differs dramatically. While these diverse soils mean that a great variety of grapes can be grown here, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay are worth mentioning.