Vineyard ventures on the Bellarine

There's a reason November to January is called the silly season, and for Lyndsay and David Sharp, it will be sillier than usual. On Cup weekend (November 2 and 3), if all goes to plan, they'll throw open the doors on two new Bellarine Peninsula enterprises, Jack Rabbit Vineyard Restaurant at Bellarine and Leura Park Estate Cellar Door at Curlewis.

"We're teeming with people," says Lyndsay Sharp, as builders strive to complete the fine-dining restaurant at Jack Rabbit (formerly Kilgour Estate). The '60s-inspired space, taking in 180-degree views of Port Phillip Bay, the You Yangs and Geelong, will serve lunch daily over summer, and dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. Chefs David Hall and Paul Andrews are putting together a contemporary menu featuring local seafood.

Leura Park Estate's new cellar door will continue to offer tasting platters, pizzas and a "vineyard curry pot" in cooler weather at weekends (daily in summer). and live music on Sundays. Jack Rabbit Vineyard Restaurant, 85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine 5251 2223. Leura Park Estate Cellar Door, 1400 Portarlington Road, Curlewis 5253 3180.