A Brief History

Formerly Roberta's Wine Bar & Deli, Rachael & Ty Simons took it over in February 2021. They wanted a name that reflected Ocean Grove's unusual history. 

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Ocean Grove received its name from a town of the same name near New Jersey in the United States. During the 1870’s the American Methodist Church set up a religious camp near New Jersey and due to its success decided to start camps overseas. They joined forces with Methodists in Victoria and decided on a camp near Point Lonsdale. This proved successful so they purchased a large area of land to begin their Australian version of Ocean Grove in 1882.

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In 1887 25,00 blocks of land were subdivided after being purchased by Charles James and James Grigg. The land had an interesting covenant on it. Being strong Methodists James and Griggs forced “no part of the above land shall be used for the manufacture of sale of malted spirituous or vinous liquors” this meant that no alcohol was allowed to be sold or manufactured on the land.

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To this day, there is a Covenant is one every parcel of land in "Old" Ocean Grove, and businesses wanting to sell or serve alcohol have to appear in court to get it lifted.

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We love the Bellarine, showcasing many of its amazing wines,

gin & produce. But we know that Australia has many amazing wine regions - we have tried to represent them all!

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