Commercial pilot turned winemaker John Ellis founded Bellvale in 1998, naming it in honour of his family's historical connection to a locale in New York. The winery is located in the lush Tarwin River valley of South Gippsland.

At the time John Ellis's choice of Gippsland was considered brave new territory for a vineyard. Since then the region's cool maritime climate has established it as one of Australia's leading Pinot Noir regions. The influence of Burgundian winemaking is palpable in Bellvale's wines; they make their Pinot Noir from a densely planted, dry grown vineyard, taking the French view that great wine is made on the vine.

Bellvale's lead wine is its Quercus Vineyard Pinot Noir, named after the two majestic oak trees standing sentry over the vineyard. Their estate Pinot Noir and Rosé are also notable.