The Mornington Peninsula’s Best Wineries for a Memorable Wine Weekend
By visiting the top vineyards and wineries on the Mornington Peninsula, you can taste your way through one of Victoria’s most intriguing food and wine regions, in addition to its lovely beaches and golf courses. There are more than 50 wineries to visit in the Mornington Peninsula, which is renowned for producing outstanding pinot noir and chardonnay, as well as a number of must-visit dining establishments. So, on your trip down the Mornington Peninsula, make the most of this food and wine rich location and visit some of our favourites.
The Mornington Peninsula is situated just over an hour south-east of Melbourne. This region attracts Melbournites like moths to a flame, due to the availability of natural attractions, beaches, coastal scenery, and Mornington Peninsula vineyards; therefore, it’s helpful to know the top wineries so you don’t get trapped visiting the “overcrowded” sites. Vineyards thrive here because of the area’s fertile valleys and warm temperature. Winemaking in the area has a long history that dates to the late 19th century. The Mornington Peninsula region contributes more than $1.2 billion to Australia’s tourism industry, making it one of the top regional travel destinations in the country. Like the Yarra Valley, the Peninsula has earned a reputation as one of Victoria’s (and Australia’s) top wine-producing regions.
Luxury lodging, wine tasting, cellar doors, exquisite meals with regional ingredients, and some exceptional cool-climate types are all features of the best Mornington Peninsula wineries. One of the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula and as a day trip from Melbourne is a self-guided tour – but where to do you go and what wineries do you visit?
If a good drop thrills you as much as it does us, take a day trip to the Peninsula and visit some new or favourite wineries. Alternatively, join one of the Mornington Peninsula winery tours, or stay for a few days in some of Mornington Peninsula’s best accommodation. Discover the top Mornington Peninsula vineyards by reading on. We’ll reveal you a tonne of Mornington Peninsula wineries and cellar doors that are worth adding to your list of must-see destinations on your next road trip.
Mornington Peninsula Wine History
The Mornington Peninsula is now recognised as a significant wine-producing region in Australia. The 1886 Dromana wine got an honourable mention at the Intercontinental Exhibition in London, making it one of the oldest references to the area’s winemaking. However, due to increased competition from South Australia and British imports, many Mornington Peninsula properties fell into ruin starting in the 1920s. The Mornington Peninsula has seen a considerable winemaking boom since the 1970s, establishing itself as a premier winemaking region of Australia and the world in addition to being a tourism hotspot.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the most popular varieties of wine made on the Mornington Peninsula since they are best suited for the region’s cold coastal climate. It may seem as though you are in France or Italy as you go through the rolling hills and protected valleys where the Peninsula vineyards are situated.
Since the first vines were planted there in the nineteenth century, Mornington Peninsula wineries have specialised in producing white wines and, more recently, pinot noir. These Pinots are thought to have a “typical character” that is “full of intensity, structure, and texture” while also being “supple & seductive, bewitching, elegant, and delicate.”
The 20 Best Mornington Peninsula Wineries
It can be challenging to choose which of the many wineries on the Mornington Peninsula to visit, first because of just how many there are. Here are some of our favourite Mornington Peninsula vineyards to make your life a little easier. These wineries all provide distinctive and enjoyable experiences, all whilst being surrounded by lovely landscape. In no particular order, here are the best wineries in the region…
Avani Winery – Red Hill South, Mornington Peninsula
Delicious cool temperature wines are the speciality of this family-run boutique winery. On the Mornington Peninsula, Avani Winery is a small-batch producer of fine cool-climate wines founded by Shashi and Devendra Singh. The three additional locations they work with on the Peninsula are all farmed organically or sustainably, and Shashi oversees their estate vineyard biodynamically. Visit this winery for a sampling, or upgrade your experience by making a reservation for their pop up restaurant, which runs from September to December. Enjoy a share-style set menu for $95 per person that highlights the finest of Spring and uses ingredients foraged from Avani and its surroundings. Based on the products that are available, the menu will continue to change throughout the spring and summer.
Avani Winery, 98 Stanleys Road, Red Hill South, Victoria
Montalto – Red Hill South, Mornington Peninsula
This family-owned winery offers a variety of vineyard experiences for guests because it understands that wine enjoyment depends on more than simply flavour. Montalto is a Mornington Peninsula refined, modern restaurant and winery with a stellar reputation, featuring an eating area and deck overlooking sculptures, vines and a kitchen garden.
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Montalto is by enjoying their Summer Picnics (offered from October to February), where guests can enjoy a number of quiet picnic areas that have been hand-selected for their distinctive and breathtaking settings. Start with a wine tasting in the cellar door, pick up a bottle of their well-regarded pinot noir and wander to one of the lovely private picnic locations where a predetermined menu of delectable regional fare is waiting.
There are many reasons to stop and spend the afternoon at Montalto Winery, including its fine-dining restaurant, wood-fired pizza oven, and sculpture stroll. Booking its private “picnic experience” (above) is arguably the most distinctive experience (and luxurious way to taste its wines in the summer months). For those who are interested in learning more about the procedure of making wine, Montalto also offers a fantastic “behind the scenes” wine tour.
The estate at Montalto features a sculpture trail showing both a permanent collection and frequently changing exhibitions, which is undoubtedly unique. Visitors can rent the Alto-private dining room, which is perched atop the Cellar Door and offers a 360-degree view of the property, or they can eat delicious food with Mediterranean influences in the Piazza. With advantages like these, wine almost seems like an afterthought, yet Montalto Vineyard offers three distinct brands. From 11 am to 5 pm every day, wine tasting is provided at the cellar door. There are many good reasons to visit Montalto Winery on your next trip to the Peninsula.
Montalto, 33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South
Ten Minutes By Tractor – Main Ridge, Mornington Peninsula
For people who are enthusiastic about wine and food, Ten Minutes By Tractor is a must-visit. The estate offers some of the most authentic interpretations of the region’s variety, together with an imaginative restaurant and cellar door. It is named after the convergence of three family-owned Mornington Peninsula vineyards that are each ten minutes by tractor away. Chef Adam Sanderson’s tasting menu honours the outstanding local produce obtained from nearby farms, the kitchen garden, and items collected from the area. Six different vineyards are spread out across the Mornington Peninsula’s countryside, each producing a generous harvest that goes into the creation of the delicious wine “Ten Minutes by Tractor.” The centre of it all is the cellar door, which provides access to all vintages for purchase. It is clear that no detail was overlooked in the elaborate cellar door experience. The first thing you notice when you enter is the bar top, which was made from bricks painted in a sunset palette to depict the Mornington Peninsula’s soil foundations. In addition to the wine, cuisine, and service, the architecture also contributes to a deeper understanding of the place.
Ten Minutes By Tractor, 1333 Mornington-Flinders Road, Main Ridge
Quealy Winemakers – Balnarring, Mornington Peninsula
Although they were among the first wave of winemakers to settle on the Mornington Peninsula, Kathleen Quealy and Kevin McCarthy have regularly produced some of the most inventive and intricate wines. Quealy Winemakers planted friulano (a grape variety known for its use in the white wines produced in the Friuli region of northeastern Italy) first in Australia, and now are producing some of the best skin-contact wines in the area. Unique wine production, including Friulano, Secco Splendido, and Pobblebonk, has been influenced by an emphasis on an Italian winemaking tradition. You enter the winery’s core through the Quealy Cellar Door. The atmosphere leans towards the gritty, yet the winemaking methods are state-of-the-art.
Quealy Winemakers, 62 Bittern-Dromana Road, Balnarring
Port Phillip Estate and Kooyong Wines – Red Hill South, Mornington Peninsula
As you turn into Port Phillip Estate, the building lies like a sleeping giant made of concrete that has blended in with the surroundings. The building itself is a conceptual work of art, and it sets the scene for the sensory explosion of the trip you are about to experience. Dishes like the cured pork belly and wood roasted line-caught fish are enticing and beautifully plated, not taking away from the breathtaking views you are fortunate to enjoy while you graze. They also produce a fine Pinot Noir. This winery most definitely ranks high on our list of the best Mornington Peninsula wineries to visit. Just eating there can’t help but make you feel a little swanky. The establishment offers fine dining with European flair. Alternately, choose the more relaxed bistro. Port Phillip Estate understands that sustainability is important in viticulture, and they implement practices of biological farming, which focuses on improving soil biology through the use of compost teas, estate-produced compost, mulch, and other natural soil and plant conditioners. This method is informed by the principles of agro-ecology and permaculture.
Port Phillip Estate and Kooyong Wines, 263 Red Hill Rd, Red Hill South
Ocean Eight Vineyard & Winery – Shoreham, Mornington Peninsula
At the Cellar Door of Ocean Eight, visitors can sample some of the Mornington Peninsula’s top wines that you’ll also find in prestigious eateries around the nation (and mainly in Melbourne). Ocean Eight’s grounds are magnificent, with a little Cellar Door and expansive vistas of gardens and hills. With a focus on pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot gris, Ocean Eight deliberately situates its product within the vineyard’s seaside setting with a focus on lean, fresh & tight wines. The Aylward family owns Ocean Eight, which has been producing wine on its 17-acre estate since 1997.
Ocean Eight, 271 Tucks Rd, Shoreham
Red Hill Estate – Red Hill South, Mornington Peninsula
Few things pair better with quality wine than a beautiful view, and Red Hill Estate’s expansive views of Westernport Bay from its restaurant and cellar door are some of the most impressive in the area. Red Hill, which was established in 1989, is more than just a winery because of its breathtaking views of Phillip Island across the ocean. The cellar door is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm and is one of the greatest wineries on the Mornington Peninsula offering respectable wines (particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay). If you’re looking for modern Italian cuisine that is inspired by the seasons, Max’s Restaurant is a sure bet.
Red Hill South, 53 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South
Paringa Estate – Red Hill South, Mornington Peninsula
Paringa Estate was founded in 1985 by former teacher turned winemaker Lindsey McCall. It has regularly produced some of Australia’s best chardonnay, pinot noir, and cool-climate shiraz. Weekend visitors can stop by to taste some of their renowned single-vineyard wines and stay for a romantic meal at their two-hatted restaurant, with a view of the valley and beyond. Paringa Estate must be on your schedule just for the restaurant after earning two chefs’ hats in the 2019 and 2020 Good Food Guides. The local wines go nicely with the food, which is a celebration of seasonal ingredients obtained locally. The restaurant and basement door also have sizable glass windows that provide gorgeous views of the surrounding rolling hills and vines. Choose a seat by the window and place your order for a bottle of Pinot Noir to go with your dinner. For its sophistication, contemporary appeal, and stunning location, this winery is unquestionably among the best on the Mornington Peninsula.
Paringa Estate, 44 Paringa Road, Red Hill South
Myrtaceae Winery – Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula
Myrtacae offers a tranquil and soothing wine experience for anyone willing to veer off the main path, sitting at the highest elevation of any winery on the Peninsula. Beacause of this, Myrtaceae is the perfect location for the production of premium, low-production-run Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines from single, cool-climate vineyards. John and Julie founded the vineyard in 1984, and Cabernet Sauvignon was planted there in the early 1990s. The 3.5-acre vineyard of Myrtaceae produces a combined total of less than 5000 bottles of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rosé per vintage. From planting through bottling, John & Julie have always been in charge of the entire process with the goal of producing wine that is representative of the surroundings. Along with a lovely garden setting, you’ll be rewarded with a special “rolling tasting” experience conducted by owners John and Julie Trueman, who also farm the grapes and produce the wines.
Myrtaceae Winery, 53 Main Creek Road, Red Hill
Foxeys Hangout – Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula
Foxeys Hangout in Red Hill is the ideal place to pass some time because it is located in such a lovely area. The atmosphere is quite laid-back, and winemaker Tony Lee is also a trained chef, so they have a terrific selection of sharing plates to go with their wines. In the summer, take advantage of the views from the deck or enjoy your meal and wine in the cosy dining room. Foxeys Hangout is a boutique vineyard that dazzles with its breathtaking surroundings, which contrast with its unassuming exterior. This winery is more about gathering with friends than it is about being extremely commercial. The restaurant offers food at reasonable costs, has an open kitchen and a menu written on a chalkboard, and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming. In terms of its charming rustic design and breathtaking surroundings, Foxeys Hangout is unquestionably among the top Mornington Peninsula Wineries.
Foxeys Hangout, 795 White Hill Rd, Red Hill
Polperro Winery – Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula
One of the top wineries on the Mornington Peninsula, Polperro Wines is known for their single-vineyard pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot gris. They also follow a combination of organic and biodynamic methods. You can reserve a picnic for two in the vineyard and try some regional treats, or you can stop by their cosy cellar-door room for a wine-flight. The Mornington Peninsula’s Red Hill neighbourhood is home to the 25 acres of vines that make up the Polperro Winery. The restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner, offers breathtaking views of the vines from its sun-drenched dining area. It’s sombre in the tasting room, the space decorated with ageing wine bottles, dim lighting, and leather wine menus.
Polperro Winery, 150 Red Hill Road, Red Hill
Panton Vineyard – Shoreham, Mornington Peninsula
A small, family-run vineyard called Panton Vineyard is situated in Shoreham on the Mornington Peninsula. This 1995-founded, family-run winery produces excellent Rose, Sangiovese, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. It is a suitable location for growing high-quality fruit since it faces north-east and has deep, fertile soil. The first Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines were planted in 1996, and the second Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Sangiovese vines were planted in 1999. Carefully selected grape varietals, precise vine maintenance, and a stunning location allow them to regularly produce excellent wine grapes that are highly sought after by renowned regional winemakers from Tucks Ridge, T’Gallant, Quealy wines, Balnarring Vineyard, and Stonier.
Panton Vineyard, 11 Shoreham Rd, Shoreham
Tuck’s Wine – Red Hill South, Mornington Peninsula
Tuck’s has overtaken all in its path to establish itself as one of the Mornington Peninsula’s premier winery experiences. Owners John and Wendy Mitchell have built a humorous, modern winery experience that captures the attitudes and delights of the current generation of wine enthusiasts. This experience was developed by the team behind the award-winning Montalto Estate. Searching for a novel winery experience? Tuck’s Ridge offers a novel approach to experiencing wine adventures. Forget the usual winery experience of immobile cellar doors and detailed technical descriptions. You’ll need to visit to discover more!
Tucks, 37 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South
Main Ridge Estate – Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula
This winery is a little less well-known but is nonetheless well worth finding. The relatively small two-hectare vineyard at Main Ridge Estate, which was the peninsula’s first officially recognised winery, continues to produce some of the greatest wines in the region. Limited barrels of wines that reflect the place and season are produced as a result of the decision to solely create wine from grapes cultivated on-site. If you wish to do more than just sample their wines at the cellar door, you can enjoy your wine with a little lunch on the sundeck while admiring the peaceful, bushy valley. You can relax by the fire in the functioning winery during the cooler months. The Main Ridge range, which focuses on pinot noir and chardonnay, has won multiple industry accolades and has been referred to as a symbol of the region. The Larder, the on-site restaurant at The Main Ridge, serves tourists light and seasonal lunches every weekend from noon to 4 p.m.
Main Ridge Estate, 80 William Rd, Red Hill
Phaedrus Estate – Moorooduc, Mornington Peninsula
Winemakers and proprietors Ewan and Maitena like having guests taste their soulful, full-flavored, and well-balanced wines at their opulent 5-acre winery and cellar door, which they built themselves. Additionally, Phaedrus Estate has introduced their Mornington Peninsula Distillery Beach Box Gin, which is available for tasting at the cellar door, if your palette is beginning to tire during your wine tour.
Phaedrus Estate, 220 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Moorooduc
Yabby Lake Vineyard – Tuerong, Mornington Peninsula
Yabby Lake, which is home to the first pinot noir to win the Jimmy Watson award, offers an incredible selection of wines for tasting at their informal cellar door. Visitors can take pleasure in relaxing on the balcony for a leisurely meal while taking in the great collection of Australian art, along with a bottle of pinot noir or chardonnay. Yabby Lake Winery was founded in 1998 by the Kirby Family, and are proud of their single vineyard chardonnay and pinot noir of excellent purity and character. Yabby Lake is a vineyard that takes great pride in its attention to detail. It is driven by a concept that tries to speak of the region and the season in which the grapes were cultivated. Yabby Lake gives its meals the same attention as it does to its wines, having both a cellar door and a restaurant. The menu adjusts throughout the seasons, just like the vintage, to provide customers a genuinely all-encompassing experience. Lunch is offered every day of the week, and tastings are open all day on weekends. When you visit, be sure to look at the collection of contemporary art.
Yabby Lake Vineyard, 86-112 Tuerong Road, Tuerong
Crittenden Estate Wine Centre – Dromana, Mornington Peninsula
On the Mornington Peninsula in Dromana, there is a winery, vineyard, and centre for wine called Crittenden Estate Wine Centre. Crittenden Estate, a family-run enterprise founded in 1982, is dedicated to creating premium cool climate wines. You’ll appreciate learning about the influences of Italian and Spanish design while tasting more than 25 different wine styles. Both novice and seasoned wine enthusiasts should visit this establishment for their seated wine educational tastings offered by their skilled staff. Crittenden is a locals’ favourite because of its excellent food, attentive service, and premium wines. It offers breathtaking vistas and some of the Peninsula’s oldest vines can be found in the vineyards. The Stillwater restaurant at Crittenden offers gourmet dining, an inventive menu, and organic and sustainable produce. Given its consistent performance, iconic status, and capacity for producing quality wine at reasonable costs, Crittenden Estate is unquestionably among the top Mornington Peninsula wineries.
Crittenden Estate Wine Centre, 25 Harrisons Rd, Dromana
Rare Hare Wine & Food Store & Willow Creek Vineyard – Merricks North, Mornington Peninsula
The quirky winery and eatery known as Rare Hare is a part of the Willow Creek Vineyard (below). Wine lovers in the making should treat themselves to the Wine Immersion Experience, which includes an hour of vineyard exploration, excellent single vineyard wine samples, and cheese board nibbling. Timber communal tables encourage interaction and local and seasonal product is highlighted. Professionals at Willow Creek, which specialises in chardonnay and pinot noir, take pride in giving their grapes a gentle hand and letting nature perform its own magic with them.
Rare Hare Wine & Food Store and Willow Creek Vineyard, 166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North
Pt Leo Estate – Merricks, Mornington Peninsula
The 135-hectare Pt Leo Estate, which is close to Merricks, has seen the Gandel family, invest more than $50 million in recent years, and it shows. The expansive estate now boasts a fantastic sculpture park with views of Western Port Bay, a lovely cellar door area and restaurants (including Laura, which was highly praised in the 2020 Good Food Guide). View an eye-opening collection of 50 sculptures and breathtaking views of the Western Port. Make sure you allow plenty of time (roughly an hour) for the sculpture walk’s self-guided tour. It is stunning.
Pt Leo Estate, 3649 Frankston – Flinders Rd, Merricks
Merricks General Wine Store – Merricks, Mornington Peninsula
While not a winery, one of the pleasures of a drive from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula is Merricks General Wine Store. You can try and savour local wines from local vineyards as well as a hand-picked selection of wines from friends and neighbours at the rustic store. Additionally, there is a fantastic supermarket where you can buy delights to bring home with you, as well as a café serving some of the best breakfasts on the peninsula. Visit Merricks General Store for the wine, linger for breakfast, and stock up on produce at the produce counter.
Merricks General Wine Store, 3460 Frankston – Flinders Rd, Merricks
Merricks Creek – Merricks, Mornington Peninsula
A definite must-visit in the regions is Merricks Creek. With its sophisticated cuisine, superb Pinot, new Cellar Door, and family-friendly atmosphere, it might be the best Cellar Door experience of all. The Mornington Peninsula’s Merricks Creek Winery is a breath of fresh air. Drink fine wine and eat delicious food on a high deck while enjoying vineyards. The new Cellar Door, which is magnificent in terms of design and how it displays the vineyard views is a place where you can taste outstanding Pinot Noir.
Merricks Creek – 44 Merricks Rd, Merricks
Looking to add more wine to your life after enjoying our list of the top wineries on the Mornington Peninsula? Plan a romantic evening, a weekend getaway or a group trip and stay in some of the most beautiful accommodation in Mornington Peninsula, if not Australia, with us at Lively.
Where to Stay on the Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is a must-visit and is a great versatile option for a weekend away or your next vacation. The beaches provide either fantastic surfing or excellent swimming, depending on which side of the Peninsula you are on. The wine country mentioned above is another great option, not to mention some of the top winery restaurants and cellar doors.
Determining where to stay can be challenging because there are many options available, depending on the type of vacation you’re planning. There is something here for everyone, whether you want to spend a weekend in the Red Hill wine region or go on a beach getaway to Portsea and Sorrento.
The Peninsula Oasis in Mt Eliza has been expertly designed, sleeps 10 guests across 4 bedrooms, with 3 full bathrooms. With numerous flowing, luxurious interior and outdoor dining and entertaining areas, a sizeable pool designed for retreats, outdoor couches, an internal fireplace, and more, this retreat has everything you could possibly want or need for a great vacation.
The Family Beach House in Mt Martha features bay and mountain views, sleeps up to 10 guests across 4 bedrooms and comes with 2 full bathrooms. This distinctive split-level property for expansive views provides numerous luxurious living spaces, a games room, an infrared sauna, an indoor theatre, and numerous indoor and outdoor gathering spots for guests to enjoy. This is a location to make priceless memories.
The Sol Coastal Retreat in Rosebud, featuring an outdoor spa and sauna, sleeps up to 12 guests across 5 bedrooms with 2 full bathrooms. Sol offers a distinctive seaside hideaway home that was inspired by the sea and the natural world. This is a place to unwind and refresh with calming interior decor, a neutral colour scheme, and amenities including a spa and an outdoor sauna.
Browse more beautiful accommodation in Mornington Peninsula here.
Winery Tours on The Mornington Peninsula
Booking a winery tour is another choice for people looking for a hassle-free and delightful trip to the Mornington Peninsula. Some of the tour operators include:
- Gourmet PawPrints – take your dog with you as you visit some Mornington Peninsula wineries
- Mornington Peninsula Plunge Wine Tours
- Elevate Wine Tours
- Chill Out Winery Tours
- Wine Hop Tours
- Red Carpet Wine Tours
- Explore Australia Tours
- Coco’s Wine Tours
Things To Do on The Mornington Peninsula
It’s a fantastic chance to discover other highlights while you tour the Mornington Peninsula wine region. The Peninsula Hot Springs is surrounded by rolling dunes and coastal forest. This renowned geothermal hot spring provides a range of wellness packages, day spa services, dining options, and hot springs. Arthur’s Seat Eagle is a cable vehicle that travels above Arthur’s Seat State Park in the shape of a gondola. With beautiful views of the Port Phillip Bay’s clear blue water and Melbourne’s skyline, you’ll realise what a wonderful place this is. At Arthur’s Seat, there is a place called the Enchanted Adventure Garden that provides activities like zip lining, tree surfing, adventure mazes, canopy tree treks, and tube rides.
How To Get to the Mornington Peninsula
Southeast of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is around an hour’s drive away. Taking the M1 and merging onto the Eastlink tollway will get you there the quickest and easiest way possible. You may quickly reach the centre of Mornington Peninsula winemaking by following the signpost on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. Take the Searoad Ferries Queenscliff if you’re near Geelong or on the Bellarine Peninsula. If you don’t have a car, you can just take the train to Frankston and connect through Hastings to get all the way down to Stony Point in Westernport Bay (on the south-east side of the peninsula). Additionally, a vast bus network that extends from Melbourne to the area’s various little villages and communities runs throughout it. A bus departs from Frankston and travels approximately every 45 minutes down Port Phillip Bay to Portsea. In addition, several wineries have their own shuttles and tour buses, so you may enjoy some of their regional fare without having to worry about finding a cab or designated driver.
