Where to Spend a Wine Weekend on the Mornington Peninsula
Known for producing fine pinot noirs and chardonnays, the Victorian region has added stellar hotels and art to its drawcards.
The road to Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is paved with surprises. One minute you’re in the middle of Melbourne’s patience-testing traffic; the next, you’re on the M3, slicing through an endless expanse of flat earth. The real surprise, though, is Hotel, a desolate, car-less, people-less 20-metre-tall structure that looks like a resort but isn’t. It’s one of four striking sculptures that line EastLink, making the one-hour journey south of Melbourne a drive-through art gallery.
With laid-back coastal towns, creamy beaches and imposing mansions that could throw shade on the Hamptons, the peninsula has been the go-to playground for generations of Melburnians.
But in 1972, something happened that changed its course forever: Baillieu Myer, the son of department store pioneer Sidney Myer, planted 400 vines at his Elgee Park property in Dromana. A few years later, Nat White – considered the region’s godfather – followed suit in Red Hill. The maritime climate proved perfect for pinot noir and chardonnay and, before you could say cin cin, wineries seemingly began springing up on every corner, transforming the sleepy peninsula into an enticing wine region.
In 2017, architecturally sensational boutique hotel Jackalope opened, ticking the only box the peninsula lacked – premium, purposeful accommodation – and putting it on the international map. Today, there are so many standout establishments and attractions – including other hotels, restaurants, cellar doors and sculpture parks – that it’s impossible to experience everything in one weekend. But here’s a start...
Cellar doors
With its relaxed vibe and top pinot noirs and chardonnays, Ten Minutes by Tractor is in the region’s highest echelon.
Drink now 10X Pinot Noir
Cellar McCutcheon Chardonnay
Blend your own sparkling wine with the aid of winemaker Michael Lee and enjoy his brother Tony’s delicious food.
Drink now Sparkling Rosé
Cellar Kentucky Road 777 Pinot Noir
Sam Coverdale melds elegant wines with first-class food at his picturesque winery, which also offers yoga classes nearby.
Drink now Even Keel Mornington Peninsula Pinot Gris
Cellar Mill Hill Pinot Noir
This splendid winery has the lot: gorgeous views, great food and a cellar door offering both Port Phillip Estate drops and sibling Kooyong wines.
Drink now Port Phillip Estate Salasso Rosé
Cellar Kooyong Ferrous Pinot Noir
Winemaker Richard McIntyre bakes fabulous sourdough bread, while daughter Kate, master of wine, guides you through the family’s compelling reds and whites.
Drink now Pinot Gris on Skins
Cellar The Moorooduc McIntyre Chardonnay
Eat, drink, shop
For breakfast
Merricks General Wine Store
Once a general store, this hotspot for locals has two large terraces and two dining rooms awash with daylight. The breakfast menu offers classics such as eggs Benedict with a housemade muffin and brioche French toast with mascarpone cream and stone fruit.
3460 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merricks
For lunch
Pt. Leo Estate
The dining room at Pt. Leo Estate could easily hang its hat on the sweeping views. While it’s difficult to take your eyes off the 50 or so whimsical sculptures set against the backdrop of Western Port Bay, chef Phil Wood’s boundary-pushing food brings your gaze back to the table with dishes such as wood-roasted snapper and citrus-laced pork belly.
3649 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merricks
For dinner
Montalto Restaurant
Award-winning Montalto Restaurant features wooden beams, chestnut tables and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the vineyard views. Go à la carte or opt for the five-course tasting menu, with seasonal options including pork scotch fillet with fermented cabbage and smoked eel with burnt fig.
33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South
For taking home
Bass & Flinders Distillery
At this artisanal distillery , sign up for a gin masterclass and visit the cellar door for handcrafted gin, vodka, grappa, limoncello and aged brandy.
232 Red Hill Road, Red Hill
Stay
Jackalope
The dark, geometric design of this 46-room hotel would seem at odds with the lush rolling hills yet the juxtaposition works beautifully. The guestrooms have dramatic jet-black walls, furniture and stone baths but the ceiling installation of 10,000 amber light bulbs in Doot Doot Doot restaurant takes the cake. There’s a sumptuous cocktail lounge and a more relaxed eatery, Rare Hare, plus a spa and 30-metre infinity pool.
166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North
Lindenderry at Red Hill
Set amid 14 hectares of vines, orchards and virgin bush, Lindenderry at Red Hill retains its rustic country charm beneath an elegant 2017 refurbishment. A neutral palette and sense of uncluttered comfort characterise the large rooms and communal spaces, while an old-style atmosphere lingers with library chesterfields, a snooker table and multiple fireplaces. Staff can direct you to the area’s many attractions – order a picnic basket and explore at your leisure.
Find a room
142 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill
If you don’t want to drive
Wine Compass
Start planning
Discovering the region starts with a phone call or online enquiry to bespoke tour company Wine Compass. Your preferences and the size of your group are noted and you can choose the length of the tour, where you want to lunch and the type of wineries and experiences you want included. You can also sign up to receive insider tips about the area to your inbox. Easy. Port Phillip Estate
