Mornington Peninsula wineries & other attractions reviews

The region is renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but there are also other gems to be found. For Sauvignon Blanc drinkers, why not try some of the excellent Pinot Gris the region has to offer? There are also heavier red options dotted throughout the region for those who like something a little more full bodied.

Mornington Peninsula wineries and cellar doors also offer some of the best views and gardens you are likely to find and some fabulous dining options. Below is just a taste of a few of our favourites and to visit, check out our Mornington Peninsula Wine tours page:

Bass & Flinders Distillery

Proudly the first distillery on the Mornington Peninsula, Bass & Flinders hand crafts premium aged spirits through the distillation of grapes.  Specialities include gin, limoncello, vodka grappa, and brandy. Bass & Flinders Distillery review.

Blue Range Estate

Blue Range Estate is undoubtedly one of the best places to unwind in the region, with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views. Their wine is a bit of a well-kept secret at a great price point too. For more detail read our Blue Range Estate review.

Bluestone Lane Vineyard

As well as providing high quality wines from a long list, Bluestone Lane also provides a relaxed and inviting cellar door experience. Enjoy some laughs, be informed and taste some unusual ciders alongside regional classics. Adding to the allure is the exciting fine dining restaurant impressing guests at every opportunity Bluestone Lane Vineyard review

Crittenden Estate

The manicured, verdant landscape is complemented by a modern and accessible tasting centre. Crittenden have a big and varied list of wines but it’s so well organised you won’t feel lost. Also home to Stillwater Restaurant, one the Peninsula’s premium wedding and function venues Crittenden Estate review.

Cups Estate (The)

A stunning view over the olive groves is the first thing you see on arrival. The Cups is set-up to really take advantage of it’s location, with outdoor seating and floor to ceiling windows throughout. The restaurant is the main game here, it is often packed, but the service remains friendly and attentive. The Cups Estate review.

Epicurean Red Hill

In the heart of Red Hill you will find The Epicurean, a food and wine hub for the region. A huge industrial space in a converted ‘Shed’, they specialise in Italian fare with a wood-fired pizza oven at the centre of the action.  Epicurean Red Hill review.

Green Olive

Green Olive offers a little bit of everything. From cooking classes to farm animals and everything in between. Considered a foodie haven one of the big draw cards is definitely their restaurant, serving tapas style dishes with produce largely sourced from their market garden and livestock.  Green Olive review.

 

Hickinbotham Estate

A fabulous option towards the end of the day. Producing a large selection of craft beers and cider on tap and a full list of wines at the cellar door. It’s great to sit out in the garden and we love that they often have acoustic cover acts on the weekends.  Hickinbotham Estate review

Jackalope / Rare Hare @ Willow Creek

Set on the grounds of Jackalope Hotel and with with a name like Rare Hare you would expect a winery and restaurant that is quirky and unique, and that’s exactly what you’ll get. Set in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, there’s something truly special about this place that’s recognisable from the moment you step through the doors. Rare Hare @ Willow Creek review

Jetty Road Brewery

Jetty Road Brewery is a great place to visit particularly at the end of the tour, when you just want to enjoy some drinks and good times with your friends. Not particularly informative, think of it more of a visit to an awesome pub. Beers here are exceptional, service is friendly and vibes are fun. Jetty Road Brewery review

 

JimmyRum Distillery

The Peninsula’s first rum distillery is a real hit with guests, not only for the delicious and varied rums but for the excellent tasting experience.  Although new on the block, these guys really know how to treat groups well offering a fun tasting while also being really informative about rum, an often misunderstood spirit. JimmyRum Distillery review.

Kerri Greens

Sit back, relax and enjoy some amazingly different wines from this cool cellar door on the Peninsula. Offering a youthful take on some classic varieties it is a real breath of fresh air. Kerri Greens review.

Main Ridge Dairy

If you’re looking for an authentic cheese experience, it doesn’t get much more real than Main Ridge Dairy. The team here invite you into their Dairy Door, to give you an insight into the process of making some of the finest fromage. Main Ridge Dairy review

Main Ridge Estate

Main Ridge Estate is one of the founding vineyards of the Peninsula. Once owned and run by Mornington Peninsula wine legend Nat White, a few years ago it was purchased by new owners with a hospitality background. Main Ridge Estate review

Mantons Creek Estate

Located in a secluded part of the region Mantons Creek has just been recently taken over by new owners to breath some life into what is an incredible opportunity. In a secluded location slightly off the beaten track the setting is picture perfect. With a big deck and pretty outlook it’s definitely worth checking out. If that wasn’t already enough they have also teamed up with the Epicurean group serving wood-fired pizzas and sharing style meals at Quattro restaurant. Mantons Creek.

Merricks Creek

A small cellar door with some fantastic food options, Merricks Creek have the classic Mornington combo of great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with the twist of some French-style, closely planted vines as a point of difference.  Merricks Creek review.

Merricks General Wine Store

Housed in an old general store Merricks serves as a cellar door for smaller wineries that don’t have their own. The main drawcard is their providore and restaurant that focuses on local produce. It can get really busy on weekend, but it’s a lovely unique spot to try some wines or have lunch.  Merricks General Wine Store review.

Mock Cider

Traditionally made cider and apple juice beverages from a certified biodynamic orchard. After tasting you can purchase and enjoy a bottle while sitting out amongst their apple orchards or in their specially designed indoor cider lounge. Mock Cider review

Montalto

Montalto is the epitome of what the Peninsula does well – great wine, great food, and using the natural resources of their garden and surroundings to make something special. Its a world class winery that we love to take international guests to.  Montalto review

Moorooduc Estate

Spanning across a 12 acre vineyard hidden away from the beaten tracks of Mornington Peninsula’s usual tourist hum, the Moorooduc Estate is a real treat for appreciators of fine wine Moorooduc Estate review.

Morning Sun Vineyard

A relaxed, fun atmosphere set amongst beautiful vineyards and olive trees, with delicious European-style wines to try. Keep your eye out for the Sparkling as it’s a cracker. Morning Sun review

Mornington Peninsula Brewery

Definitely an authentic brewery vibe with beer produced onsite and located in the heart of the Mornington Industrial Estate. It’s not trying to be fancy and we love the atmosphere here. Good beers, pizzas and music on the weekends. Mornington Peninsula Brewery review.

Mornington Peninsula Chocolates

This is the little sister to the bigger Yarra Valley and Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie’s. In a previous life it was run by some serious chocolate makers with a French influence. Now the focus is more on good quality chocolate, but with a fun vibe. Mornington Peninsula Chocolates review.

Ocean Eight

Focussing on premium quality wines, Ocean Eight deliver a short but impressive list of wines that include an award winning Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and 2 varieties of Pinot Noir. From the moment you enter their tree-line driveway and take in their beautiful colonial-style homestead, you’ll be impressed by Ocean Eight. Ocean Eight review.

Old Apple Shed

The Old Apple Shed delivers good old fashioned hospitality in a rural paired back setting. One of the biggest draw cards is definitely their crowd pleasing ciders. Easy drinking at it’s best, but watch out they are potent. Adding to the charm is the old school jukebox hiding out in the corner waiting for someone to discover it  Old Apple Shed review

Paradigm Hill

Get a taste for the finer things in life with a visit to Paradigm Hill. Premium wines in a beautiful setting where you’ll learn first hand from winemakers and growers how the soil, climate and vineyard aspect contribute to some of the best wines being made on the Peninsula. Paradigm Hill review

Paringa Estate

A winery who arguably receives the most accolades on the Mornington Peninsula, the tasting list here will take you on a journey that really sums up the region. Another good option for a memorable and exquisite meal. Paringa Estate review

Pier 10

Your friendly cellar door guide, Craig, will make you feel right at home as he introduces you to the fantastic wines that Pier 10 has to offer. He takes pride in his work and it really shines through in the wonderful tastings he delivers. Pier 10 reivew

Polperro

Polperro is the home to single vineyard Mornington Peninsula wines along with the Even Keel  wines from around Australia. It was quick to gain popularity and it is not hard to see why, with great wine, stunning backdrop and amazing food.  There is a lot to like about this place. Polperro review

Port Phillip Estate

Known as “The Death Star” among locals, this ultra-modern complex is designed for diners and weddings. But that doesn’t mean the wine is lacking in any way. Try premium wines from Port Phillip and sister estate Kooyong. Another good option for a higher end lunch. Port Phillip Estate review.

Pt. Leo Estate

More than your regular cellar door experience, this estate offers visitors an opportunity to taste a range of premium Peninsula wines on the same grounds as a world class outdoor sculpture park with views that cannot be beaten.  Pt. Leo Estate review.

Quealy Winemakers

Kathleen Quealy is one of the most, if not the most well-known winemakers on the Peninsula. The first person to plant Pinot Gris/Grigio in Australia, she is a pioneer of the industry. The cellar door is smack bang in the middle of a working winery. This is a really authentic experience with great and interesting wine. Quealy Winemakers review.

Rahona Valley

The Mornington Peninsula’s best kept secret, visit this quiet corner of the world and discover the perfect haven for wine lovers.  A relaxed and cool cellar door space that offers amazing wines, with views over a stunning vineyard that’s embraced by native forest land. Rahona Valley review

Red Gum BBQ

Red Gum BBQ is heating things up. Set in a large, converted shed, this place is fully dedicated to the American BBQ experience. From the food to the rustic setting, the team have gone all out in creating one unique (and delicious) place to eat. Red Gum BBQ review

Red Hill Brewery

A nationally awarded brewery with a rustic and friendly venue nestled into the bush. Beers are available on tap or takeaway, including exclusive seasonal releases. We are  proud supporters of the regions first and original brewery. Red Hill Brewery review.

Red Hill Estate

Picturesque Red Hill Estate offers some of the best views available over the bay. Stroll the gardens and enjoy the surrounds. The wine here is of a high standard, with some of the most accessible Pinot Noir and Shiraz in the region. Teaming up with Red Hill Estate it is Max’s Restaurant now an institution of the region. Read more in our Red Hill Estate review.

St. Andrews Brewery

The unique venue which was previously a horse-training facility has been converted to a relaxed brewery at the southern end of the Peninsula. Taste expertly crafted beers, or enjoy casual pub style a meal with friends in the outdoor dining area. The atmosphere on most days is second to none. St. Andrews Beach Brewery review.

T’Gallant

Always renowned as a top place to visit for fun vibes and relaxed atmosphere, T’Gallant combines this with a picturesque location, Italian food and accessible wines.  Recommended for more fun days out and great for photo opportunities, the target market is younger and more fun than some of the serious wineries on the Peninsula. T’Gallant Wines review

Ten Minutes By Tractor

The Peninsula’s best restaurant with 2 chefs hats to prove it. Lunch here is at least a couple of hour affair and could be considered for smaller groups. The wine here is also very special.  Ten Minutes by Tractor review.

Trofeo Estate

This winery and  restaurant is a really cool space in a converted storehouse. Bright and open with a view out to the lake and vineyards, it is such a pleasant spot to spend and afternoon. A tasting on the cellar door involves some quality wines with some interesting twists including Amphora ageing. Lunch is modern restaurant bistro food that is a real crowd pleaser. Find out more with our Trofeo Estate review.

Tucks Wines

Although now the sister vineyard of Montalto this picturesque, small scale winery remains one of the most photographed spots across the Peninsula. With great indoor and outdoor dining and wines to suit all tastes and budgets it makes sense why it remains a popular weekend spot. Tucks Wines review

Yabby Lake

A sister winery of Heathcote Estate, the cellar door offers Shiraz lovers the chance to taste some of the best Shiraz from the renowned Heathcote region. That’s not to take away from the excellent wines produced by Yabby Lake itself.  Yabby Lake review

Eldridge Estate

A small producer with some serious clout in the area. A former history teacher runs this vineyard and cellar door. Passionate and sometimes a little grumpy (in a charming way), they produce some seriously good wines.

Foxey’s Hangout

A charming winery run by 2 local brothers (one in charge of wine, the other food), the cellar door offers some solid tastes including a nice Sparkling Shiraz (which isn’t too common in the area). Also a good option for a casual light lunch serving up small tasting plates designed to be shared. The downside is they can only cater to groups of 6 or less.

Darling Park (now closed)

A relaxed and friendly vibe at the cellar door, the tasting list is long and rewarding. The new 2013 single vineyard vintage release is fantastic with Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay the standouts. The lunch menu is short, but fast and tasty, with a great selection of tasting plates. Also available to try are a range of spirits from Bass and Flinders. Check out our Darling Park review and ask to include it in your itinerary.

Willow Creek Vineyard (now Rare Hare)

Willow Creek offers great wine, one of the most picturesque setting on the Peninsula, great staff and a lovely restaurant. For larger groups they also offer private tasting in either the barrel room or their private tasting area. Look at our Willow Creek Vineyard review for further information

This is a list of some of our most visited Mornington Peninsula wineries. There are many more and we will keep updating this page with more winery profiles

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