With its relaxed beachy ambience, seaside villages, world-class wineries and innovative gastronomy, a weekend on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula can feel like a month.
Cruise the scenic coastlines past cliff-top mansions and lush hinterlands, framed by wild ocean beaches, and explore the elegant cellar doors of more than 50 wineries, hidden among orchards and olive groves, including our favourites, Montalto and PT. Leo Estate.
Follow this Wine Weekender Guide for a beachside escape you’ll never forget.
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Boutique check-in
Step one: Check in to one of the unique accommodation options on the Mornington Peninsula. From glamping to luxury boutique stays, it’s easy to find the perfect base for your weekend explorations. For lovers of the outdoors Iluke Retreat offers stylish glamping tents with stunning views over the surrounding hills and lakes, and everything you need for an incredibly comfortable stay. For those preferring an indoor retreat, Jackalope offers world-class accommodation and dining, as well as a divine day spa.
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Red Hill Cellar & Pantry
Start the day right at the Cellar & Pantry with perfectly brewed coffee and stock up on locally produced deli treats to keep you fuelled for the weekend. We’re talking artisan chocolates, freshly baked breads, local olive oils and cheeses, and even charcuterie platters and picnic hampers. 141 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South.
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Montalto
Take a guided exploration of the 75-acre Montalto estate on an Estate to Plate experience. This immersive adventure includes a stroll with the chef through the expansive kitchen gardens and a seated tasting in the Alto room, with panoramic views overlooking Montalto’s Red Hill vineyards. Next, experience Montalto’s estate to plate philosophy in action, with a stunning 5-course tasting experience with award winning wines. After lunch, continue your exploration of the property, with a self-guided tour of the estate’s natural wetlands, olive grove and extensive permanent sculpture exhibition. 33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South.
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Red Hill Brewery
A good craft beer is nothing short of artistry, am I right? Karen and David Golding at Red Hill Brewery have honed their talents, creating a wide range of beers in the onsite brewery located within its own hop garden. Besides crowd favourites, including their Pilsner Larger and East Coast Session IPA, there is always experimentation with local produce such as cherries and honey, along with ageing of beers in spirit and wine barrels for added complexity. Beer friendly food is also available to purchase to enjoy with your brew. 6 Cherry Rd, Red Hill South.
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Cook Street Collective
Find a new favourite piece and support local Mornington Peninsula artists with a visit to the Cook Street Collective, an artist-run gallery located in Flinders. Run by Montalto Sculpture Prize Creative Director and artist Neil Williams, and Sophie Perez, the gallery is an amazing venue to discover bespoke treasures, including one-of-a-kind paintings, jewellery, sculptures, ceramics, glass works and more. 2/41 Cook Street, Flinders.
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Pt. Leo Estate
The Westernport-side, home to Pt. Leo Estate, might just be the Mornington Peninsula’s best-kept secret. The sweeping views encapsulate glimpses of Phillip Island, the 50-acre vineyard, paddocks of grazing cattle and an expansive 19-acre Sculpture Park, housing more than 60 Australian and international works of art, valued at almost $70 million. Book a Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour and discover the secrets of the Pt. Leo vineyards and award-winning wines, while enjoying local cheeses and fruits by the private lake that lies in the heart of this amazing vineyard. 3649 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merricks.
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Peninsula Hot Springs
A soak in the renowned Peninsula Hot Springs is the perfect end to a perfect day. The world feels a million miles away as the natural geothermal mineral waters encase your body, mind and soul in this idyllic setting. Relax with friends in the communal pools, enjoy a private bathing experience or opt for a treatment in the day spa. 140 Springs lane, Fingal.
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Torello Farm
It doesn’t come fresher than this! Drop in to Torello Farm for seasonal fruit and vegetables and say hello to the Dorset Down sheep and Belted Galloway cattle while you’re there. This local market garden has a farm-gate shop where you can not only purchase their freshly grown produce, but also a range of pickles and preserves as well as delicious grass-fed beef. 410 White Hill Road, Dromana.
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Mornington Bathing Boxes
Soak up the sun at the seaside and feel the sand crunch between your toes. Pose for a photo in front of the iconic colourful bathing boxes lining the shores of the beaches along Port Phillip Bay. These historic bathing boxes, stretching from Mount Eliza to Portsea, have been passed down through generations and become a tourist attraction in their own right.
As your memorable weekend escape draws to a close, one thing is certain: the distinctive providores, wineries, artists and beaches that make up the Mornington Peninsula will draw you back again and again.
For more visit www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au
