There’s always time for wine
If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for wine. My favourite way to spend my weekend? Eating, drinking while soaking up the view of a beautiful vineyard!
As my previous posts have mentioned, I thoroughly enjoy experiences that involve the pairing of food with wine. Living on the Mornington Peninsula, I’m spoilt for choice with some 60+ plus wineries to visit! A region producing some amazing wines… its cooler climate makes it an ideal location for the production of Pinot Noir.
I was reluctant to tackle this post, as in all honestly, I’m yet to even visit all that are on my list. Nevertheless, I’m going to share as it is, because Winter, aka. my favourite time to visit these wineries, makes it the perfect time to head down the Peninsula for a weekend and head out a winery or two.
I don’t think there’s anything better than immersing yourself in some winter sunshine, beautiful greenery all while dipping your toes in what the Peninsula has to offer! So, here’s my *evolving* recommended list of venues and wineries… a true work in progress.. well because.. there’s always time for more wine!
Montalto
If you’ve got one opportunity to head to the Peninsula and visit one winery, this is where I’d tell you to go. Located in beautiful Red Hill South, this award winning winery, restaurant and sculpture park has its acclaim for a reason. Producing top notch Pinot and Chardonnay, pop down early (they open at 11am) and enjoy a guided tasting to get an insight into their wines!
What I love about this venue is that you have the option to dine in either their Good Food hatted fine dining restaurant or the more casual outdoor Piazza cafe. It’s beautiful outdoor venue on a sunny day and a good opportunity to graze on some share plates, pizzas, salads and more!
Take a stroll around their award winning sculpture park, topped off by taking a seat on the grass overlooking the vineyard with a Pinot in hand… this all inclusive experience is sure to leave you impressed!
Tucks Wine
The sister estate of Montalto, it would be rude not to pop over to Tucks while you’re in the area! A fresh take on your more traditional cellar door, Tucks is not to be overlooked when deciding where to go.
A relaxed venue, perfect for large groups of friends and families, Tucks’ beautiful terrace and inviting lawn is the ideal spot to graze on some goodness and sip on some wine!
They’ve three ranges to choose from. Their fresh, fun NOW range (designed to be drank now, if it wasn’t obvious lol), the estate range Tucks (let her age a little) and their single vineyard Buckle Pinot Noir - I told you the area was producing the creme del la creme of Pinots!
Offering food ranging from Charcuterie boards to Buttermilk fried chicken to Green Bean salads… personally, I recommend coming here for a tasting and a nibble before or after a visit to Montalto!
Pt. Leo Estate
Now if you follow my food Instagram you would’ve seen this all over my page a few weeks ago. And there’s a reason why! After FINALLY heading to critically acclaimed coastal vineyard Pt. Leo Estate, it’s safe to say I was not disappointed.
A venue I thought could’ve potentially been a little overrated for the hype and tourism it receives, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Like I mentioned about Montalto, Pt. Leo offers an all inclusive experience. The opportunity to dine in three seperate areas… their prestigious fine dining restaurant Laura, the Pt. Leo Restaurant (where we dined) as well as a more casual outdoor wine terrace, this vineyard has something for everyone - literally!
The service was immaculate, food even better. The vineyard is planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, curving beautifully down towards Westernport Bay - oh what a view. While you do need to purchase tickets to stroll around their outdoor gallery, it’s absolutely well worth it, because some 60 works make it quite the journey… so be sure to take a wine or two with you as you wander!
While it may be a little more on the expensive side of life (depending on which experience you choose), this vineyard visit will be one to remember!
Rare Hare
Part of place to be - food, wine and accommodation conglomerate Jackalope, this is your all inclusive, ready to spend a bit of mulla, ultimate weekend experience.
Located in Merricks North, just a few minutes off the Peninsula Link - if you haven’t been here, you simply haven’t lived life to the fullest. You’ve got your choice of award winning fine dining restaurant Doot, Doot, Doot, quaint, curated cocktail bar Flagger Doot and more casual (by a minuscule, not a mile) restaurant Rare Hare, overlooking the vast vineyard and WOW - is the visit worth the dosh!
Home to the Willow Creek and Rare Hare Wine Ranges, they offer four distinct wine tasting experiences, catered to your taste - so get down here early to experience their ranging varietals!
If you’re looking for somewhere that pairs food with wine like no tomorrow, this is it! Personally, I’d recommend doing their share menu, $69pp and requesting paired wines. BUT, if you’re wanting to select plates, you honestly can’t go wrong.
From salumi boards, oysters, king salmon, duck fat potatoes and more… whether you’re nestled inside starring down the hand crafted wood fired oven you wish you had, or seated outside overlooking infinite vines on a sunny day… you’re set for some good vibes, smooth wines and even better food!
Trofeo
Now Trofeo is somewhere that has evolved over time and this is what I love so much about my return visits, because I experience something new every time!
Again specialising in cool climate varieties from Pinot Gris to Cabernet Sauvignon, their wine is aged in terracotta amphorae (clay pots) and boy, does it add a distinct edge! Located on a vast green estate in Dromana, head here on a sunny and park yourself on their rustic outdoor deck!
Since I first stumbled across this vineyard many moons ago, they have adapted their offering and WOW does it work. Sit back, relax and enjoy their award winning wines in style while tucking into one of their many grazing board options. Think cheese, homemade relishes, cured meats and more. If this isn’t for you, indulge in one of their daily specials instead.
While you’re about, take the opportunity to wander their glistening gardens, vast vineyards, with a wine in hand of course and immerse yourself in this relaxed food and wine experience!
Green Olive
If you’re looking for a family, pet friendly, casual but wholesome venue to experience a taste of what the Peninsula has to offer, in a relaxed fashion, head here!
I’ve been to Green Olive more times than I can count and I obviously keep going back for a reason! It’s the kind of place I envision heading with my kids and partner (aka Alec) one day when we’re headed for a drive down the Peninsula on a Sunday in the sunshine, stopping off somewhere for lunch - how wholesome!
If you think the places you’ve been are doing home grown produce to plate well, you haven’t been to Green Olive. Seated outside, weather permitting, you’re literally dining amongst their veggie gardens and their casual menu is designed to hero seasonal ingredients, homegrown goodness and plates that will win with everyone.
Their hero wine is again a Pinot, but also give their Chardonnay and Shiraz a go - wines that do well in a cooler climate and at a super reasonable price too.
In terms of food - their menu is designed to share. Think cheese boards with homemade relishes and herbs, fresh breads with olives and oils, potatoes and much, much more. All in all, nowhere does farm to plate better than Green Olive. All washed down with a winning wine? Yes please!
Barn & Co
Restaurant on a winery - what more could you want? Balnarring is home to beautiful Barn & Co and it’s one I’m dying to go back to! The unique and rustic barn has become quite a popular wedding venue and the reason is obvious.
With the option to immerse yourself amidst the elements of their styled indoor space - think timber tables, wine barrels, dried flowers and fireplaces… OR outdoors, under an umbrella overlooking the vineyard…either admirable option makes it a versatile venue for whatever the weather brings!
Their wine offering is extensive… a curated list featuring the best of the best from the region. You’ll be able to try something from a range of different wineries in the area, from Foxey’s Hangout to Quealys to their own Barn & Co Chardonnay.
Their menu is designed to be shared with many tapas style plates. From pickled octopus, to arancini, charcuterie boards and more… graze on a bit of this and that before moving to a wood fired pizza or two. Add some side salads, potatoes, house baked sourdough with warm olives… from the food to the wine to the welcoming wood fireplace… there’s not much more you can ask for from this Balnarring beaut.
Polperro
Okay, now I’m a little reluctant to write this one… I’m not writing Polperro off, as I actually have the intention of returning. This is because I want to see if my initial feelings were in fact correct or if I just didn’t have the best experience the first time. It’s safe to say I’m experiencing some cognitive dissonance, because I WANT TO LOVE THIS PLACE. However, in all honestly, from my first and only experience, I thought it was overrated.
Don’t get me wrong, the venue is BEAUTIFUL. Elegantly designed in a way that makes this ‘farmhouse’ style venue feel like home… you can cozy up next to the fireplace or grab a seat on their beautiful deck overlooking vast vineyards.
Producing the critically acclaimed Evan Keel and Polperro label wines, the Red Hill based winery is set to wow you from the outset.
Their menu is beautifully curated by award winning chef Michael Demagistris (MasterChef finalist) and I have so much respect for his selection of local and seasonal ingredients. Broken down into Farm, Land and Sea - the plates - designed to hero one particular component and add flavour to compliment, will be set to wow you - if you have a passion for flavour over volume (aka portion size).
At the time of my visit, I remember thinking the plates, for the cost, were extremely small and coupled with the wine, made the visit an expensive one. However, that was around 2 years ago and since then, my passion for food from an artistic and experiential perspective has blossomed. This is why I believe if I visited again, I would have more of an appreciation for the experience overall.. hence, Polperro - I’ll be back!
Panton Vineyard
Boutique, family-owned, Red Hill South vineyard Panton offers an insight into the best of the best when it comes to local winemaking.
You’ve got to be in it to win it with this vineyard, opening to the public on select weekends, so keep your eyes peeled on their website and socials for their next open!
Their hero wines - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sangiovese, are grown in the vineyards directly in front of their beautiful barn style venue. With a large deck that extends out towards vast grass and gardens, there’s plenty of spots to choose from when immersing yourself in the flavours of their wine.
For something to graze on, choose from a range of share style boards, featuring local cheeses, meats, pickled vegetables and more - if you’re in the area and you happen to stumble across this place on one of its open weekends, it would be rude not to pop in!
Red Hill Cheese
Last by certainly not least, while not an actual winery per say, I couldn’t not throw this place in, because we all know I’m an absolute sucker for cheese! What’s better? Cheese AND wine - thank you.
Family run artisan cheese venue, Red Hill Cheese, this place has been an absolute hit since opening in 2018!
Perched amongst the trees in beautiful Red Hill, their sun lit outdoor deck makes it the ideal spot to pull up a chair and enjoy a tasting plate, alongside a glass of local beer, wine or cider.
Offering variety’s of cheese from Port Phillip Blue to Merricks Mist Camembert to Lighthouse Vintage Cheddar, their curated platters come with tasting notes and paired wine suggestions - chef’s kiss!
With wines from Foxey’s Hangout, Quealys and much more… stop in, sit back and say yes to cheese’s best!
Now this is quite the list I know… sorry not sorry! However, if you’re wondering where I’m yet to head that’s on my list…
- Merricks General Wine Store
- Port Phillip Estate
- Ten Minutes by Tractor
- Foxey’s Hangout
Been somewhere else ace I need to add to my list? Jump into my dms @michelinstar2miegoreng - I’d love to know!