Are you a wine person? Mornington Peninsula tours should be on your bucket list, then! This place is quite popular for its perfect marriage of rolling vineyards, salty coastal breezes, and wines so smooth they practically tell you their story with each sip. On my recent winery tour in Mornington Peninsula with Melbourne Australia Tours, I experienced the luscious wines, learnt the history, craftsmanship, and passion.
Whether you’re a pinot noir purist, a sparkling enthusiast, or someone who just enjoys a glass with a view. Come with me as I share my experience with you through this guide!
Why Mornington Peninsula Is A Wine Lover’s Destination?
The Mornington Peninsula is a distinctive cool-climate wine area inspired by the nearby Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. This wine kingdom is tucked away about an hour from Melbourne. If you are a wine lover, plan a winery tour in the Mornington Peninsula with the experts. This place is popular as it produces a terroir that is ideal for crisp, fragrant white wines, chardonnay, and pinot noir. An incredible wine tour may be created by combining boutique cellar doors, farm-to-table dining experiences, and seaside beauty.
You know the best part? In my trip, I didn’t have to worry about planning anything. Melbourne Australia Tours took care of everything, from the stops, scheduled the tastings and even made sure there was time for pictures (and maybe a few sly wine purchases back home).
Luscious Vineyards That Should Be On Your List
Olive Grove & Vineyard Montalto
It’s like entering a postcard when you enter Montalto. The air is filled with the aroma of olive trees as rows of vines spread out in the sunlight. The sculpture path is the main attraction here, but their Pinot Noir is a masterpiece—earthy, deep, and silky. You may explore the art installations strewn over the site after having a drink.
Tip- Try the Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir wine. Estate-to-plate meal with a view of the vineyards is an experience to reserve.
The Port Phillip Estate
Before you even taste the wine, Port Phillip Estate’s breathtaking architecture is a sight to behold. Not just a place that offers you an amazing view and a few picture-perfect spots, this is also a heavenly gateway to amazing wines. Here, I was amazed by their classy architecture, like the floor-to-ceiling windows provide breathtaking views of the vineyard, and the curving limestone structure blends in well with the slope. Coming back to the wine, I tasted their Chardonnay, which is lively and fresh, making it ideal for anyone who wants a sweet, crisp, citrussy finish.
Tip- Try the Chardonnay from Port Phillip Estate. Insider tip: Get there early to get a spot on the terrace at sunset.
The Red Hill Estate
Red Hill Estate is a great place to enjoy wine and views of the seaside. It is perched on a ridge with a view of Western Port Bay, making it one of the most gorgeous settings for wine sampling. Their snacking dishes go well with the robust yet well-balanced flavour of their Shiraz.
Tip- Red Hill Estate Single Vineyard Shiraz is a wine worth tasting. Also, don’t miss the cheese and wine pairing.
Ten Minutes by Tractor
This boutique vineyard takes its name from the time it takes to drive between their vineyards – a charming nod to their origins. Known for small-batch, premium wines, their cellar door tasting is intimate and educational. I learned how subtle changes in soil and elevation can completely transform a wine’s profile.
Tip- Try out the 10X Pinot Noir wine and experience a fine-dining restaurant that is a culinary masterpiece.
The T’Gallant Winery
T’Gallant is a laid-back and pleasant place to go if you want wine without pretence. They specialise in Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris, and you can sample the differences between the two here. Since wine and pizza are maybe the happiest combination in the world, they also serve wood-fired pizzas.
Tip- Try the T’Gallant Juliet Pinot Grigio wine. This drink is ideal for a laid-back afternoon in the sun.
The Paringa Estate
A standard for cool-climate winemaking is Paringa Estate. This place combines innovation and history with award-winning vintages and a winemaker who is essentially a local legend. Long after the last taste, their Shiraz retains its richness.
Tip- Try out their lamb served with their estate reds, which is the food highlight. The best wine is Paringa Estate Shiraz. I tried it and I would recommend you try this wine.
The Crittenden Estate
Crittenden Estate’s core values are sustainability and enthusiasm. Their emphasis on winemaking with little interference produces wines that are authentic representations of the area. Also, their Savagnin, which is uncommon in Australia, was very delicious.
Tip: Experience the luscious with Peninsula Savagnin from Crittenden Estate. Enjoy an extra treat by spending the night in one of their opulent vineyard homes.
The Rare of Jackalope
If you’re looking for a unique winemaking experience, this is it. Jackalope combines elements of a thriving vineyard, a luxury hotel, and an avant-garde art project. Their cellar entrance and restaurant, Rare Hare, offers stylish wine service. I thought the Willow Creek Pinot Noir was very good; it was smooth with a tinge of spice.
Tip- Try the Pinot Noir from Willow Creek Vineyard. If you are lucky, you can also get the chance to pose and click your dream pictures in front of the enormous sculpture of a jackalope at the entryway.
Foxey’s Hangout
Another wine expert you can witness at Mornington Peninsula is the Foxey’s Hangout. The family-run Foxey’s Hangout exudes friendliness. If you’re lucky, the winemaker himself may lead your tasting of their superb sparkling wines. They also provide workshops on making your sparkling wine, which is a tasty and entertaining hands-on experience.
Tip- Try the Foxeys Hangout Brut Cuvée wine. Bring a bottle home with you; it’s a wonderful way to preserve memories in liquid form.
Wines from Stonier
Last but not least are the stonier. Stonier, one of the forerunners of the Peninsula wine scene, was founded in 1978. Despite its internationally renowned Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, the cellar door is still laid back and friendly. It’s the ideal location to round off your journey.
Tip: If you want to experience the classic winery, then try out the Stonier Reserve Chardonnay. This wine instantly brings your timeless, classic, and modest mood.
Being a wine lover, I felt that these are the 10 best wineries to try out at the Mornington Peninsula. Grab your bag and head up here to indulge in some true tastes of wine. Also, if you have plans greater than wine, like if you are a person who wants to indulge in the taste, history, and its craftsmanship, plan your next winery tour in Mornington Peninsula with Melbourne Australia Tours.
Getting the Most Out of Your Winery Tour
Melbourne Australia Tours was the difference-maker when it came to travel. Along with taking care of all the driving (so I could savour every pour), their expert guidance brings perfection. Yes, you can expect special tastings and identify the hidden jewels. Also, every one-day tour is strategically planned to avoid the large crowds. To make the journey even more memorable, small extras like bonus stops at local food markets and picturesque seaside diversions are added to your tour.
Make reservations for your winery tours in the Mornington Peninsula in advance if you intend to travel there in 2025. Weekends fill up quickly, and many small wineries restrict attendance to maintain personal tastings.
Conclusion
It’s time for you also to sip, savour, and soak all of it now! Wine tasting is only one aspect of a Mornington Peninsula vineyard tour; another is getting to know the locals, the land, and the craft. Every location has a unique narrative to tell, from gourmet eats to cellar door conversations, from sunlight grapes to coastal breezes. Additionally, you’re experiencing vineyards rather than simply seeing them when you have a knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide like Melbourne Australia Tours.
“Here is my advice: be patient, taste carefully, enquire, and let the Peninsula do its magic. Because certain travels should be taken rather than hurried.”