Take a wind through the breezy Mornington Peninsula wine region, where cool-climate wines are crafted within fascinating wineries, and local food and nature can also be explored.
Whether you’re embarking on a day trip from Melbourne, or staying for a while longer, the Mornington Peninsula has experiences aplenty, with exceptional wine accompanying your every move.
Here’s a collection of premier cellar doors, for a wine adventure to remember.
Dromana Estate
With a rich history dating back to 1982, Dromana Estate embraces the old and new in their Tuerong-based winery. Many of the estate's original characteristics remain, and their minimal intervention policy is recognised across Australia. Offering a melange of activities to enlighten the senses, enjoy tranquil gardens, find warmth by a toasty fire, experience the sounds of local music or sink into their cottage for a night or two. Their rustic cellar door, however, may just be their star attraction. Embark on an unforgettable journey through taste and aroma, led by their friendly staff, who are happy to teach you of the Mornington Peninsula and its flavours. Alongside chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz, Dromana Estate also offers a collection of emerging varietals to get to know. Wines aside, their acclaimed on-site restaurant serves share plates and locally-sourced produce to satisfy any food craving.
Perfect for: understanding both traditional and modern wine techniques, while enjoying the region's finest produce. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
On pour: chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz, rosé, blanc de blanc, pinot gris, riesling, viognier
dromanaestate.com.au | 555 Old Moorooduc Rd, Tuerong | 03 5974 4400
Main Ridge Estate
Celebrated for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Main Ridge Estate craft wines that reflect season and place. For over 40 years, Main Ridge Estate has produced benchmark pinot noirs and chardonnays, which visitors can taste in their charmed cellar door – that was in fact the first licensed winery in the Mornington Peninsula region. Family hospitality will guide you through the estate, with bushy valley views to be enjoyed on the sundeck, or snug by the fire in the winery when it’s crisp. Main Ridge Estate strives to foster a sense of connection between their visitors, family, and the wider local community; wine tastings run by Sexton family members is just one instance of this. Their cosy restaurant, The Larder, is an excellent spot to relax while enjoying a long lunch by the vines. It's known for its simple sharing dishes that complement the wines from the vineyard outside. For additional attractions, enjoy acoustic concerts within the cellar door, and cheeseries close by.
Perfect for: a sweet escape where you can truly feel at home. Open Friday to Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.
On pour: pinot noir, chardonnay
mre.com.au | 80 William Rd, Red Hill | 03 5989 2686
Ocean Eight Vineyard and Winery
A small detour off the common tracks gifts Ocean Eight Vineyard and Winery; a Shoreham establishment nestled among the Mornington Peninsula hinterlands. The winery devote their practice to producing notably lean and bright wines, which are tight with acid at the finish. Run by wine enthusiasts Michael and Holly Aylward, the pair ventured to Burgundy in France to hone their viticulture craft, embarking on many tours and visits to vineyards. These trips helped shape the styles produced at the winery today. Bask in the endless sights of nature when visiting their garden cellar door, while slowly sipping on lavish examples: namely chardonnay, pinot noir, rose and pinot gris. With wines specifically designed to pair well with food, why not take some bottles home? Or, better yet, to a near-by restaurant to further indulge in the flavours of the region.
Perfect for: adventuring off the beaten track to discover the hinterlands. Open Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm, and Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
On pour: pinot gris, rose, chardonnay, pinot noir
oceaneight.com.au | 271 Tucks Rd, Shoreham | 03 5989 6471
Ten Minutes by Tractor
The diverse estate was first established in 1997 as three small vineyards a short ten minutes apart by tractor – alas, the winery name was born. An additional four vineyards have now joined the family as Martin and Karen Spedding work hard in offering a range of wines. A winery that’s layered in its offerings, their fruits flourish in differing microclimates across the Mornington Peninsula region, producing elegant examples of predominantly pinot noir and chardonnay. Enjoy their famed styles, alongside other star varietals, in the close confines of their stylish cellar door. If you’d like to know more about the wines before you, an experienced staff member is awaiting your thoughts, and happy to teach anything you may wish to know. For food that's just as impressive as the wine, try Petit Tracteur, Ten Minutes by Tractor's French-inspired bar and bistro. Located on the same site as the current cellar door, Petit Tracteur is an idyllic spot to indulge for hours on end. For nearby activities, rove around their website for suggestions on beaches, galleries, nature walks and more.
Perfect for: expanding your palate with an array of wines from differing microclimates. Open daily from 11am to 5pm.
On pour: pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot gris and rose
tenminutesbytractor.com.au | 1208 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Main Ridge | 03 5989 6455
Find everything you need to know about the Mornington Peninsula in our essential guide.
This article was produced in partnership with Dromana Estate, Main Ridge Estate, Ocean Eight Vineyard and Winery and Ten Minutes by Tractor.
