The Mornington Peninsula’s wine history dates back to the late 1800s, when the region was primarily used for grazing and farming. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the first commercial vineyards were established in the area. The cool climate and unique soils of the Mornington Peninsula were found to be ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, which quickly became the region’s signature varietals.
Today, the Mornington Peninsula is home to over 50 wineries, producing some of the best cool-climate wines in Australia. Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne, here are five wineries to visit in the Mornington Peninsula.
Port Phillip Estate
Port Phillip Estate produces some of the region’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The cellar door itself boasts a stunning architectural design, featuring a sleek, modernist structure that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and a meal at the winery’s bistro, serving modern Australian cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
Ten Minutes by Tractor
For a premium wine experience, you can’t beat Ten Minutes by Tractor. The eccentric name reflects the winery’s three vineyards, which are all located within a ten-minute drive of each other. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and a meal at the winery’s acclaimed restaurant, which offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside.
Paringa Estate
Paringa Estate is another family-owned winery that produces some of the region’s best wines. The winery is known for its award-winning Pinot Noir and Shiraz and a hatted restaurant dishing artful plates of modern Australian cuisine. Pull up a chair by the towering windows offering views of the rolling hills, covered in vines.
Jackalope
This luxurious and innovative winery is a work of art, with its striking modernist design that blends seamlessly with the surrounding vineyards. As for the wines, expect to sip on silky drops of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines, made using sustainable farming practices and innovative winemaking techniques. Tour the vineyard or settle into the winery’s world-class restaurants for a meal you won’t regret.
Polperro
Nestled among the rolling hills of the Mornington Peninsula, Polperro Winery exudes rustic charm and old-world elegance. With its cozy fireplace, warm wooden furnishings, and quaint cellar door, the winery is a haven for wine lovers seeking a taste of the good life. The acclaimed restaurant serves seasonal cuisine with a farm-to-plate philosophy and is the perfect way to explore the winery’s portfolio. Although if you’re short on time, book a cellar door tasting experience — it has won awards, and it’s that good.
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