Idyllically situated an hour’s drive south east of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula Shire is naturally blessed with gorgeous beaches, hot springs, and hiking trails. But what attracts enthusiasts to the town is its high-quality wineries, some of them with history dating back to the 1980s. Today, boasting more than 200 vineyards and over 50 cellar doors, Mornington is a must-visit destination for wine-lovers. Here’s our favourite cellar doors from our most recent trip:
Ten Minutes by Tractor
Wake Up Your Tastebuds at Ten Minutes by Tractor
Picture this: a cozy cellar door nestled in Main Ridge, where the Mornington Peninsula comes alive in every glass. That’s Ten Minutes by Tractor, a place that knows how to marry architecture, wine, food, and service into one unforgettable experience.
What’s on the Menu?
- Six Vineyards: Sip the celebrated wines straight from the source
- Estate Blends: The ‘Up the Hill’ Pinot Noir is a highlight—think liquorice, kumquat, and a whisper of lavender in every sip
- Solo Vineyard Stars: Try a single-vineyard Pinot Noir for that extra sparkle
How to Join the Party
Grab the Cellar Door Tasting for just A$12 (S$12). The best part? It’s fully redeemable with a wine purchase—so you’re always getting your money’s worth.
Book Now
Address: 1333 Mornington Flinders Road, Main Ridge, Victoria 3928, Australia
Phone: +61 03 59896080
Bookings: Website or email [email protected]
So, ready to taste Mornington’s finest? Bring your friends, bring your curiosities, and let the wines do the talking.
Quealy Winemakers
Welcome to Quealy: Where the Wheel Turns and the Story Starts
Since 1988, Quealy has been welcoming guests in a place that feels more like a cozy cellar than a showroom. Picture yourself surrounded by barrels, terracotta amphorae, and a whole lot of rustic charm.
Why We’re a Classic
- Pioneer Spirit – one of the first Australian wineries to grow and source single‑vineyard Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
- Proving Italian Flair – we’ve brought the taste of Italia to Victoria with varieties like Friulano, Secco Splendido and the wild‑card, Pobblebonk.
- Authenticity Over Aesthetics – it’s not about a smooth façade; it’s about real, aged, hand‑crafted wines.
What You’ll Experience
Step into a world where you can taste the terroir and listen to the whispers of the vines. The tasting room is more than just a table; it’s a journey.
Food & Wine Pairing
- Cheesy delight – customizable cheese platters crafted just for you.
- Garnished treats – forget the sugar‑candy names; we’re all about décord’ edibles.
- Drink and dine – sip and marvel.
Free Tasting Experience
That’s right: the tasting is no cost, so come on down and soak in the vibe.
Get In Touch
Location:
2 Bittern-Dromana Road, Balnarring, Victoria 3926, Australia
Phone:
+61 03 59832483
Book Your Visit:
Contact us via our website or shoot an email to [email protected] for reservations.
Hours:
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Polperro Winery
Polperro: The Hidden Gem of Victoria’s Wine Scene
Step into Polperro and feel like you’ve discovered a secret family vault—only this time, the loot is delicious food, cozy rooms, and wines that make you feel like you’re on a sunny beach with a glass in your hand. Since 2014, this boutique winery has been scooping up smiles from all corners of the Peninsula.
Meet the Maestro
The mastermind behind this luscious haven is owner and winemaker Sam Coverdale. He pours his soul into the Polperro and Even Keel labels, both of which are already cheekily popping up in Australia’s top restaurants and house-ware.
On the Lawn Cellar‑Door Adventure
Picture this: a sunny lawn, the gentle hum of vines swaying in a cool breeze, and a glass of Pinot Noir that whispers hints of forest pepper. This isn’t just any wine—it’s a blend handcrafted from grapes harvested across the winery’s five vineyards.
- Wine of the Day: A silky Pinot Noir with that earthy, peppery twist.
- Vineyard Spec: Five distinct terroirs come together for a single, unforgettable sip.
- Setting: Rows of vines stretching as far as the eye can see—nature’s own photo op.
How to Get Involved
Cellar Door Tasting – A pocket‑friendly A$15 ticket to taste a glass or two (or three, we won’t judge).
Polperro Winery is tucked at 150 Red Hill Rd, Red Hill, Victoria 3937, Australia. Give them a ring at +61 03 59892471 if you feel like chatting about wine.
Hours & RSVP Policy
- Open Wed–Sun, 11 am – 5 pm.
- No sit‑downs or reservations—just a walk‑in vibe that welcomes up to 6 guests at a time.
- Bring friends, bring your curiosity, and let the wine do the rest.
So whaddya say? Slide into the cellar, sneak a bottle or two, and let Polperro’s winning blend of wine, food, and comfort whisk you away to a place that feels like home—enter the tasting, the view, the good times.
Yabby Lake
Yabby Lake: Where Wine Meets Wonder
Picture this: a sprawling vineyard in Tuerong, Victoria, where the sun kisses the vines and every bottle tells a delicious story. At the heart of it all is Yabby Lake, famed for its Heathcote Shiraz, but don’t be fooled—this place is a one‑stop shop for wine lovers and foodies alike.
What’s in the Cellars?
- Mornington classics: From crisp Chardonnay to silky Pinot Noir, the single‑vineyard lineup is a showcase of local flair.
- Red Claw everyday wonders: A range of reds that make your palate sing—perfect for those spontaneous weekend sips.
- And the star of the show: The legendary Heathcote Shiraz—so good, it’ll make your taste buds dance.
The On‑Site Dining Experience
If a tasting’s enough, the on‑site restaurant takes it up a notch. Think cheese and charcuterie platters that feel like they were crafted by a culinary wizard, paired with the best of the region’s wines. The backdrop? Vibrant vineyards and a splash of artistic sculptures that add just the right splash of culture.
It’s the perfect escape from the city, where you can enjoy a glass, indulge in savory delights, and soak in the garden vibes—all in one swoop.
Cellar Door Tasting Deal
Snag a A$10 tasting, fully redeemable with a wine purchase. A sweet deal for a full sip of Yabby Lake classic!
Find Us
Address: 86 -112 Tuerong Road, Tuerong, Victoria 3915, Australia
Phone: +61 03 5974 3729
Email: [email protected]
Bookings: Call 0400 724 884 or email the address above.
Open for Tastings
Every day from 10am – 4pm, so you can drop by and taste the magic before the day is over.
Montalto
At a whopping 30 acres, Montalto is home to vineyards, olive groves, kitchen gardens, picnic experiences, wood-fired pizzas and sculpture trails. You’ll find three seated cellar door tastings of their award-winning wines. In Latest Release, guests taste the cool climate grape varieties of the Mornington township, whilst the Single Vineyard Exploration is a comparative tasting of ‘Up the Hill’ and ‘Down the Hill’ wines – an education on how microclimate and winemaking impact the wine’s characters. In Museum vs Latest, understand how wine evolves through careful cellaring with sips of latest releases against older fine wine.
Cellar Door Tasting: From A$10, redeemable with wine purchase
Montalto is located at 33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South, Victoria 3937, Australia, p. +61 03 59898412. Open for tastings daily 11am – 5pm. For bookings, please click here.
Crittenden Estate
Crittenden Estate: The Legendary Wine Vault of Dromana
Why It’s a Must‑Visit
Tasting Experience
Enjoy a curated wine flight that showcases the estate’s rich history—all in a single glass of the day!
Where to Find the Magic
Open daily from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Bonus Round: Stillwater Restaurant
Feeling peckish?
Head to the cozy Stillwater Restaurant for a mouth‑watering lunch or dinner. Think freshly‑picked local ingredients paired perfectly with the estate’s finest wines. The place is a delightful blend of relaxed ambiance and delicious cuisine—your palate’s new best friend.
Crittenden Estate isn’t just a cellar; it’s a tasting adventure wrapped in history, skill, and a sprinkle of Aussie charm. Pack your curiosity, bring your friends, and let the wines do the talking!
Port Phillip Estate
Port Phillip Estate: A Wine Adventure Before Even Open the Bottle
Imagine stepping into a picture‑perfect, lime‑washed villa that feels less like a winery and more like a chic coastal bistro. That’s Port Phillip Estate, where the first taste of a fantastic Kooyong Pinot Noir happens before you even pop the cork.
What’s on the Menu?
- Kooyong Pinot Noir – the talk of the town, ready to headline your tasting experience.
- Other star varietals: Chardonnay and Shiraz, each with their own personality.
- Tasting bar vibes: casual, like a laid‑back restaurant, paired with sweeping views of Red Hill’s slopes.
- Food that goes beyond cheese and charcuterie: think “wood‑roasted line‑caught fish” and Central Victorian duck—goodies that feel like a gourmet makeover of the usual.
Quick Tasting Highlights
Want a quick bite and a sip? Grab a Cellar Door Tasting for just A$10—perfect for a breezy Sunday or an impromptu after‑work gathering.
Need More Details?
Location: 263 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria 3937
Phone: +61 03 598‑94444 (ext. 2)
Email: [email protected].
Check out their website or drop an email for bookings—your next wine adventure awaits!
Willow Creek Vineyard
Discover Willow Creek: A Picture‑Perfect Pour on the Peninsula
Ever wish you could stroll through a vineyard that looks straight out of a postcard? Willow Creek delivers that dream on the Peninsula, complete with a 5‑star rating and a gourmet restaurant that’s as award‑winning as it is cheeky. Nestled among winding vine‑lined hills, the place lets you sip, taste, and devour without leaving your blissful corner.
Why the Wine Exploration Experience Is Your Must‑Do
For A$185 a person (max. 6 people), the Wine Exploration Experience does more than just uncork a bottle:
- Shows the secrets behind the winemaking wizardry—Chardonnay & Pinot Noir, anyone?
- Serves a mouth‑watering lunch at Rare Hare, perched above the rolling hills.
- Serves a farm‑to‑table feast—think Sardines on Toast and Ora King Salmon that’ll make your taste buds dance.
The best part? You get to enjoy the wine while watching the vines sway in the breeze—talk about a treat for both body and soul.
The Easygoing Cellar Door Tasting
If the full experience feels like too much wine for one day, the simple Cellar Door Tasting runs at A$25 and still lets you taste the magic of Willow Creek from the ground up.
Location & Contact
Willow Creek Vineyard is located at 166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North, Victoria 3926, Australia.
Phone: +61 03 5931 2500
For bookings or more info, drop an email at [email protected] (they do not accept lazy car‑pooling orders—they’re all about the farm‑to‑table vibe).
Also Worth a Peek:
How best to store wine at home—because nobody wants a bottle that’s dryer than your dad’s old jokes.
First published in City Nomads, this little slice of paradise is ready to whisk you away from the ordinary into a world of exquisite wine, spectacular views, and a menu that’ll make you forget that you just paid for a tour.
