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The 10 best Mornington Peninsula wineries you have to visit

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 24 Oct 2022

By
Patrick Boxall

Don't leave the Mornington Peninsula without trying a glass from these unbelievable producers.

Despite the Mornington Peninsula being a relatively small region, there are over 50 cellar doors that call its fertile soil home. And though we'd love to spend our lives trying every wine and cheese platter in town, we realise that sometimes you just have to prioritise. With that in mind, we put together 10 of our favourite Mornington Peninsula wineries for you to tick off the next time you're visiting, so grab your friends, pack your palate and put these places at the top of your list:
1. Ten Minutes by TractorAfter suffering a devastating fire in 2018 that destroyed, among other things, the winery's  precious collection of museum wines, Ten Minutes by Tractor has been rebuilt and the experience is as epic as ever. Boasting a fine-dining restaurant famous for its six-course degustation, the winery has reclaimed its reputation as a mecca for foodies while the wine, which revolves around Mornington classics like chardonnay and pinot noir, holds its own against any in the region.
2. Paringa EstateParinga Estate has long been one of Mornington's premier destinations for all things food and wine. With over 30 vintages behind him, Lindsay McCall has taken the estate from a rundown orchard to being crowned Australia's best winery in 2007 by Australia's foremost wine critic. Now Lindsay's son Jamie heads up the winemaking team, while chef Joel Alderson – whose CV boasts some of Victoria's best kitchens – operates a four-course set menu out of the much-lauded estate restaurant. Add in breathtaking views of rolling vineyards and bushland and you've got yourself an unmissable Mornington experience.
3. Montalto & TucksMontalto is a family-owned estate that has been producing wines for over 20 years now, establishing itself as a name synonymous with the Mornington Peninsula region. Whether you're sampling the set menu at the highly-awarded restaurant or exploring the sculpture trail that winds around the estate, Montalto provides a world-class wine-and-food experience. And if you're after something a little more low key? Montalto's sister estate, Tucks, is right next door and the perfect spot for a lazy wine on the grass. It’s also one of the best dog-friendly wineries on the Mornington Peninsula.
4. Willow Creek Vineyard @ JackalopeThe Jackalope Hotel complex incorporates the Rare Hare and Doot Doot Doot restaurants as well as Willow Creek Vineyard. There's also an incredible collection of sculpture art, making a visit here a non-negotiable when travelling to the Mornington Peninsula. The sheer size of the estate is reason enough to drop by and fortunately the wines do the place justice and then some, with chardonnay and pinot noir that proves just how special the Mornington Peninsula region is. You could spend hours exploring this winery and the various restaurants and bars attached to it, so be sure to set aside a decent amount of time or you'll leave disappointed.
5. Yabby LakeThough they work with a number of grapes, Yabby Lake's pinot noir has to be up there with the Peninsula's best. It was the first pinot noir to win the coveted Jimmy Watson Trophy, back in 2013, and the wines have only gotten better since, no small thanks to legendary winemaker Tom Carson. The cellar door is a relatively relaxed affair, with the outdoor deck boasting particularly impressive views, and the menu features simple, seasonal food crafted with as much love, and just as delicately, as the pinot noir. It's an essential stop for anyone who loves pinot – and who doesn't?
6. Port Phillip Estate and Kooyong WinesIt's nearly impossible to put the scale of Port Phillip Estate into words. This vast winery is considered an architectural landmark, with the rammed-earth walls providing a home to a cellar door, a restaurant and luxury accommodation. It was named the region's Best Cellar Door for Accommodation by Gourmet Traveller WINE in 2020, so prepare to have your expectations not just met, but completely exceeded. There are spectacular views – of both the surrounding vineyards and the coastline – from the deck perched on top of the winery's intimidating walls, while a mysterious staircase takes visitors deep underground to the barrel room and award-winning accommodation. Whether you're staying for two days or two hours, this is a winery you won't forget in a hurry, and that's before you even try the wines.
7. Quealy WinemakersThe Quealy crew – Kathleen Quealy and Tom McCarthy – pioneered pinot grigio in Australia and they still make some of the best Italian whites in town. They first made waves perfecting the style under the T'Gallant banner, before selling to concentrate on their Mornington Peninsula namesake. If you love crisp white wines, and skin-contact wines with a bit of funk, you have to visit Quealy's cellar door to taste what 40-odd years of Italian-inspired winemaking tastes; after all, Kathleen is known around the country as the 'Queen of Pinot Grigio'.
8. Red Hill EstateAfter the best winery views on the Mornington Peninsula? Red Hill Estate may just take the cake. It was established in '89 and consistently produces high-quality. cool-climate wines like pinot noir and chardonnay, as well as some fantastic shiraz. Max's Restaurant, which is on the estate, was the first winery restaurant on the Peninsula and is an iconic establishment showcasing the best local produce from strawberries to flathead to everything in between. Food, wine and views – a triple threat if we've ever seen one.
9. StonierStonier is one of the Mornington Peninsula's oldest wineries, with Brian Stonier first planting chardonnay in 1978. Pinot noir followed and now, over 40 years later, Stonier is one of the most well-known wineries in the region. Award-winning pinot noir and chardonnay is the name of the game here, and the best way to enjoy it is with a cheese platter at the laidback cellar door, which can be found in the picturesque town of Merricks.
10. Pt Leo EstatePt Leo Estate is essentially a wine region within a wine region. The 132-hectare property is home to two restaurants – both of which are Chef-hatted – and a sculpture park with two separate trails, taking in works by both local and international artists. Tastings of chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz and more are on offer at the epic cellar door, which enjoys 180-degree views of the vineyards and Westernport Bay. None of this can be seen from the imposing entrance, but walk through the estate's towering walls and you'll discover a wine experience like no other.
Ready to discover more of the Mornington Peninsula? If 10 wineries simply aren't enough, head to our Mornington Peninsula Vine Guide to read about the other wines, wineries and restaurants that are doing the region proud.
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Authour image
Patrick BoxallPatrick Boxall is a wine-loving writer based in Melbourne. His first word was 'No', and he has spent the remainder of his life attempting to remedy this poor attitude.
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