When it comes to Australian wine regions, the Mornington Peninsula stands out with its cool climate wines and stunning coastal views. Known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Mornington Peninsula is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.
One of the best things about a trip to the Mornington Peninsula is its proximity to Melbourne and the Yarra Valley wine region, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway.
With over 50 wineries, you’re spoilt for choice in the Mornington Peninsula— the hardest decision you’ll make is which Cellar Doors to visit for a wine tasting. So, whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice looking to expand your palate, here are the 10 best wineries in the Mornington Peninsula.
The 10 Best Cellar Doors in the Mornington Peninsula
From my visits to the Mornington Peninsula’s wineries, I’ve selected 10 recommendations. Each winery offers its own unique atmosphere, from stunning views to delicious cheese boards.
For those who appreciate brevity, here’s a TL;DR. For a more detailed version, scroll down to the section below:
- Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove – for beautiful views, great wine & a sculpture walk.
- Paringa Estate – a highly awarded winery, known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz.
- Port Phillip Estate – a winery with spectacular views and architectural design.
- Polperro Winery – offers a blend of great wine, food, art, and accommodations.
- Ocean Eight Winery – a small, family-run winery focusing on high-quality cool climate wines.
- Stonier Wines – one of the pioneer wineries in the region, known for its elegant and refined wines.
- Moorooduc Estate – a boutique, family-run wine business focusing on high-quality Burgundy style wines.
- Kooyong Wines – one of the most respected producers in the region, specializing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Crittenden Estate – one of the oldest family-owned and operated wineries in the region, offering a wide range of wine styles and varieties.
- Main Ridge Estate – the oldest winery on the Peninsula, producing a small quantity of single vineyard wines each year.
What Wine is Mornington Peninsula best known for?
The region’s cool maritime climate and diverse soils make it ideal for growing a range of grape varieties, resulting in a diverse selection of high-quality wines.
The Mornington Peninsula is best known for producing a variety of wine styles, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Pinot Noir – typically medium-bodied, with a smooth texture and flavours of red fruit, spice, and earthy notes.
- Chardonnay – known for its complexity and balance, with flavours ranging from citrus and green apple to tropical fruit, along with notes of oak and butter in some styles.
The 10 Best Wineries in the Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula, one of Australia’s most exciting wine regions, is home to some of the country’s most innovative wineries, offering a diverse range of cool-climate wines. Here, we explore some of the best wineries in the Mornington Peninsula that you should consider for your next wine-tasting adventure.
1. Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove
Renowned for its stunning views, sculpture walk, and award-winning wines, Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast. This family-run winery offers a range of experiences, including wine tastings, private picnics, and a piazza with a casual dining space.
2. Paringa Estate
Founded by Lindsay McCall in 1985, Paringa Estate has become one of the most awarded wineries in Australia. The estate is renowned for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz.
3. Port Phillip Estate
This winery is known for its spectacular views and architectural design. Port Phillip Estate offers a diverse range of wines and a culinary dining experience.
4. Polperro Winery
Polperro offers a blend of great wine, food, art, and accommodations. The winery is nestled among the vines and offers a truly immersive wine experience.
5. Ocean Eight Winery
This small, family-run winery focuses on producing small quantities of high-quality cool climate wines. The Aylward family at Ocean Eight Winery concentrates on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and their winemaking approach leans towards a minimalist style.
6. Stonier Wines
One of the pioneer wineries in the region, Stonier Wines has a strong focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery is known for its elegant and refined wines.
7. Moorooduc Estate
Established in 1982, Moorooduc Estate is a boutique, family-run wine business. They focus on producing high-quality Burgundy style wines, and their method is traditional and artisanal.
8. Kooyong Wines
Kooyong is considered one of the most respected producers in the region. They specialize in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and their wines are made in a restrained style that reflects the cool maritime conditions of the Mornington Peninsula.
9. Crittenden Estate
This is one of the oldest family-owned and operated wineries in the region. Crittenden Estate offers a wide range of wine styles and varieties, including a number of Italian varietals.
10. Main Ridge Estate
Established in 1975, Main Ridge Estate is the oldest winery on the Peninsula. They produce a small quantity of single vineyard wines each year, focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice looking to expand your palate, the Mornington Peninsula offers a wealth of wineries to explore. From award-winning Pinot Noir to unique cool-climate Chardonnays, there’s something for every wine lover in this region.
