5 Mornington Peninsula Wineries You Need to Visit This Weekend

The Mornington Peninsula is making quite a name for itself as the edgier, more unique wine making district of Victoria, and If you take a look at some of their highly regarded wineries, it’s easy to see why. With a unique cool maritime climate and geographic location, producers in the area are churning out some really outstanding wines of the highest standard. Once dominated by the tourist-drawing cellar doors of the Yarra Valley, Mornington’s wineries are slowly but surely showing the world that their region and wines are second to none. So why not find out for yourself, with a little help from Wine Compass, here’s the 5 Mornington Peninsula Wineries You Need to Visit This Weekend…

Stonier

This is one of the classic and most renowned cellar door stops on the Mornington Peninsula. If you want to try a number of different versions and vintages of what the region is famous for, pinot noir and chardonnay then the is the place to come. On tours it is also a favourite with English and American visitors as it has a strong export market. From original plantings in the late 70s as a hobby farm, it has some of the oldest vines in the region, today they boast a very impressive range of single vineyard wines which are an absolute must try when visiting their cellar door.  

Ocean Eight

As soon as you head down the driveway of the beautifully landscaped property of Ocean Eight, you know you’re in for something special. The stunning, photo-worthy grounds are however no match for the amazing wines being poured at this unique cellar door. They take their winemaking very seriously here, and once you taste their premium range of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, you’ll understand why. The wines here are some of the most elegant and refined expressions of these varieties that you’ll find anywhere on the Peninsula. Visitors are taken down into the depths of their underground cellar to explore the inner-workings of this understated but outstanding winery. You won’t find a long list of varieties on offer here, but what they do, they do exceptionally well. These wines are only ever seen on the lists of top restaurants around the country, so this is definitely one cellar door you don’t want to miss.  

Quealy

Quealy Winemakers have established themselves as the experts for growing Italian varieties in Victoria. They were the first to plant Pinot Grigio in this region and the first producers to grow and sell Friulano commercially here too, a variety not often seen outside of its origins in Italy. This is a rustic cellar door with a lot of heart. It’s not often you find the winemaker on hand to pour you a glass at cellar door, but here Kathleen Quealy is often found showing visitors through the winery, sharing her experience and winemaking wisdom. There are many highlights in the range which is pretty extensive, including some amazing red and white sparklings, and the very popular ‘Rageous’, a blend of Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Shiraz. From the wine to the iconic labels which are specially commissioned for the winery and have a fun pop-art feel, this is a typically Australian winery, with not so typical wines.  

Kerri Greens

Tapping into a new generation of wine drinkers, Kerri Greens is a casual, no fuss winery that likes to do things a little differently. Here you’ll taste amazing Peninsula wines made with minimal intervention, from the rare Gewurztraminer and Riesling to the Peninsula staples of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. If you like wines with a real difference, and not looking for your typical stuffy cellar door, then this is the place for you. Kerri Greens has a fresh cool vibe that you’ll absolutely love. At the cellar door, they’ll tell you as little or as much about their wines as you want to know, but after tasting them, you’ll probably want to know it all. You can also bring your own picnic or bbq along and enjoy lunch from the slopes of their vineyard. Good times and great wines are both in abundance here.  

Tucks Ridge

After a revamp late last year, Tucks Ridge has become one of the best spots in the area to sit back and relax, with arguably the best vineyard views of anywhere on the Peninsula. Sip on their amazing and extensive range of wines which feature a more approachable range of wines that can be enjoyed easily and immediately, or chose from their more premium estate selection. After a tasting, take a seat in the outdoor dining area of their restaurant and choose from a mouth-watering rotisserie menu and delicious salads and sides. There’s even a comfy adult sized swing hanging from one of the trees for those lazy afternoons that a better spent with a glass in hand. See the best of the Mornington Peninsula with a private and tailored tour with Wine Compass. https://www.winecompass.com.au https://www.instagram.com/winecompass/