Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Mornington Peninsula

Anyone who has experienced Victoria's Mornington Peninsula will know it is one of the most scenic wine regions you are ever likely to visit. Rolling vine covered hills, dense native bushland and a stunning ocean backdrop, makes the Mornington Peninsula region a must see destination for any wine lover visiting Victoria.

Surrounded by Bay Strait, Port Phillip and Western Port Bays, the Mornington Peninsula lays claims to being one of Australia's only true ‘maritime' wine regions. Situated at a latitude of around 38°, the Mornington Peninsula is also officially classified as a ‘cool climate' region. This unique combination allows cool climate varietals to flourish without many of the problems often associated with cool climate winemaking.

Undoubtedly the wines that have put the region on the winemaking map are the ‘Burgundian’ varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Both these grapes enjoy the cool, temperate climate and abundant sunshine that is reminiscent of the Burgundy region these varieties originated from. Some of the leading exponents of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir include Willow Creek, Port Phillip Estate, Kooyong, Tuck’s Ridge, and Yabby Lake.

While Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the shining lights of the region, the Mornington Peninsula has shown itself capable of producing some stunning examples of cool climate Shiraz, with Red Hill Estate and Paringa Estate consistently amongst the best.

The region was also responsible for first introducing many Australian wine drinkers to Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio, with Kevin McCarthy and Kathleen Quealy pioneers of these varieties at their T’Gallant winery. 

Along with some fine wineries and wines, Mornington Peninsula and particularly Red Hill, boast some of the leading restaurants and winery cellar door anywhere in Victoria. A couple of highlights include the recently opened cellar door at Port Phillip Estate, and Montalto that boasts a delightful view across their expansive vineyards.