Are you in Mornington Peninsula to spend some time in peace while being away from the fast-paced urban life?

If yes then you should know that there are many wineries in Mornington Peninsula that you can visit to spend some time in a fresh organic environment while experiencing the best of food and wines.

Here are the 8 best wineries in Mornington Peninsula that you should visit for intimate wine tasting and learn about the intricate art of winemaking.  

Best Wineries in Mornington Peninsula

1- Montalto

Google Rating: 4.3

Montalto is arguably one of the best wineries in Mornington Peninsula that offers more than just wine tasting. It’s a place where you can spend a whole afternoon enjoying various activities. The winery has a fine-dining restaurant that serves amazing food. If you’re in the mood for something more casual, there’s a wood-fired pizza oven that serves delicious pies.

One of the amazing things about Montalto is its sculpture walk. This combines art with nature, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful artwork while strolling through the vineyard. For a special experience, book their private “picnic experience.”

In winter, Montalto offers a special menu that focuses on vegetables from their own kitchen garden. Don’t miss out on trying their smoked fish rillette with fennel and pork crackling. For wine lovers, Montalto offers a “behind the scenes” tour that you should take if you are interested in learning more about winemaking.

2- Crittenden Estate

Google Rating: 4.4

Crittenden Estate is a family-run winery in Dromana, Mornington Peninsula. It’s been around since 1982 and has been managed by multiple generations of the Crittenden family. They’re known for making high-quality, cool-climate wines that really show off what the region has to offer.

When you visit Crittenden Estate, you’ll find more than just a place to taste wine. They have a dedicated Wine Centre for tastings, so you can really explore their range of wines. If you want to stay overnight, they offer luxury accommodation right on the property. There’s also a restaurant that looks out over the vineyard, a lake, and beautifully kept gardens.

One thing visitors often mention is how comfortable and welcoming the environment is at Crittenden Estate. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to take your time, maybe go for a walk around the grounds, and just enjoy being outdoors. The views are spectacular, making it a perfect spot to relax and unwind.

3- Pt Leo Estate

Google Rating: 4.5

Pt Leo Estate is a grand property near Merricks that’s had a lot of money invested in it recently. The Gandel family, who own it, have spent over $50 million to make it one of the best wineries in Mornington Peninsula. One of the most impressive things about the place is the sculpture park that overlooks Western Port Bay.

The estate isn’t just about art, though. They’ve created a beautiful space for wine tasting, and there are two restaurants to choose from – Pt. Leo Restaurant and Laura. Both offer great dining experiences. If you’re eating at Pt. Leo Restaurant, try the king crab caramelle pasta – it’s a favorite among visitors.

For those who want to stay overnight, Pt Leo Estate now offers stunning accommodation. But even if you’re just visiting for the day, make sure to leave plenty of time to explore the sculpture walk. It’s described as breathtaking, and on a clear day with good visibility, the experience is even more amazing.

4- Kooyong and Port Phillip Estate

Google Rating: 4.3

Kooyong is a winery that specializes in three types of wine: chardonnay, pinot gris, and pinot noir. They’re able to make these wines so well because of their location in one of Australia’s best cool-climate maritime wine regions. This means the grapes grow in a cooler area near the sea, which gives the wines a unique flavor.

The cellar door, or tasting room, for both Kooyong and Port Phillip Estate wines is in Red Hill. When you visit, you’ll enter through a dramatic staircase that takes you underground. This cool, dark space is perfect for really appreciating the wines as you taste them.

But there’s more to do here than just taste wine. They offer accommodation if you want to stay overnight. It’s also a popular place for weddings. And if you’re hungry, their dining room serves food made with local, seasonal ingredients. This means the menu changes depending on what’s fresh and available at different times of the year.

5- Paringa Estate

Google Rating: 4.5

Paringa Estate has an interesting history. It was started in 1985 by Lindsay McCall, who used to be a teacher before becoming a winemaker. At first, he just made wine to share with family and friends. But in 1988, he started selling his wine commercially. About ten years later, in 1999, they opened the Paringa Restaurant.

Recently, they’ve done some renovations to make the place even more impressive. They’ve added a striking new front to the building, inspired by the famous architect Le Corbusier, and a grand entrance. But what really draws people in is the restaurant. The food here is all about celebrating local, seasonal produce.

When you visit Paringa Estate, make sure to book a table at the restaurant. The menu changes with the seasons, using whatever is fresh and available locally. This means the food perfectly matches the local wines. Visitors often praise how the food is presented and how thoughtfully the meal is put together. They’re especially good at cooking seafood.

Both the cellar door and the restaurant have huge windows. These give you beautiful views of the rolling hills and grapevines outside. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy good food and wine while taking in the scenery.

6- Ocean Eight Vineyard & Winery

Google Rating: 4.5

Ocean Eight is one of the best-known wineries that grows grapes in two different places on the Mornington Peninsula. The winemaker, Mike Aylward, has been making wine since 2004. He focuses on making elegant wines that really show off the unique flavors you get from grapes grown in a cool area near the sea.

The cellar door at Ocean Eight is quite small and personal. It’s only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. When you visit, you can buy a bottle or just a glass of wine. Then, you can take your wine and enjoy it in their beautiful garden. It’s a lovely, relaxed way to spend an afternoon.

Ocean Eight is all about making wines that reflect the local flavors. By visiting this amazing winery, you get to taste wines that are truly unique to this part of Australia. The intimate setting of their cellar door means you might even get to chat with the winemaker and learn more about how they make their wines.

7- Jackalope Hotel

Google Rating: 4.5

Jackalope Hotel is a luxury winery place to stay that opened in 2017. When it first opened, it won lots of awards and was even listed as one of the best new hotels in the world by Conde-Nast magazine. The hotel is set in the Willow Creek Vineyard, which grows several types of grapes including pinot noir, chardonnay, and cabernet.

If you want to treat yourself, you can book a stay for a couple of nights in one of their fancy rooms. While you’re there, you can enjoy the luxurious day spa, perfect for relaxing. There are also two great places to eat: Doot Doot Doot for fancy dining, and Rare Hare Wine & Food Store for something more casual to eat. Another good thing is the spectacular infinity pool that looks out over the vineyard.

Just remember a few things if you’re planning to visit. The bar closes at 4pm and then opens again later in the evening, so get there early if you want afternoon drinks. It’s a good idea to book wine tastings in advance. Also, Jackalope is an adults-only hotel, so it’s not suitable for families with children.

8- Polperro

Google Rating: 4.4

Polperro is a winery in Mornington Peninsula that focuses on making high-quality wines from a single vineyard. They specialize in three types of wine: pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot gris. But Polperro offers more than just wine – it’s a great place to relax and enjoy yourself.

If you want to stay overnight, they have luxury accommodation available. There’s also a small, intimate cellar door where you can taste their wines. But one of the biggest attractions is their incredible restaurant. The restaurant is surrounded by a colorful kitchen garden, which adds to its charm.

In summer, you can have a long, lazy lunch on the sunny deck. After lunch, you can keep the good times going with drinks and music into the early evening. You’ll love the restaurant for its great atmosphere and the care they put into every dish. The staff are known for their excellent service, explaining each dish as it’s served. And of course, the views over the vineyard add to the overall experience.

Want to explore more amazing wineries across Australia? Go to Zojir and find out about the best wineries in Australia!