The Mornington Peninsula rewards a little planning. The cellar doors are spread across Red Hill, Main Ridge and Merricks, the best lunches book out on weekends, and the drive from the city is long enough that the order of the day matters. Here is a simple itinerary that works for most groups, with room to swap stops in and out.
9:30am — leave Melbourne
From the city, allow about an hour and a quarter to Red Hill, most of it on the freeway and Peninsula Link; from the south-east and bayside suburbs it is closer. Leaving mid-morning gets you to the first cellar door around opening time, before the weekend crowds.
11:00am — first tasting in Red Hill
Start with a tasting at one of the Red Hill cellar doors — Port Phillip Estate and Montalto are two of the best known, and Montalto also has a sculpture walk through the vines. Peninsula wine country is famous for pinot noir and chardonnay, so this is a good place to compare the two.
12:30pm — a long lunch
Book lunch well ahead. T'Gallant in Main Ridge is known for its relaxed Italian-style food, and Point Leo Estate pairs a restaurant with a sculpture park and views across Western Port. Give lunch at least ninety minutes — it is the part of the day everyone remembers.
2:30pm — one or two more cellar doors
After lunch, fit in one or two more tastings — Ten Minutes by Tractor and Foxeys Hangout are popular choices, and Crittenden Estate is on the way back towards Dromana. Two is usually enough after a long lunch.
4:30pm — the hot springs or the beach
Many groups finish with a soak at Peninsula Hot Springs near Fingal — book your session in advance — or a walk on the beach at Point Leo. Then it is an easy run home, with the bottles in the back. A private Mornington Peninsula winery tour takes care of the driving and the timing so the whole group can enjoy the day.
Common Questions
How long is the drive from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula wineries?
About an hour and a quarter from the CBD to Red Hill, less from the south-east and bayside suburbs.
How many wineries should we visit on the Peninsula?
Two or three tastings around a long lunch is the right pace for most groups.
Can we combine wineries with Peninsula Hot Springs?
Yes — it is a popular way to finish the day. Book your bathing session first and plan the wineries around it.
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Keep reading
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- Winery Tours Melbourne — Private Chauffeured Wine Tours →