Situated amidst rolling vineyards and stunning coastlines, Mornington Peninsula stands as a premier destination in Australia for wine aficionados. With its diverse array of wineries offering everything from gourmet dining to laid-back lunches, this region brings all the best flavours for a memorable culinary experience.
Sip back and relax as we take you into the best wineries Mornington Peninsula has to offer:
1. Pt. Leo Estate: Best Winery For Lunch
Breathtaking views, culinary delights, and world-class wines—Pt. Leo Estate is a melting pot of culture that earned them the position of the best winery for lunch on the Mornington Peninsula. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, ocean views, and the state-of-the-art Sculpture Park, Pt. Leo Estate is a quintessential destination for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike who want to experience the best Mornington Peninsula has to offer.
Pt. Leo Estate’s Cellar Door boasts a range of highly acclaimed wines, including Pt. Leo Estate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Rosé. Guests are welcome to sample these wines in the bar with spectacular views over Western Point, elevating the tasting experience. You can also indulge in various small-bar snacks offered in the Cellar Door and Wine Terrace, with casual yet refined options available to perfectly complement your beverages.
For a more indulgent lunch, Pt. Leo Restaurant and Laura present seasonal menus crafted from the finest local produce. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick tasting or a leisurely meal, Pt. Leo Estate offers a truly memorable wine and dining experience on the Mornington Peninsula.
Address: 3649 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks VIC 3916, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“The food and wine were exceptional, and we truly appreciated how accommodating you were to our daughter's food allergies.” — Team JJ
“The outdoor atmosphere is lovely—the vineyard and artworks face the ocean, making it well worth a visit!” — Linyt
“The food was cooked to perfection and well-priced. Portion sizes were generous. Service was friendly and attentive.” — Phyllis.
2. Rahona Valley: Best Winery for Casual Dining
Tucked away in a secluded spot in Dromana, Rahona Valley offers a relaxed and cosy experience, making it an ideal spot for a casual winery lunch on Mornington Peninsula. This winery is known for its laid-back atmosphere, with a roster of events like live music, poetry, chef dinners, and other guest performances in a rustic setting surrounded by lush greenery.
Inspired by a desire to create a low-sugar Australian Spritz that captures the flavourful essence of native ingredients, Rahona Valley presents its very own Sorrento Moon Cuvée Spritz. This sparkling wine features indigenous Australian elements such as Davidson Plum, Rosella, and Tasmanian Pepperberry, harmoniously combined with Australian oranges to create a distinctive aperitivo blend.
Their food selection allows guests to enjoy a casual yet gourmet spread while savouring Rahona’s Valley’s wines—from local cheeses to charcuterie, warmed bread, and locally made pies.
Address: 3/48 Collins Rd, Dromana VIC 3936, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“Great wine tasting experience and the owner spent lots of time answering all our questions. Live music in the background for a vibe.” — Denise N.
“Nice little industrial cellar door with amazing wines. Very much enjoyed our afternoon!” — Sydney M.
“Every wine was beautiful, the tasting was carefully considered with fresh glasses customised to each wine (rare to find), awesome and generous finger food on offer.” — Kosmopoulos H.
3. Crittenden Wine Centre: Best Winery With Sustainable Winemaking
Crittenden Estate is a pioneer of sustainable winemaking on the Mornington Peninsula, and its outstanding eco-friendly practices and wine quality have both been recognised globally. The jewel of Crittenden Estate is its tranquil lakeside wine-tasting room. The vineyards surrounding the alfresco courtyard offer a stunning backdrop for sampling the estate’s range of high-quality wines.
At the heart of the estate is the Crittenden Wine Centre, which houses over 20 wines and offers two tasting experiences that cater to both novices and connoisseurs alike. The Standard Tasting features six to eight wines for your choosing, while the Premium Tasting showcases the estate’s finest single-vineyard selections, including their prized Cri de Coeur.
Address: 25 Harrisons Rd, Dromana VIC 3936, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“The space was warm and inviting, with a log fire and a view over the lake. The private dining space and cellar looked like an ideal event location.” — Mitch W.
“Had a fabulous afternoon at this classy winery. Fabulous views over the lake and patio area. Tasted high-quality wines and a cheese platter.” — Jeanine P.
“There are a nice selection, having more variety than just the Pinot spectrum or Chardonnay that the Peninsula is known for.” — IGuideU
4. Polperro Winery: Best Winery for an Intimate Wine-Tasting Experience
Renowned for its intimate, boutique setting, Polperro Winery focuses on the production of small-batch, handcrafted wines. A visit here offers a chance to sample their Polperro and Even Keel wines in an intimate cellar door setting, where the staff takes guests through a curated tasting experience.
Polperro Winery specialises in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, producing wines that capture the maritime climate of the Mornington Peninsula. Their signature Polperro Pinot Noir is known for its flavourful blend of sweet spices, ripe cherries, and plummy fruits, while their Polperro Estate Chardonnay is prized for its beautifully balanced taste of stone fruit with a creamy mid-palate texture. Each wine is crafted with a focus on minimal intervention, allowing the maritime influence to shine through in every glass.
Address: 150 Red Hill Rd, Red Hill VIC 3937, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“Came here to have our lunch at this winery.. surprisingly good food with wine pairing too.” — Andrew G.
“Well worth the visit, for the great information, and the entertainment factor. It's best if you ask lots of questions.” — Robert B.
“The room is absolutely stunning - cozy cabin / Scandinavian vibe, candlelight room and fairy lights outside leading you to the restaurant.” — Stefenie M.
5. Trofeo Estate: Best Winery for Unique and Vegan-Friendly Wine Options
Nestled in the foothills of Dromana, Trofeo Estate is a winery, vineyard, cellar door, and restaurant all rolled into one, offering a complete and immersive experience for visitors.
Trofeo Estate sets itself apart by producing wines aged exclusively in Terracotta Amphorae imported from Tuscany, Italy. By using traditional winemaking techniques, they are able to craft wines with distinctive and complex flavour profiles that stand out. Their cool-climate wines are also vegan-friendly, having been processed without any animal products that are usually used in fining and filtration. Pair these wines with seasonal produce from their chef’s specially curated contemporary menu, and you’ll have an exceptional dining experience that highlights the best Trofeo Estate has to offer.
Address: 85 Harrisons Rd, Dromana VIC 3936, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“Trofeo is the only winery we've tried that ferments their wine in terracotta pots, which makes for a unique and exciting experience. We loved how beautiful the place looked and how distinct their wine tasted.” — Nicole V.
“The food and wine was amazing, we had the vegetarian share platter for 2, and a few tasting flights. We could not fault the food or wine, it was so lovely. We were mostly impressed with the amazing service.” — Alex
“Had a lovely relaxed Sunday lunch with attentive staff. Great atmosphere for large groups, plenty of room to move around - much appreciated when our group had a wheelchair-bound patron.” — T.K
6. Ten Minutes by Tractor: Best Winery for Fine Dining
Ten Minutes by Tractor beckons its guests to discover the art of fine wine and fine dining. A winery, restaurant, and cellar door all at once, Ten Minutes by Tractor delivers an immersive experience in a refined ambience with a panoramic vineyard view. Guests can choose a five-course or seven-course tasting menu, each promising a curated journey through the finest local ingredients and expertly crafted wines.
Their cellar door offers in-depth tastings of their award-winning wines, including their 10X range of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rosé, and Shiraz. Paired with their seasonal menu of craft snacks and shared plates, these wines create a well-rounded experience that delights the senses. In their fine-dining restaurant, the seasonal menu focuses on fresh regional produce from local growers, creating dishes that reflect the rich flavours and seasonal bounty of the Mornington Peninsula.
Address: 1333 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Main Ridge VIC 3928, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“Amazing food and wine. The entire dining experience was exquisite. Everything was well executed and presented, even down to smallest details like the tableware and cutlery.” — Claire
“A must visit. One of the peninsulas top wineries.” — Dean H.
“One of the best dining experiences I have ever had. We did the 5 course tasting menu with rising stars wine pairings. The food was incredible and well paired with the exciting new wines.” — Chris P.
7. Stonier Wines: Best Family-Friendly Winery
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly winery where your kids can play freely on the spacious yard and playground while you unwind with different flavours of wine, Stonier Wines is the place for you. Located in Merricks on the Mornington Peninsula, this family-friendly winery provides an inviting and accessible environment for all guests, including those with disabilities.
Home to a range of premium wines including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Stonier Wines offers nuanced flavours produced from some of the region’s oldest vineyards. You can also build your own charcuterie board with their wide selection of cheese, crackers, nuts, and more, perfectly complementing your wine-tasting experience.
Address: 2 Thompsons Ln, Merricks VIC 3926, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“If you love picnics or have kids that want to have fun running around then this is your place! They offer great quality local produce from around Australia and their items are very decently priced.” — Meril A.
“We had a great experience at the Stonier cellar door. Service was amazing, wines were great and the outside picnic area with the playground is really nice.” Christoffer K.R.
“Well priced. Great charcuterie selections, warm ambiance, great outdoor area, good wine and the BEST customer service I have experienced on the peninsula.” — Rhendon C.
Plan Your Perfect Winery Escape with Us
To ensure a memorable and enjoyable winery lunch experience, consider these tips for planning your next trip to Mornington Peninsula:
- Plan your transportation. Searoad Ferries offers a scenic and convenient way to reach the Mornington Peninsula, providing a relaxed start to your winery escape. The ferry ride between Queenscliff and Sorrento is not only picturesque but also saves you from the stress of driving long distances. Once you arrive, consider booking a car rental or a local shuttle service, especially if you plan to visit multiple wineries.
- Make your reservations. To avoid missing out on a table, booking ahead is highly recommended, especially when you’re visiting on weekends or during peak seasons. Many wineries offer online reservation systems, which can help you secure your spot in advance.
- Keep an eye out for seasonal events. Some wineries have special events such as exclusive wine release parties, sales, or harvest festivals that can offer memorable experiences beyond the usual tasting.
- Explore nearby must-visit destinations. Apart from wineries, Mornington Peninsula is also home to stunning beaches that offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. If you want to indulge in some of the best local flavours the region has to offer, there are Sorrento restaurants and cafés you can explore nearby. Just across the bay, discover the vibrant food scene in Queenscliff, featuring some of the best restaurants and cafés known for their diverse and enticing dishes. With so much to experience, you won’t run out of things to do and try.
Plan Your Winery Escape With Searoad Ferries
Let Searoad Ferries take you on a truly relaxing and scenic journey to the Mornington Peninsula. Our ferry service connects Queenscliff and Sorrento, offering a beautiful, stress-free way to reach Mornington Peninsula’s renowned wineries. Book a round-trip ticket for a seamless day out and enjoy every moment of your winery escape.