Just an hour or so from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula delivers one of Victoria’s most compelling cool-climate wine regions, where rolling vineyard landscapes meet coastal breezes and cellar doors feel more like curated lifestyle destinations than traditional tasting rooms. This is Pinot Noir and Chardonnay country at its most expressive, shaped by maritime influence, mineral-driven soils, and winemakers who prioritise finesse over force.
What sets the Mornington Peninsula apart is the diversity of experience. You’ll find architectural showpieces overlooking vines, intimate family-run estates pouring small-batch releases, and restaurant-led wineries where seasonal menus are designed to match each flight. Whether you’re seeking a long lunch among the vines, a structured tasting led by the winemaker, or a coastal drive that links cellar door to cellar door, this region rewards slow exploration.
From iconic names to emerging boutique producers, the Mornington Peninsula continues to cement itself as one of Australia’s most refined and food-friendly wine destinations.
Updated March 2026.
Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove is a spectacular winery in Red Hill and a grand slice of the Mediteranean. This is surely one of the best Mornington Peninsula Wineries and a winery to take out of towners. This winery displays the best of the Peninsula with wonderful views and high class food and wine. Every time we've visited Montalto the car park is full of luxury cars - the top end of town is fond of Montalto.
The wine itself is excellent - come here mainly for top notch Pinot and Chardonnay. The Reserve Pinot is to be raved about but also the standard Pinot at around $30 is a cracker. Check out the white linen hatted fine dining in the restaurant or enjoy the amazing ambience of the cafe outside nestled next to rolling vineyards and a stunning garden. Local produce includes food sourced from the local garden. Food at the outdoor cafe includes superb pizzas and excellent platters. Also check out the sculpture pieces throughout the property and the Olive grove. Images - The World Loves Melbourne.
Pt Leo Estate
Pt Leo Estate (images supplied by Pt Leo PR) is one of the most impressive wineries in the world. Breathtaking is it's 50 acres of vineyards, sculpture park and premium restaurant.
Laura restaurant is highly acclaimed winning New Restaurant of the Year in the Good Food Guide 2019 Awards and prestigious 2 Chef Hats (at time of writing). Laura offers refined intimate dining.
Pt Leo Estate also boasts spectacular views across to the Western Port.
A 50 strong sculpture collection is an eye opener.
Allow 80 minutes for the sculpture walk; we invited foodie/art collector friends here from overseas and they were "blown away".
Wonderful to see Laura showcase local produce.
A curated experience.
Pt Leo is the complete package and one of the best experriences in Victoria.
Jackalope Hotel/Rare Hare Wines
Jackalope is a rewarding winery visit with a top notch cellar door and restaurant, with highly acclaimed hotel next door. The cellar door boasts an excellent array of wines mainly from the Willow Creek range.
Did someone say Rare Hare? Furs in a dedicated room.
Doot Doot Doot is fabulous fine dining with breathtaking chandelier! A stay in Jackalope Hotel is recommended.
We ordered share dishes and recommend Rare Hare as a delightful foodie destination.
Communal timber tables make for a shared experience.
Seasonal and local produce are featured.
Ten Minutes By Tractor - 1333 Mornington Flinders Rd, Red Hill
Ten Minutes by Tractor is a highly acclaimed winery and 2 hatted restaurant in Mornington Peninsula. With three vineyards close to each other, the term ten minutes by tractor evolved (it's literally ten minutes by tractor). In terms of regional dining Ten Minutes by Tractor is at the top of the list. You can easily combine a visit to the restaurant Petit Tracteur with a wine tasting. Then enjoy the degustation featuring fresh regional produce in a small but stylish dining room. The restaurant overlooks the vineyards, and you can spot the odd sheep roaming around.
Once again, as with Montalto, there's a plethora of luxury cars in the car park. The food here is modern and regional, with French and Asian influences. You need to book to dine at Ten Minutes by Tractor. Image credit - Tumblr farqfoodsnot. Surely one of the best wineries on the Mornington Peninsula. (At time of writing the cellar door was due to re-open after a shed fire).
Red Hill Estate - 53 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South
Red Hill Estate is a stunning winery and one of the best Mornington Peninsula wineries with captivating views of Philip Island. Having visited a couple of times The World Loves Melbourne enjoys Red Hill Estate as a wonderful place to take family and out of towners. The kids love the grassy slope while we imbibed the view. Check out the cellar door with decent wines (notably Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and the acclaimed Max's Restaurant (popular for years) with its glass windows. Check out The Bench wine range named after their famous bench. Image credit - Red Hill Estate Facebook.
Port Phillip Estate and Kooyong Wines - 263 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South
Port Phillip Estate is the preferred destination of many visiting the Mornington Peninsula and one of the best Mornington Peninsula wineries. With a modern winery featuring a limestone structure, Port Phillip Estate boasts a chic dining room with sweeping 180 degrees views. The restaurant is a fine dining destination with European influences. Or take the more casual bistro option.
Viticulture is about sustainability. Informed by the principles of agro-ecology and permaculture, they employ a biological farming system that places focus on the improvement of soil biology through the use of compost teas, estate-produced compost, mulch and other natural soil and plant conditioners. Port Phillip Estate boasts an excellent Pinot Noir. Image credit - Port Philip Estate Facebook.
Ocean Eight- 271 Tucks Rd, Shoreham
A visit here is to taste some of the best wines on Mornington Peninsula at the Cellar Door. Ocean Eight delights with Mike Aylward the Winemaker taking us downstairs for a barrel tasting, ie a tasting straight from the barrels. The World Loves Melbourne loves a good barrel tasting and we were excited to try a young Nebiollo, as well as Pinots and Chardonnays. Mike Aylward gave us the run down on Ocean Eight, who sell most of their wines to top restaurants around the country (and mainly in Melbourne).The grounds of Ocean Eight are spectacular with smallish Cellar Door and sweeping views of gardens and ranges.
Foxeys Hangout - 795 White Hill Rd, Red Hill
Foxeys Hangout is a boutique winery that impresses with its spectacular setting which belies its humble frontage. This is not a highly commercial winery but more about meeting with friends. Food is available in the restaurant at affordable prices with blackboard menu, open kitchen, and the vibe is relaxed and friendly.
Check out the tasty dishes such as meatballs, share plates and duck rillettes. Majestic views are to be imbibed through the large windows. Eat your meal on the stunning deck, or even on the steps! Enjoy their wines by the glass. Foxeys Hangout also boasts award winning wines and is literally a great place to hang out. Image Credit - Foxeys Hangout website. Surely Foxeys Hangout is one of the best Mornington Peninsula Wineries in terms of its rustic charm and spectacular setting.
Quealy Winemakers- 62 Bittern-dromana Rd, Balnarring
The World Loves Melbourne visited Quealy Winemakers with the much awarded Kathleen Quealy the Winemaker and her team on hand for a premium wine tasting. Quealy is a cool, alternative winery that is unlike many wineries you'll ever visit. They are prone to experiment and bring out the best the region can offer. The vibe is slightly grungy but the winemaking techniques are cutting edge. Kathleen makes unique varietals that match brilliantly with food. Every wine we tasted was elegant. At Quealy Winemakers it's a family affair, including a few pets along the way for rustic charm. If you're used to the hustle and bustle of city life, a tour with Adam Nicholls including Quealy Winemakers is a perfect tonic to escape the city blues.
Kathleen Quealy is famous for championing Pinot Gris/Grigio in Australia and is currently championing the Friulano variety.
Crittenden Estate - 25 Harrisons Rd Dromana
Crittenden is one of the punter favourites on the Mornington Peninsula, impressive for its high quality affordable cuisine, service and top notch wines. Like other wineries it has compelling views, in this case of a lake. The vineyards feature some of the oldest vines on the Peninsula.
Gary Crittenden has seen this winery grow in leaps and bounds since 1982 and son Rollo has taken the reins. The Zumma 2012 Pinot Noir was announced in 2014 as one of the top 100 wines in Victoria. The restaurant Stillwater at Crittenden features fine dining white tablecloths, imaginative menu, and sustainable and organic produce. Image credit - Crittenden Facebook. Surely Crittenden Estate is one of the best Mornington Peninsula wineries in terms of its ongoing success, iconic standing and ability to deliver at affordable prices.
Paringa Estate Winery & Restaurant - 44 Paringa Rd Red Hill South
Paringa Estate Winery & Resaurant is another jewel in the crown of the Mornington Peninsula as a hatted restaurant for the last few years. A refurbishment of the Cellar Door and adjoining Restaurant took place in 2012 to create a smart modern feel, but in accord with the existing rustic building. Views are spectacular of rolling hills and vineyards.
A modern menu with French influences is the triumph of Head Chef Julian Hills. Grab a table next to the window and order a bottle of Pinot Noir with your meal. Image credit - Paringa Estate Facebook. Surely this is one of the best Mornington Peninsula wineries for its class, modern appeal and spectacular setting.
