Our Favourite Winter Wine Weekend Destinations
The Mornington Peninsula comes alive across the Winter Wine Weekend, with vineyard lunches, open fires, cellar door tastings and long afternoons spent among the vines. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a full coastal escape, the region offers no shortage of memorable food and wine experiences.
From iconic estates to relaxed local favourites, here are a few of the Mornington Peninsula wineries and venues we love visiting during the cooler months.
Merricks General Wine Store
3460 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks VIC 3916
A true Peninsula institution, Merricks General Wine Store blends country charm with refined dining in one of the region’s most recognisable settings. The seasonal menu focuses on fresh local produce, designed for relaxed long lunches beside the fire or on the deck overlooking the gardens. Alongside the restaurant, the cellar door showcases Elgee Park wines, with a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring local producers. We love the welcoming atmosphere, relaxed pace and timeless Peninsula character that makes it feel special year-round.
Website: Merricks General Wine Store
Montalto
33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South, Victoria, 3937
Set among rolling vineyards and sculptures, Montalto offers one of the Peninsula’s most complete wine and dining experiences. Known for its estate-grown wines, the venue combines refined dining with beautiful outdoor spaces, including its celebrated sculpture trail and kitchen gardens. The restaurant showcases seasonal produce with menus designed to complement Montalto’s cool-climate wines. We love how easily you can spend an entire afternoon here, moving from wine tasting to lunch, then wandering through the grounds with a glass in hand.
Website: Montalto
Port Phillip Estate
263 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South, Victoria, 3937
Known for its striking architecture and sweeping coastal views, Port Phillip Estate delivers a beautifully refined food and wine experience. Specialising in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the estate pairs exceptional wines with a seasonal dining menu influenced by European flavours and local produce. The dramatic dining room and expansive outdoor deck make it particularly memorable during winter. We love the combination of contemporary design, panoramic vineyard views and relaxed sophistication.
Website: Port Phillip Estate
Ten Minutes by Tractor
1333 Mornington-Flinders Road, Main Ridge VIC 3928
One of the Mornington Peninsula’s most awarded dining destinations, Ten Minutes by Tractor is renowned for its exceptional cool-climate wines and beautifully curated dining experience. The menu highlights seasonal local ingredients, carefully matched to wines sourced from vineyards just minutes apart across Main Ridge. Expect refined dishes, premium wine flights and an elevated atmosphere that still feels connected to the Peninsula landscape. We love the intimate setting and attention to detail that makes every visit feel considered and memorable.
Website: Ten Minutes by Tractor
Foxeys Hangout
795 White Hill Road, Red Hill VIC 3937
Relaxed, rustic and unmistakably local, Foxeys Hangout has built a loyal following for its approachable cellar door experience and consistently excellent wines. Set among the rolling hills of Red Hill, the winery is particularly known for Pinot Noir and sparkling varieties, with generous tasting experiences and grazing-style food offerings that encourage visitors to slow down and settle in. We love its laid-back atmosphere and authentic Peninsula feel, especially on cool winter afternoons beside the vines.
Website: Foxeys Hangout
Pt. Leo Estate
3649 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merricks VIC 3916
Pt. Leo Estate combines wine, dining, art and coastal scenery in one remarkable destination. Home to multiple dining experiences ranging from casual terrace dining to award-winning fine dining, the estate showcases seasonal Peninsula produce alongside estate-grown wines. The expansive sculpture park adds another layer to the experience, with large-scale artworks positioned throughout the grounds overlooking Western Port Bay. We love the sense of occasion here, where every visit feels immersive, yet still relaxed and distinctly coastal.
Website: Pt. Leo Estate
Crittenden Estate
25 Harrisons Road, Dromana, Victoria 3936
A long-standing favourite on the Peninsula, Crittenden Estate is known for its welcoming cellar door, beautiful lake setting and diverse wine portfolio. The estate offers relaxed tasting experiences alongside casual dining that celebrates regional produce and Mediterranean-inspired flavours. With indoor and outdoor spaces overlooking the vines, it’s an easy place to settle in for a leisurely afternoon. We love its relaxed atmosphere and approachable style that appeals equally to wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Website: Crittenden Estate
T'Gallant Vineyard
1385 Mornington-Flinders Road, Main Ridge VIC 3928
T’Gallant has long been synonymous with relaxed Peninsula dining, known for its Italian-inspired menu and easy-going vineyard atmosphere. The estate’s famous woodfired pizzas and shared dining plates pair perfectly with its signature Pinot Grigio and cool-climate wines. Surrounded by vines in Main Ridge, it’s a welcoming stop for long lunches and casual wine tastings during winter. We love its lively atmosphere and the way it captures the relaxed spirit of the Mornington Peninsula.
Website: T’Gallant Vineyard
Whether you’re visiting for the Winter Wine Weekend or simply looking for an excuse to explore the region this winter, these venues showcase the very best of the Mornington Peninsula’s food, wine and hospitality scene. Pair your itinerary with a stay in one of our premium Short Stay homes and settle in for a relaxed long weekend.