The Auswine Forum

Hi all, I'm planning to drive around the Mornington Peninsula, intending to spend about 2 days in the region. I don't much many nice vineyards to visit, so I'm throwing my itinery out there and hoping you guys could offer me some nice suggestions.

Bring on your recommendations!

First make sure you get a Melways (Melbourne road map book) or some other excellent street directory. The map that is supplied on the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association site and at the Melbourne airport is almost useless.

The MPVA site is excellent for information on the wineries but note that most open at 11am and close at 5pm. If you take too much time for lunch that does not leave much else for wine tasting. But a visit to Merricks General Store for a late breakfast or morning coffee is ideal and Stonier is right next door for your first visit at 11am!

We visited 4 wineries during our day there in December '05. Follow the links to my notes if you wish; Stonier, Moorooduc, Port Philip (and Kooyong) and Paringa.

I would also suggest you read Campbell Mattinson's Guide to Mornington Peninsula on his new site Winefront.

Enjoy,

Mike

Main Ridge is a must see, and Stonier also had great wines. Those are the two that come to mind.

I was only there a year ago, but can't remember any other names, which is scary...whether my memory is going or the region wasn't as exciting as others I'm not sure - probably a bit of both!?!

But I did enjoy a number of chardonnay in the area - the best had an interesting nutty note that reminded me a bit of Meursault - and a smaller number of good pinot.

moorooduc is a lovely winery

paringa has a great restaurant

stonier is great too

but the most interesting is main ridge, this half acre is the finest aus pinot noir i have tasted.

visit kooyong too, this is powerful stuff. you have to make a booking to visit though. [/img]