Melbourne: Mornington Peninsula Wine and Food Day Tour

The Mornington Peninsula, just south of Melbourne, is a premier wine and culinary destination that beckons those seeking an immersive experience. This full-day tour provides an opportunity to explore the region’s acclaimed wineries, indulge in locally-sourced gourmet fare, and discover the art of fine chocolate-making. From award-winning vintages to artisanal cheeses, the tour promises to unveil the Mornington Peninsula’s exceptional terroir and the dedication of its producers to quality and sustainability. Whether a seasoned oenophile or a curious foodie, this day-long adventure offers a tantalizing glimpse into the vibrant and diverse flavors that define this remarkable pocket of Victoria.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Food Tours In Melbourne.

Key Points

• A small-group (max 10 participants) excursion that visits award-winning wineries in the Mornington Peninsula, offering immersive wine tasting and culinary experiences.
• Includes a main course lunch with a glass of wine at Merricks General Store, as well as chocolate tastings and visits to artisanal cheese producers.
• Features premier wineries like Yabby Lake Vineyard, renowned for their cool-climate, award-winning wines, and Crittenden Estate, offering regional favorites and unique Iberian and Italian varietals.
• Showcases Quealy Vineyard, a family-owned estate known for its distinctive Italian-inspired wines, and provides a cheese and biscuit pairing to complement the wines.
• Offers a well-rounded experience that combines the best of the Mornington Peninsula’s wine, food, and artisanal producers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Mornington Peninsula Wine and Food Day Tour is a 10-hour small-group excursion (max 10 participants) that transports visitors to the renowned Mornington Peninsula wine region, where the focus lies on immersive wine tasting and culinary experiences.

Over the course of the day, the tour visits several award-winning wineries, allowing participants to sample cool-climate wines, regional favorites, and Italian-inspired varietals.

Guests also enjoy a main course lunch with a glass of wine at the charming Merricks General Store.

On top of that, the tour includes chocolate tastings and visits to artisanal cheese producers, providing a well-rounded exploration of the peninsula’s exceptional food and beverage offerings.

Yabby Lake Vineyard

Yabby Lake Vineyard stands as a premier winery within the Mornington Peninsula, renowned for its production of cool-climate, award-winning wines.

Established in 1998, the estate boasts a rich history and a commitment to sustainable viticulture, crafting exceptional vintages that capture the essence of the region.

During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to sample a selection of Yabby Lake’s renowned offerings, including their acclaimed pinot noir and chardonnay.

With a focus on showcasing the true character of the Mornington Peninsula, the tasting experience at Yabby Lake promises to be a highlight of the day’s wine and food discoveries.

Guests can expect to savor the complex flavors and elegant balance that have earned this winery its stellar reputation.

Crittenden Estate

Next on the tour is Crittenden Estate, a renowned winery within the Mornington Peninsula that invites visitors to sample an array of regional favorites along with unique Iberian and Italian varietals. Crittenden Estate’s tasting room offers guests the chance to explore their delectable chardonnays, pinot noirs, and pinot gris, as well as lesser-known offerings like tempranillo and fiano. The winery’s dedication to quality shines through in each sip, making it a must-visit destination for oenophiles. To enhance the tasting experience, the winery has prepared a delightful cheese and biscuit platter, perfectly complementing the complex flavors of the wines.

Wine	Tasting Notes
Chardonnay	Crisp and vibrant, with notes of citrus and stone fruit
Pinot Noir	Elegant and well-balanced, showcasing the region’s terroir
Pinot Gris	Aromatic and refreshing, with a touch of spice
Tempranillo	Bold and robust, with hints of dark fruit and oak

Quealy Vineyard

Tasting Italian-inspired wines with a cheese and biscuit platter awaits visitors at Quealy Vineyard, the final winery stop on the day’s Mornington Peninsula tour.

The family-owned estate is known for its distinctive take on traditional Italian grape varieties, such as pinot grigio and fiano.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample these unique offerings and learn about the winery’s commitment to sustainability and innovative winemaking techniques.

The cheese and biscuit pairing complements the wines beautifully, allowing participants to fully appreciate the complex flavors and aromas.

Quealy Vineyard provides a fitting conclusion to the day’s wine and food experiences, leaving guests with a newfound appreciation for the Mornington Peninsula’s vibrant wine culture.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Lunch at Merricks General Store

In an article titled ‘Melbourne: Mornington Peninsula Wine and Food Day Tour’, it’s now time to discuss the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘Lunch at Merricks General Store’.

After visiting the wineries, the tour participants arrive at the charming Merricks General Store for a main course a la carte lunch paired with a refreshing glass of wine.

Nestled in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, this historic hotel offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere where visitors can savor the region’s culinary delights.

The lunch menu features several tempting options:

1. Grass-fed beef burger with hand-cut fries
2. Grilled salmon salad with roasted vegetables
3. Vegetarian risotto with seasonal produce

The meal is made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients, showcasing the best of the Mornington Peninsula’s bountiful produce.

Mornington Peninsula Chocolates

After indulging in a delightful lunch at Merricks General Store, the tour group heads to the charming town of Flinders to visit Mornington Peninsula Chocolates, a local artisanal chocolate maker renowned for its high-quality confections.

At the shop, the group is greeted by the friendly staff who guide them through a tasting of the chocolates’ diverse flavors, from classic dark chocolate to unique infusions like chili and sea salt. Guests are captivated by the artistry and attention to detail that goes into each chocolate creation.

The tour members revel in the opportunity to savor the rich, smooth textures and indulge their senses, leaving the shop with a newfound appreciation for the art of fine chocolate making.

Red Hill Cheese

The tour group then swings by Red Hill Cheese, a renowned fromagerie nestled in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula’s rolling hills. Here, they enjoy the art of artisanal cheese-making, learning about the region’s unique terroir and its influence on the flavors and textures of the cheeses produced.

The proprietors guide the group through a tasting of their award-winning offerings, highlighting:

1. The creamy, luscious double-cream brie, crafted from locally-sourced milk.
2. The tangy, nutty Mornington Peninsula cheddar, aged to perfection.
3. The fragrant, soft-ripened Camembert, with its delicate white rind.

The group savors each bite, marveling at the depth of flavor and the dedication required to produce such exceptional artisanal cheeses.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a range of experiences, from wine tastings and cheese samplings to a main course lunch complemented by a glass of wine.

However, it excludes any purchases of a personal nature made by participants during the day.

Guests can expect to enjoy tastings at three renowned wineries, where they’ll sample the region’s award-winning cool-climate wines, as well as regional favorites and Italian-inspired varietals. A cheese and biscuit platter is also provided at one of the vineyards.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to Mornington Peninsula Chocolates and a stop at Red Hill Cheese.

While the tour covers a wealth of culinary delights, any other items purchased throughout the day are the responsibility of the individual participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Transportation Method Used During the Tour?

The tour utilizes a small group transportation method, with a maximum of 10 participants. The group travels together throughout the Mornington Peninsula wine region, visiting multiple wineries and other food-focused destinations during the 10-hour day tour.

Is the Tour Guide Licensed or Certified?

The tour guide is typically licensed and certified, ensuring guests receive a professional, knowledgeable experience throughout the day’s activities. They’re well-versed in the region’s wineries, restaurants, and attractions to provide an engaging and informative tour.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?

Yes, the tour operator can typically accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Guests should inform the operator of any special dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure appropriate arrangements are made.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour can typically be extended to a full-day or private tour upon request. Additional time allows for more winery visits and tastings, as well as customization to accommodate dietary requirements or other special interests.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour departure and receive a full refund. Any cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a cancellation fee.

Recap

The Mornington Peninsula Wine and Food Day Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to take in the region’s renowned culinary landscape.

From exploring award-winning wineries to indulging in gourmet fare and artisanal delights, the tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the exceptional terroir, sustainable viticulture, and dedication to quality produce that define the Mornington Peninsula’s vibrant food and wine culture.

You can check if your dates are available here: