Mornington Peninsula WINTER and WINE

Discover the Mornington Peninsula – a winter wonderland for wine lovers.

The vignerons of the Mornington Peninsula cannot think of a better way of celebrating during the June long weekend than their Winter Wine Weekend, a calendar ‘must’ since its inception in 1988. The biggest number of wineries participating yet will launch the winter program

This year 53 Peninsula wineries are throwing open cellar doors, pulling bungs on barrels and countless corks to showcase the diversity of this renowned wine region, right on Melbourne’s doorstep, just an hour’s drive away. A three-day immersion in fine wines from a unique cool maritime wine region. The festivities at the participating individual wineries are outlined in the Winter Wine Weekend brochure which is enclosed.

Warm the cockles this winter with heart warming bottles of Mornington Peninsula wines. Celebrate Australian Pinot Noir, fireside flights of Pinots, pies and puddings, new Cellar Doors, new releases, steaming paella, explore walking tracks, join winemaker’s tours, enjoy a taste of Bollywood or hot goulasch soup, join in tutored tastings with matched food or simply warm up your body and satisfy your soul throughout the long weekend.

The launch event is the Winter Wine Fest (Saturday 7 June, 11am – 4pm Red Hill Showgrounds, Mel Ref 190 J3 ) which traditionally marks the beginning of the Winter Wine Weekend program. Over 200 wines will be on taste and sale by the glass or the case from 51 Mornington Peninsula vineyards including Ten Minutes by Tractor, Main Ridge Estate, Eldridge Estate, Five Sons, Yabby Lake, Paringa, Stumpy Gully Vineyard and Kooyong - all undercover.  More serious wine lovers can enrol in one (or all) of the tutored mini tasting seminars that will be held throughout the Winter Wine Fest day. It’s a great way to learn more about the Peninsula’s benchmark wine varieties, growing techniques and their impact on flavour and wine styles. Tutored Tastings with key winemakers will be offered during the day – learn and enhance your appreciation of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and cool climate Shiraz

Warming winter foods including seafood chowder, terrines, pies and paella will be provided by local restaurants and provedores including Stillwater, Montalto, and Two Buoys. A selection of Mornington Peninsula gourmet providores will also be showcased, along with local favourites the Flying Calamari Brothers and coffee provided by Café Jett

Entry to the Winter Wine Fest is $35  (includes GST) at the door ($30 pre-booked) and includes an MPVA wineglass, Seminar attendance, tasting notes and recipes. Food purchases are not included. Transport options to the event will be coordinated by Red Hill Shuttle and tickets for designated drivers will also be available. Bookings PH (03) 5989 2377

For further information on any of the Winter Wine Weekend events please phone Cheryl Lee (03) 5989 2377