SKYDIVING BALNARRING

Elan Vineyard and Winery was established in 1985. The name Elan was inspired by their desire to produce premium wine made with flair from grape varieties both classic and unusual. They make estate grown, hand crafted, small quantities of special wines. Located on the Mornington Peninsula in Bittern, Elan Vineyard and Winery is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the views while sipping on beautiful wines. The Wines they specialise in are Riesling, Chardonnay,Gamay, Merlot, Cabernet Merlot, Shiraz. All at reasonable prices. There is a playground with a cubby over a sandpit and a slide. There is a grassed area for ball games. Gas barbecue facilities are on-site, picnic tables, rotunda overlooking the vineyard, coffee and tea making facilities. "2009 is the thirteenth vintage of Elan Vineyard's exceptionally good Gamay which is a light, dry and fruity red wine made using the primary grape variety of Beaujolais in France. The wine is quite unique, it is light-bodied but surprisingly earthy and is terrific slightly chilled at lunch." Stuart Gregor

The grand red-brick entrance of Willow Creek Vineyard denotes the vineyard that was planted in 1989. Predominantly pinot noir and chardonnay, it has been hand tended by the same viticulturist since the beginning. His partnership with renowned cool climate winemaker Geraldine McFaul results in some of the most elegantly crafted wines in the region. At the end of the meandering driveway is the original homestead, McCormick House. Built in 1876, it creates an historical context for the property and sits opposite the entrance to the stylish cellar door and restaurant. Designed by Carr Group, its ambient bluestone and oak interior is a calm, cool oasis in summer and warmed by a crackling fire in winter. And with a purpose built tasting room in the barrel hall, touring groups can discover the intricacies of winemaking in an intimate and dedicated setting. Beyond the cellar door is Salix, with its captivating vineyard view. The bright bistro has a sunny deck for summer dining, while the sophisticated restaurant is a cosy escape in all seasons. 'See how far the Mornington Peninsula wine scene has travelled from its origins as a 'hobby' winemaking region at Willow Creek. Beautifully manicured grounds and imposing old buildings set the scene for the superbly appointed, stylish Salix Restaurant, Bistro, and separate cellar door. An extended deck overlooks a picture-postcard scene of a beautiful, tree-enclosed valley, and carefully tended vineyards spread around. Ex-Stonier's winemaker Geraldine McFaul presides over a range of outstanding benchmark wines, all worthy of the estate's quality credentials.' Ralph Kyte-Powell.

Red Hill Cheese established their small modern cheesery and cellar door on the farm at Red Hill in April 2000, making distinctive, handcrafted regional cheeses to complement Mornington Peninsula wines. They are now joined by a farmer and cheesemaker with their flock of milking sheep, producing wonderful ewe's milk at Moyarra in Gippsland's "Prom Country". An exciting new range of sheep cheese now adds to the flavour experience offered by Red Hill Cheese released under their Prom Country Cheese banner. Connect with the farm and know where your food comes from. A seasonal range of quality cheese is made using fresh ewe milk from their own farm, organic milk from cows at Fish Creek, and goat milk from Main Ridge Dairy. Red Hill Cheese's use vegetarian rennet, and are free from artificial stabilisers and preservatives. Low temperature pasteurising, slow processing and gentle handling help preserve the raw qualities of the clean rich milk, resulting in cheeses with character and great depth of flavour. Sheep milk products display unique qualities in texture, flavour and nutritional value, and are particularly attractive for those consumers who are intolerant to other milks. Cheese from ewe's milk has a smooth texture with back palate softness and delicate, complex flavours. Red Hill Cheese cellar door promises a high-end flavour experience for Serious Cheese lovers, with goat, cow, and sheep cheese. Treat yourself to a tasting plate of the Cheese maker's selection, to enjoy at your leisure on the deck overlooking the forest. Make an informed choice of cheese to purchase to complement Mornington Peninsula wines. No facilities for groups more than 10. Contact Red Hill Cheese for further details.

Box Stallion Winery, the name is a clue to this winery's original role as a thoroughbred horse stud. 'Operating since 2000, today the handsome stable building with its stallion boxes houses the winery cellar door and a high-quality, but reasonably priced restaurant. An iron stove warms in winter while in summer, tables migrate outdoors where tall hedges, elms, planes and eucalypts frame pastures and wetlands, populated by all manner of water fowl. The good quality wines differ from the Peninsula norm, with eclectic varieties like Arneis, Gewurztraminer and Dolcetto, as well as more conventional fare.' Review by Ralph Kyte-Powell. From the first vintage to the current vintage, many trophies, gold, silver and bronze medals and awards have been proudly gathered, not to mention the always-favourable press. With Box Stallion exporting their wine, America, Canada and China wine drinkers are quietly sharing the pleasures of the diverse range of ultra premium, exclusive wines produced solely from the Box Stallion vineyards by veteran winemaker and industry icon Alex White. Some of Victoria's leading restaurant list their wines and continue to marvel at the reception and quality of the product. The wines can also be found in boutique wine stores. Alex White has a long history of success in the wine industry and he is now focused on producing wines of excellence for Box Stallion. The wines of Box Stallion are new, fun and ambitious. This theme is reflected in the cellar door restaurant, the winner of the 2003 and 2004 Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Small Business Award for Tourism. The cellar door caters for customers looking for a relaxed lunch from a carefully composed menu, in the unique surroundings of the now famous Red Barn. The friendly hospitality includes live music on Sundays from some of the best musicians in the business.

Main Ridge Estate is the Mornington Peninsula’s original commercial winery, established in 1975. The 3 hectare cool climate vineyard of 40 year old vines is situated on gentle north facing slopes of rich volcanic soil. It is perfect for high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay viticulture and wine production.

In December 2015, local winemaking pioneers Nat and Rosalie White passed ownership of the property to the Sexton family. The Sextons live on site and continue the Main Ridge Estate tradition of friendly personal service every day in the cellar door. Nat White remains involved as a consultant and mentor to new winemaker James Sexton.

The Main Ridge Estate winemaking philosophies have also been maintained: wines are grown and made entirely on the Estate, yields are held to very low levels to optimise quality, and exacting winemaking techniques are used to ensure fault free and complex wines which express the characteristics of the site, and the Mornington Peninsula region.

The cellar door and sundeck overlook the vineyards and extensive gardens. Light lunches are available during Summer and select weekends, featuring seasonal ingredients from local suppliers. We also present regular intimate concerts and wine dinners in the cellar door.

Our Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Merlot can be purchased at the cellar door, through our online shop or by calling or emailing direct. Main Ridge Estate wine is stocked by leading restaurants and wine stores.

Established over thirty years ago & boasting a 500T capacity winery Dromana Estate is amongst the oldest & largest producers on the Mornington Peninsula. The winery & cellar door sit alongside the rolling hills of the vineyard & the property is conveniently located just off the Peninsula Freeway making it an easy drive for those seeking a wine tasting experience.

A tasting with our Cellar Door Staff will guide you through a number of wines from our various labels including the Dromana Estate range, the flagship label of the company boasting a highly acclaimed Pinot noir & Chardonnay; the Mornington Estate range, showcasing the best varieties this cool climate region has to offer; & the David Traeger Range.

Dromana Estate strives to minimise its ecological footprint on the native flora & fauna surrounding the property & is involved in a number of sustainable farming schemes, including solar power installations on the winery roof by Endless Solar; a long term recycled water supply agreement with South East Water; membership with the Devilbend Landcare Group; & active participation in the Bay to Bay Biolink Project. Visit us & enjoy a glass of Dromana Estate wine with the knowledge that you are supporting a business that endeavours to create premium quality produce whilst remaining in harmony with its surrounds. 

Stonier Wines was established in 1978. They are located on the Mornington Peninsula in Merricks.

They specialise in Sparkling Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Reserve Chardonnay, Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Reserve Pinot Noir, Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Wines.

Cheese platters are available daily as well as wine tastings. For any further information please contact Stonier Wines.

"Stonier has long been recognised for making excellent varietal wines on the Mornington Peninsula. The standard Pinot Noir Chardonnay are always terrific value, and the Reserve range highly decorated over the years. There can be no doubt that Brian Stonier's original intent of 28 years ago, on concentrating solely on the quality of the wine, continues to this day." Ben Edwards.

She is a one-off original, he is a clever winemaker of the highest order and together husband and wife team, Kathleen Quealy and Kevin McCarthy, like to shake things up big time. Their subversive winemaking is positively electrifying. (As described in the Gourmet Traveller Wine. April/May 2016). 

Their property is very laid back Old Balnarring, converted from orchard in the 1980’s, their vineyard is amongst the oldest on the Peninsula. Inside their winery cellar door you can taste soft voluptuous Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir alongside cutting edge natural wines Turbul Friulano and Kathleen’s favourites Pinot Grigio, Pobblebonk – a field blend and Rageous – their Sangiovese blend. As well as their own vineyard, these winemakers operate five premium vineyards in their region, all with a commitment to sustainable farming and allowing full creative reign.

Their tasting style is welcoming, informative and is a true exploration of Mornington Peninsula’s wine region.

The idea for Paradigm Hill was conceived almost 30 years ago. They have always been passionate about food and wine and their 'other' careers have laid the foundation for this adventure.

As with so many other things they have ever tackled, Paradigm Hill was a case of "all or none" and their obsession with the pursuit of quality has meant pushing the boundaries with viticulture and viniculture and to work within the domain of ecologically responsible practices.

It has often been said, great wine is made in the vineyard. They have just over ten acres of north facing gently sloping vineyard. The vineyard has been established with a very low density of vines (average only 500 vines per acre) grafted onto vigour and phylloxera resistant rootstock.

The trellis runs north south and vines have been trained to a 'vision, service, plan' approach with a keen eye on ensuring a balanced vine. They are committed to using only estate grown grapes for on site production of Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Pinot Gris and Riesling.

The philosophy of their wine making is to guide the wine with minimal intervention, through the vinification process. The fruit is picked by loving hands, with vintage being a time for celebration.

'This vogueish new cellar door and winery at the end of a long driveway boasts a large timber deck with an eye-pleasing view of vineyards, meadows, stands of bush and rolling hills. An excellent spot to savour very good Riesling, Shiraz, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Tasting plates of savoury delicacies are available to complement the wines. Keep an eye out for some very relaxed cows and deer in the hollow in front of the winery.' Ralph Kyte-Powell.

Prancing Horse Estate is a super premium cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producer that leads the Mornington Peninsula's biodynamic movement. They first introduced cool climate biodynamic farming and winemaking in 2002 together with international expertise in site, soil and clonal selection.

At Prancing Horse Estate they aim to achieve balanced wines with intense flavours and structure. Their imprint on the Australian and French wine landscapes has been achieved through an uncompromising approach using organic and biodynamic principles in their vineyards and in the winery. Throughout the winemaking process, Prancing Horse winemaker, Sergio Carlei oversees the gentlest biodynamic approach.

In the Vineyard, Paul Danaher and his team engage in a rigorous program of biodynamic viticulture. The aim is to improve wine quality and optimise fruit flavours the natural way by continually improving the quality of the soil. These elements have fused and frame their ambition to be regarded as one of Australia's truly great cool-climate producers.

'Rated five red stars, amongst the best in Australia. Outstanding winery. Wines of exemplary quality and typicity.' The Australian Wine Companion 2011, James Halliday.

Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove is a Mornington Peninsula showplace. Its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are in the best regional mould, and sparkling wine follows the same quality direction.

Wetland habitats and a lake make it a sanctuary for local waterbirds, an olive grove produces luxurious golden oil. Sculpture and artworks dot the grounds, with the Montalto Sculpture Prize an annual high point.

Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove offers all visitors an experience to remember. They have the dream that all who visit feel rewarded by the time shared.

The thirty acres of vines at Montalto are the source of our premium cool climate wine, with the estate holding the top red five star rating in Halliday's Wine Companion. The focus is on the key Mornington Peninsula varieties of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, however the range has something for everyone, from Sparkling, Pinot Grigio, and Rosé through to Shiraz.

The 1500 mature olive trees on the property produce cold pressed, extra virgin olive oils. estate cured olives, and olive tapenade. Their products are available only from the estate, and can be experienced in their intimate cellar door.

The Chef's Hat rated Montalto Restaurant, acknowledged as the Peninsula's best, serves food inspired by regional France, but anchored in the fresh seasonal produce of the estate and region.

The adjoining piazza offers simple, tasty food with wine enjoyed in a garden or courtyard table setting. Selected sites within the property are available for elegant, fully catered outdoor picnic dining, ideal for a romantic lunch or unique experience.

'A stylish restaurant and a European style alfresco piazza cater for all dining needs, or eat outdoors with a difference - secluded, catered picnic sites offer a quality twist on alfresco food.' Ralph Kyte-Powell