Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula, just an hour south of Melbourne, is one of Australia’s premier cool-climate wine regions. Surrounded by the Bass Strait, Port Phillip Bay, and Western Port Bay, the region benefits from strong maritime influences, which provide long, cool ripening seasons ideal for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Its rolling hills, diverse microclimates, and varied soils (volcanic, sandy, and clay loams) give rise to distinctive site expression, making it a hub for terroir-driven winemaking.

 

Key grape varieties grown

• Pinot Noir

  • The flagship red variety of Mornington Peninsula.

  • Styles range from light, fragrant, red-fruited examples to more structured and savoury wines.

  • Known for fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and site-driven complexity.

• Chardonnay

  • Equally important as Pinot Noir, producing elegant, refined wines.

  • Typically shows citrus, white stone fruit, and minerality, with judicious oak use.

  • Benchmark examples are internationally recognised.

• Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio

  • A standout for the region among white wines.

  • Produces aromatic, textural wines — either crisp and lively (Grigio) or richer and more textured (Gris).

• Other varieties

  • Shiraz (Syrah) — planted in warmer, northern sites, producing medium-bodied, spicy, cool-climate styles.

  • Sauvignon Blanc — fresh, aromatic, often blended or made in a more restrained style.

  • Sparkling wines — Chardonnay and Pinot Noir form the base for high-quality sparkling production.

  • Small plantings of Gamay, Tempranillo, and other experimental varieties reflect innovation.

 

Major wineries

The Mornington Peninsula is dominated by small to medium-sized, family-owned wineries, many with a strong focus on sustainability and site expression. Some of the most notable include:

• Paringa Estate

  • Founded in 1985, consistently one of Australia’s best cool-climate producers.

  • Known for outstanding Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and cool-climate Shiraz.

  • Wines regularly win national and international trophies.

• Moorooduc Estate

  • A family-run pioneer, founded in 1982.

  • Known for terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

  • Also produces elegant Pinot Gris.

• Ten Minutes by Tractor

  • Boutique estate producing highly acclaimed, single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

  • Wines reflect subtle differences between vineyard sites across the peninsula.

• Montalto

  • Known for premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

  • Renowned for its restaurant, sculpture trail, and sustainability programs.

• Stonier Wines

  • One of the earliest modern producers (est. 1978).

  • Known for benchmark Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, plus sparkling wine.

• Ocean Eight

  • Boutique producer with a focus on elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.

  • Modern, restrained, food-friendly styles.

• Yabby Lake Vineyard

  • First Mornington Peninsula producer to win the Jimmy Watson Trophy (2013 for Pinot Noir).

  • Single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are highly respected.