9 Of The Best Cellar Doors To Visit On The Mornington Peninsula

Wine Food Farmgate - Places To Go - Autumn - Food + Wine

Time to wine? It's an instant yes from us. Here on the Mornington Peninsula, we are spoilt for choice in our extensive list of cellar doors to discover. And let's just say, anytime is the best time to explore more of the some 65 hidden (and not so hidden) gems.

1. Crittenden Estate

Famous for their family-driven wine journey, Crittenden Estate in Dromana welcomes you from the moment you make your way down the driveway alongside the thriving vines. Look out for the changing of the colours in autumn! It's in the Wine Centre (the estate's cellar door), where you'll sample a range of exceptional cool climate wines in comfortable surroundings. Tempted? We’ll see you there for sure!

Learn more about Crittenden Estate, one of the Mornington Peninsula’s oldest wineries here.

2. Elan Vineyard and Winery

So now, who loves a vineyard view? You’ll be undoubtedly impressed by the idyllic setting at Elan Vineyard and Winery in Balnarring, where you and your significant other can find a space in the Rotunda and sip away glorious weekend afternoons. Both classic and unusual grape varieties have been crafted into delicious estate wines, and they’re all here for you to enjoy.

Ready to start planning your visit to Elan Vineyard and Winery? Let’s make it happen here.

3. Mont Rouge Estate

Well, bonjour to you, this slice of French-inspired paradise is a delight to witness. The cellar door at Mont Rouge Estate is Red Hill charm at its best, with picturesque vineyard outlooks and exclusive estate-grown wines on offer. So how to describe the experience here? C'est parfait!

Explore more of the must-see cellar door at Mont Rouge Estate here.

4. Phaedrus Estate

Expect a warm welcome from founders and owners Ewan and Maitena when visiting the gorgeous cellar door at Phaedrus Estate in Moorooduc. You'll get an insight into the winemaking process from these local legends, all while enjoying a casual and comfy tasting. Yummy cheese platters and a great outdoor setup will keep you lingering here just a little longer.

Discover more on the cellar door experience at Phaedrus Estate here.

5. Quealy Winemakers

Bring a friend or two to the cellar door at Quealy Winemakers in Balnarring and indulge in a wine tasting with delicious cheese plates to accompany. You’ll find yourself right in the middle of a working vineyard, where you can witness a harmony of tradition and innovation. Founder and owner Kathleen Quealy was the first person to plant Pinot Gris and Grigio grapes on the Mornington Peninsula.

Find your new favourite taste at Quealy Winemakers here.

6. Red Hill Estate

Since its establishment in 1989, Red Hill Estate has continued to produce cool climate wines of exceptional quality. Textured, complex and elegantly understated, these wines can be found in the estate's inviting cellar door. Let the treasure hunt begin!

Explore more of Red Hill Estate here.

7. Yal Yal Estate

At Yal Yal Estate in Merricks, we indulge in something extraordinary; their cellar door experience amidst 20 acres of glorious neighbouring bushland is simply magnificent. Hear the kookaburra's call as you sample wines of unique character, or lookout for the much-loved local wallaby, which dances between the vines at dusk.

Learn about all the magic to be witnessed at Yal Yal Estate here.

8. Pt. Leo Estate

It's fair to say the cellar door experience at Pt. Leo Estate in Merricks is remarkable, where current and past vintage wines make their anticipated presence. Wander through to the Wine Terrace to continue the taste triumphs, alongside light meals and additional local beverages.

Fulfil your temptation to visit the esteemed Pt. Leo Estate, the journey starts here.

9. Merricks General Wine Store

Picturesque from the outside and inviting on the inside, Merricks General Wine Store has a lot to get excited about. The cellar door here showcases both the family’s own wines as well as those from neighbouring vineyards, so you’ll have plenty of tasting choices. And the overall vibe? Comfy, cosy and unwaveringly friendly.

Find out more on Merricks General Wine Store here

There is a unique story to be told through each cellar door around the Mornington Peninsula and an exceptional taste to be uncovered. So come and witness the spectacle for yourself; where will you begin?

Before you go, make sure to take a look at our other blogs! We explored more of the wonderful Winery Restaurants around the Mornington Peninsula here. We also visited the exceptional Hatted Winery Restaurants of the region here.