Hunting down the best watering holes has become somewhat of a sport throughout the region, with a myriad of Mornington Peninsula breweries, cideries and distilleries for visitors to try. Whether you like it in a bottle, a glass or straight from the tap, we are sure there is something served just to your liking.
The Mornington Peninsula’s Beer, Cider and Spirits Trail takes you to some of the best producers in Australia. Discover a new world of seasonal beers and ciders made with local apples. Don't forget about distinctive gins, rums, vodkas and whiskeys created by artisan distillers too! These aren’t your typical Friday knock-off drinks spots. Rather, they are destinations born from locals with a genuine passion for crafting superb blends. Where will you begin the journey?
Nothern
Well worth a visit are the region's northernmost areas of Seaford and Carrum Downs, where you’ll find Dainton Brewery & Taphouse and Banks Brewery respectively! These guys are set within typical industrial atmospheres and are firmly carving their place in the craft beer scene. Also located in Seaford is That Spirited Lot Distillers, specialising in high-quality gin and vodka. The mico-brewery that is Frankston Brewhouse is well worth a visit at any time of the year. This is in addition to Smart Brothers Brewing and Chief’s Son Distillery that both call Somerville home. And only a fifteen minute drive away is Mornington’s TAR BARREL Brewery & Distillery. A top spot for craft brews, live music and tasting paddles!
Hinterland
Long before any grapes were being grown in the region, it was orchards lining the roadsides of the Mornington Peninsula. You can still find orchards among the grape vines in the hinterland areas of Red Hill and Shoreham. And it's at Mock Red Hill and Hart’s Farm where you can taste ciders made from locally grown fruit. Just down the road behind its own hop garden is Red Hill Brewery, the original brewery of the region that continues to delight all who visit.
Dromana
It’s no surprise Dromana has become a prime location for all things brewing. Jetty Road Brewery was the first to appear in this once-sleepy industrial estate in 2017. A year later they were joined by TWØBAYS Brewing Co, boasting a delicious gluten-free menu of beers and food, alongside Bass and Flinders Distillery who relocated from their previous home in Red Hill. JimmyRum Distillery, with their specialty rum cocktails and informative tastings, brings the number of trail stops within a 500m radius up to four. And only a five-minute drive down the road is Hickinbotham of Dromana, serving up their Hix range of craft beers as well as estate-made wines.
Southern
Further along the Port Phillip coastline towards Portsea are Escape Brewing in Capel Sound and Penni Ave Distillery in Rye. Recently joining the Trail, these destinations pack a punch with their full-flavoured refreshments. Finally, St Andrews Beach Brewery in Fingal offers up a unique drinking and dining experience. There's even the opportunity to find a seat in the former stables of famous Australian racehorses!
