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An Hour Outside of Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula is a Dream Wine Destination

This vibrant agricultural region plays a big role in Melbourne’s world-class culinary scene, and has developed into a charming wine country within an hour’s drive of the city.

When I tell people the food and wine scene in Melbourne is one of the best in the world, most are visibly surprised. I’ve lived in L.A. for over a decade, spent significant time in culinary cities like Toronto and New York, and stay in the south of France for several months a year. But I think what travelers can find in Australia (and New Zealand, for that matter) is on par with chef-driven offerings on any other continent. 

Time Out’s annual survey of locals and travel experts went so far as to name Melbourne the top foodie city in the world for 2026, with the food scene as a huge part of the overall score. Beyond that, the surrounding wine country in Victoria is growing in stature. Melbourne’s scene arguably wouldn’t be possible without the farming regions that are just a stone’s throw outside the city center, including one that’s been a local getaway for at least a century. 

Only 45 minutes south of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula has long been a local hotspot for its beautiful coastlines and thermal hot springs. In the ‘90s and 2000s, an influx of vineyards and restaurants like Ten Minutes By Tractor began to receive acclaim. Pioneers like Crittenden Estate and Port Phillip Estate landed in the area as far back as the ‘80s, with industry veterans like Quealy moving in a decade later, and Polperro following in the 2000s. The opening of several flagship food and wine venues at Pt. Leo Estate’s 330-acre property further built out the scene.

Mornington is about an hour’s drive from Melbourne, and while it’s possible to go for the day, it’s well worth tacking on a few additional nights to explore beyond the city—especially for international travelers who have already made the long journey to get to Australia in the first place. The region gives visitors a sense of how Melbourne became the culinary hub it is today. 

Getting to Melbourne from the U.S. has gotten (at least relatively) more manageable over the past few years. Delta recently launched a direct flight from L.A. to Melbourne, making the 16-hour journey a bit less intimidating. United offers a direct route from San Francisco, and both United and American have options from Dallas (via their partnership with Qantas). As someone who’s made the trip to Oceania four times in the last three years, my advice is to always upgrade to a bulkhead seat for more legroom when possible. Below, check out our guide for the best of what the Mornington Peninsula has to offer—and if you want even more, don’t miss our companion guide on the best Melbourne wine bars for when you’re back in the city.

The Wine Lover's Guide to Mornington Peninsula

Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill

Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate

Pt. Leo Restaurant & Wine Terrace

Rare Hare Wines Cellar Door

Bass & Flinders Distillery

Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park

Peninsula Hot Springs

166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North VIC 3926

Hotelier Louis Li opened this boutique property in 2017, winning Hotel of the Year from Australia’s Gourmet Traveller the same year. Upon visiting, it’s easy to see why it’s so lauded—the dark, contemporary property boasts meticulous details, like heated bathroom floors, plush carpets, and terraces with vineyard views from nearly every room. Now a decade in, the 45-key guesthouse has been awarded two Michelin keys, and recently underwent a light refresh. An on-site cellar door is complimentary for hotel guests, and a vineyard trail allows for a chance to take in the spectacular views. Two on-site restaurants and a separate cocktail bar offer variety in the relatively rural area. A set menu at the chef-hatted restaurant (akin to one Michelin star), Doot Doot Doot, is excellent for extravagant nights—more on that below. Lunch is available daily at another venue, Rare Hare, and a large, sunny pool deck with an infinity edge pool, plus a hot tub and sauna, has its own menu. Room rates here include breakfast, a comprehensive in-room mini-bar, and complimentary popcorn and ice cream delivery. Grab a pair of their custom cotton jersey blend PJs, which double as a stylish, cozy fit for the plane ride home.

Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill

142 Arthurs Seat Road Red Hill, VIC 3937

Lancemore is a boutique Australian hotel group with a reputation for impeccable service, which guests can experience firsthand at their restored estate in Red Hill. The 40-room property is peaceful and romantic, with vintage........

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