Mornington Peninsula top five wineries

Whether you're planning a leisurely lunch or a tantalising wine tour, here are five of the best in Mornington Peninsula.

By Mary O'Brien

May 25, 2015 — 10.26am

Crittenden Wine Centre

Crittenden Wine Centre, which opened in December, is the new kid on the block. This is a cellar door with a difference, modelled on similar places in South Africa. Basically, you taste wine at your own pace, sitting in a cafe-style setting. Pay for a wine flight ($8-$11, depending on which varietal you choose) and work your way through the information or chat to friendly staff. You get five 30ml wine tastings in beautiful glasses. There's a fire for cold days, a terrace for warm weather and a private room for groups. A great all-round experience.

25 Harrisons Road, Dromana, daily 10.30am-4.30pm, crittendenwines.com.au

Port Phillip Estate

Looking to impress? Port Phillip Estate is the place to come. This grand building, austere at the front, opens up inside to a fabulous view of Western Port bay. Sidle up in your best dress to the long elegant bar at the cellar door. For a $5 fee (refundable on buying a bottle) you can taste some top drops – the chardonnay and pinot noir are standouts. Spittoons are built into the counter so you don't over-indulge. Snack on small plates or order larger ones. Not surprisingly, this has won a stack of awards for architecture, food and wine.

263 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South, daily 11am-5pm, portphillipestate.com.au

Ten Minutes by Tractor

With an unforgettable name and signature tractors (the three family vineyards are 10 minutes apart by tractor), this classy cellar door/restaurant is a must-visit. The cellar door has a clubby feel with views of the terrace and glimpses of the inviting dining room with Western Port beyond. There's a $5 refundable tasting fee and many good drops to sample. The pinot gris and sauvignon blanc are tempting but it's hard to pass the chardonnay or pinot noir stalwarts. Choose from single vineyard wines, estate wines and 10X (several vineyards). Staff members are knowledgeable and friendly.

1333 Mornington-Flinders Road, Main Ridge, daily 11am-5pm, tenminutesbytractor.com.au

Foxeys Hangout

Definitely one of the buzziest places to visit. Most weekends the rustic cellar door is packed and you have to fight your way to the tasting counter but it's all worthwhile. You can book the blend-your-own-bubbly sessions with winemaker Michael Lee (two people, tastings and take-home bottle $50). Or for $8 (refundable) you can join the hoi polloi at the bustling counter and taste the range of 10 wines. Tapas plates ($11) or chef's tasting menu ($35) go very nicely with Foxeys wines. The giant windows in the wood-panelled room beautifully frame the tree-laden valley outside.

795 White Hill Road, Red Hill, Fri-Sun, public holidays, 11am-5pm, foxeys-hangout.com.au

Merricks General Wine Store

An oldie but a good one, this rejuvenated general store has a comfy feel that makes you want to linger. Warm up at the fire, enjoy a coffee or lunch in the cafe and trundle along to the old wooden counter to sample some fine drops from Elgee Park, Baillieu and Quealy. You can taste (no charge) about eight wines from a large range. Long-established Elgee Park is popular with traditionalists while Kathleen Quealy has a loyal following of devotees. The range has recently expanded and you can now taste wines from neighbours such as Merricks Estate and Dexter.

3460 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merricks, tasting daily 10am-5pm, mgwinestore.com.au