The sun is out, the birds are singing and the wineries are brimming with greenery - what better way to welcome Spring than to get out and explore the Mornington Peninsula. Just over an hour's drive from Melbourne, this scenic peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful wineries with stunning views and menus designed to showcase the delicious local produce.
Got kids? No problem! The kids will love exploring these kid friendly wineries on the Mornington Peninsula:
CRITTENDEN ESTATE
Overlooking the picturesque lake, you can try a few wines in their newly appointed tasting room or for special occasion dining check out the restaurant Stillwater at Crittenden. The kids will love exploring this winery and making use of the games provided on the spacious lawn adjacent to the restaurant. Football, cricket, soccer, boules - they've got you covered so sit back and enjoy while the kids wear themselves out!
Best bits & tips: Enjoy a stress free flight tasting - to make the most of your wine tasting experience the wine centre provide the kids with activity packs to keep boredom at bay. You can also ask the staff at Stillwater for some bread to feed the ducks that flock to the lake. Crittenden Estate (pictured above) also have accommodation onsite in their beautiful Lakeside Villas.
STONIER WINES
Bask in the sunshine and bring along your own picnic while you sample the exceptional wines from Stonier (you HAVE to try the sparking!). While there is no cafe or restaurant at the winery, it's the perfect opportunity to pack a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. They do have cheese platters available to satisfy your afternoon cravings - just pop a few snacks in your bag for the kids and you're all set for a fantastic afternoon.
Best bits and tips: Stonier staff are more than happy to give you an informal tour of the fermentation and barrel rooms - just ask! And if you're feeling super adventurous why not take on the Red Hill Rail trail and make your way to the Red Hill Epicurean (just over an hour's walk) for a well earned coffee.
POLPERRO
What better way to spend a Sunday than on the deck at Polperro sitting by the fire and watching the kids have the time of their lives. There is quite a bit of space for the kids to run around and the kids' food was absolutely delicious (I may have stolen a chip or two!). My kids had the best time exploring and playing hide and seek in the vines (pictured above)
Best bits and tips: The wine tasting room is a pretty impressive space and a lovely place to try out all their sensational wines. Adults only accommodation available onsite at Polperro too by alluxia.
YABBY LAKE VINEYARD
Being so close to the freeway, this winery is pretty popular with city folk and it's easy to see why. As soon as you step into this super stylish, newly renovated winery you are greeted with floor to ceiling windows bringing the vineyards right up to your table. This winery has the best of both worlds: great food and wine for mum & dad and enough stuff to keep the kids entertained. There are swings in full view of the restaurant and a lush lawn with interesting sculptures for the kids to run around and wear themselves out.
Best bits and tips: Make sure you check out the Pink Claw Rose that has been created by the founders of Yabby Lake to help raise awareness of breast cancer. Pink Claw has been used for fundraising events and campaigns and a portion of the profits of every bottle is donated to Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
TUCKS RIDGE
You simply can't go past Tuck's Ridge when it comes to views. Showcasing all the colours of Autumn it's the ideal place to relax on the lawn and let the kids burn off some energy (pictured above). Tuck's is a casual environment that offers both indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the stunning vineyard and surrounds.
Best bits and tips: On Sundays there is a two course minimum of entrée, main and dessert to be aware of.
FOXEYS HANGOUT
Foxeys is a great little stop over to add to your wine touring agenda. You won't be disappointed with the wine tasting here and there is a huge grassy area for the kids to run around outside so everyone is happy. We usually order a few dishes from their delicious locally sourced tapas menu as a precursor before lunch.
Best bits and tips: Take a soccer ball for the kids to kick around so you can sit back and take in the view. The sparkling is one of my favourites and if you're feeling adventurous you can now blend your very own! Every Saturday and Sunday at 11am you can book in for a special private tutorial with the winemaker, Michael Lee.
MONTALTO
This is the perfect place for a stress free lunch with the kids. Montalto's newly refurbished Piazza has a relaxed vibe with a Tuscan feel that offers indoor and outdoor dining. A fuss free menu for the kids and delicious offerings for the adults will have everyone in a food coma. Once you've eaten your fill of delicious pizza, you can work it off with a stroll through the beautiful gardens to check out the art installations. To top it all off, there are free olive oil tastings and the wine is sure to impress.
Best bits and tips: There are over 20 sculptures permanently on display throughout the Montalto grounds and from February to September this collection is joined by at least another 20 works from the annual Montalto Sculpture prize.
Browse our handpicked collection of Mornington Peninsula accommodation here.
Words & images by Kelly McLeod - My Little Adventures
