An insider's choice - Peninsula

Tours depart most days Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday with flexible pick ups from both Melbourne CBD and the Mornington Peninsula.

Ideal for anyone wanting an insider’s view on some of the best cellar doors the Peninsula has to offer. Not only do the wineries we visit produce quality wines but they also give their guests a great experience, something that is too often overlooked.

Each of the wineries we have selected are designed to complement each other, iconic and authentic, boutique but fresh and new, picturesque and charming, small and family run, rustic and relaxed, friendly and fun, you get it all on this tour. We like to steer clear of some of the bigger guys because you tend to become a number rather than a guest.

It is a perfect place to start if your touring the region for the first time, or perhaps you are looking to visit a few places that you just might not have heard about. 

This tour offers: 

- a relaxed and fun day out

- a good mix of both red & white wine to try

- amazing cider 

- boutique smaller producers

- a casual shared lunch in a picturesque setting 

TOUR ITINERARY

The region is renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but there are also other gems to be found. On a typical day out you would visit 4 stops including lunch.

The itinerary is not strictly set due to limited availability at wineries whilst we continue to deal with covid restrictions.   

Some of our favourite stops that we often include are below: 

Quealy Winemakers – wine tasting

Visit Kathleen Quealy the ‘Queen of Gris’. Kathleen is one of the most well-known winemakers on the Peninsula and was the first person to plant Pinot Gris/Grigio in Australia. Here you can expect the unexpected as every visit is a unique experience.

Tastings often take place in the middle of their working winery. It’s rustic, authentic and a truly laid back experience. 

On display are a large selection of whites, reds (including some of the best Pinot Noir you will taste) and sweet wine, with a tilt to Italian varieties. Their wines are not only incredible but also great value, so don’t expect to walk away empty handed. 

Check out a review of the winery here

Tucks Wine – lunch 

Recently taken over by the team from Montalto the winery and restaurant have taken on a new lease of life. Here you will sit down to enjoy a casual sharing meal with your newest friends while taking in one of the Peninsula most photographed views. 

Lunch is a casual affair with their Tuck in Fried Chicken plates which include; Buttermilk fried free range chicken thigh, Free range chicken wings, tikka spice salt, Raw slaw of wombok, onion, carrot, lemon dressing, Spiced chickpeas, shallot & coconut, Salad of green beans & mustard seeds, Fries, Garden salt, Cucumber pickles, Jalapeno mayo & Ranch dressing. (Vegetarian plates also available) Choose a glass of your favourite drop to enjoy with your lunch.

Check our our review of the winery here 

Rahona Valley which is another true hidden gem of the Peninsula. The vineyard is set in a secluded valley on a steep north-facing slope which is honestly magnificent and unlike any other vineyard in the region. As you descend on the cellar door you will feel like you are amongst the tree tops.

The wines here are unexpectedly brilliant. You will be taken through a comprehensive list which often includes some bubbles. The cellar door has a fabulous outdoor (and indoor pending weather) setting on the newly built deck with an open fire pit during the cooler months and umbrellas for shade for the warmer weather, a perfect place to spend the afternoon.

The place is a little bit magical and so are the wines. 

Check out a review of the winery here

Old Apple Shed – wine & cider tasting

Expect to arrive to a warm and friendly welcome from Old Apple Shed. This stop is often a crowd favourite due to its simple charm and down to earth vibe. 

With their epic wine list the tasting can be tailored to you as they have a big range of sparkling, red, white and sweet wines. This precedes the grand finale, a show stopping selection of ciders that will blow your mind they are that good. Try apple, pear, strawberry, passionfruit and ginger beer. 

They have a great outdoor area so tastings can be taken outside if the weather's nice. If not you can keep warm inside the old converted farmhouse.

Check out a review of the winery here

Pier 10 – wine tasting

You will often meet the friendly cellar door guide, Craig who will make you feel right at home as he introduces you to the fantastic wines that Pier 10 has to offer. He takes pride in his work and it really shines through in the wonderful tastings he delivers.

It is a casual experience with great examples of cool climate wines at good prices. Look out for their Pinot Noir it's one of our faves.

Check out a review of the winery here

Kerri Greens – wine tasting

Kerri Greens would have to be considered the coolest kid on the block. As you wind your way around this uniquely shaped cellar door you instantly know you are in for something a little bit special and a little bit left of centre.

These guys are experimenting with some unfamiliar varieties such as Gewurztraminer and Pinot Meunier and bringing something fresh and vibrant to the more traditional styles of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rose. 

You will certainly feel the passion for winemaking with these next generation winemakers and you will leave wanting to tell your friends all about them. 

Check out a review of the winery here

Bass & Flinders Distillery - gin, vodka & limoncello tasting

We all know that gin is totally the 'in thing' at the moment and taking the country by storm with so many producers bursting into the market. Bass & Flinders Distillery have been in the game a little while now been one of the first boutique producers in Victoria. 

What's different about these gins is that they are 'grape based' and triple distilled rather than made with traditional grain. In addition to gin they have also added vodka, grappa and limoncello to their range and more recently Ochre an aged brandy. There is certainly something for everyone at this stop. 


A visit to the distillery is a unique experience, as it provides a rare insight into the engine room of Bass & Flinders. The refurbished cellar door combines modern architectural style with a notable barrel room. 

Check out a review of the distillery here

Red Hill Epicurean – lunch 

In the heart of Red Hill you will find The Epicurean, a food and wine hub for the region. A huge industrial space in a converted ‘Shed’, they specialise in Italian fare with a wood-fired pizza oven at the centre of the action

Enjoy a generous selection of wood-fired pizzas, pasta & risotto with side salads, served Italian sharing style, so you are able to try many different dishes. Includes a glass of wine or beer.

Check our our review of the winery here 

INCLUSIONS

All tours include a great host, fully air-conditioned and comfortable transport, bottled water, all tasting fees and a delicious lunch which includes a glass of wine.

PICK UPS & DROP OFFS

Tours leaving from Melbourne start in the CBD with further pick-ups available on-route to the peninsula by request. 

Tours leaving from the Peninsula start in Portsea with further pick-ups available from 5 convenient locations on-route. 

Additional pick-ups may also be arranged by request from your accommodation on both Melbourne CBD or Peninsula pick-up tours.

SMALL GROUPS & BUSES

The buses used for these tours carry up to 11 passengers however we limit any one group booking to a maximum of 5 people. Larger groups of 6 or more please check out our Private tour options here. 

COVID SAFE POLICY

We take the safety of our guests extremely seriously. Wine Compass has a strict covid safe plan and policy in place. This includes maintaining a full contact register, additional cleaning policies, hand sanitisation rules and requirements for masks to be worn at all times whilst travelling on board a vehicle.

A copy of our covid safe T&C's will be provided upon booking.

If you are unwell or showing any signs of illness you will not be able to travel. A full refund will be provided in this instance.