Montalto Vineyard: Mornington Peninsula Discovery Wine Tasting and Lunch

Planning a trip to Australia’s Mornington Peninsula? If you enjoy good wine, fresh local food, and a touch of artistic flair, then the Montalto Vineyard discovery tour might be just what you’re looking for. This experience offers a well-balanced mix of wine education, scenic beauty, and culinary delight—all nestled in a family-owned estate known for its cool-climate wines.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the educational wine tasting is engaging whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning to explore wine. Second, the delicious seasonal lunch paired with Montalto’s wines provides a satisfying meal that highlights local produce. And finally, the chance to stroll through the sculpture garden set amongst wetlands and vineyards adds a cultural dimension that elevates the experience.

One consideration for travelers is the tour’s group size, which is capped at just 8 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. However, note that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. This tour is especially suited for those who enjoy learning about wine, savoring good food, and appreciating art in a tranquil setting.

Key Points

• Educational yet relaxed: The guided tastings are designed to suit both novices and seasoned wine lovers.
• Beautiful setting: The estate’s vineyards, wetlands, and sculpture gardens offer a scenic backdrop for your day.
• Family-owned charm: Montalto’s reputation for quality, cool climate wines makes this a premium yet accessible experience.
• Delicious seasonal food: The shared lunch features fresh ingredients from the estate’s gardens, complemented by Montalto wines.
• Limited group size: With a maximum of 8 travelers, expect a more personal and engaging experience.
• Flexible options: Vegetarian options are available upon request, catering to dietary needs.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Timing

Your adventure begins at 33 Shoreham Rd in Red Hill South, with the tour kicking off at 11:00 am. The duration is approximately 4 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that fits well into a broader itinerary. As the tour does not include hotel pickup, you’ll need to make your own arrangements to arrive on time—either by rental car, taxi, or local transit.

The Estate: Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove

Montalto is a family-run estate renowned for its cool climate wines like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. The estate’s geographic position benefits from a maritime climate, which is ideal for early-ripening grape varieties. We loved the way the estate combines scenic beauty with quality craftsmanship—walking through the vineyards or exploring the sculpture gardens makes the entire visit feel more authentic and engaging.

The Wine Tasting Experience

The Discovery Tasting takes place in the estate’s Alto wine room or Piazza, both offering expansive views over the vineyards. The guided tasting includes a selection of current releases, back vintages, and limited bottlings not available elsewhere. This is where the experience becomes both educational and fun—whether you’re learning about how the variety, site, and winemaking process influence the final product or simply savoring the gorgeous wines.

From reviews, we see that visitors appreciate the knowledgeable staff: “Staff are knowledgeable and friendly,” reports Deborah_P, who also notes the discovery menu food was delicious. The tasting is designed to be accessible for beginners but detailed enough for enthusiasts, making it a flexible learning experience.

Lunch and Culinary Highlights

After the tasting, you’ll settle into the Piazza to enjoy a shared seasonal lunch, featuring ingredients from the estate’s gardens. The menu is described as casual yet flavorful, with options for vegetarians available if requested in advance. You’ll get a glass of Montalto wine with your meal, making the experience feel like a relaxed, local gathering rather than a formal sit-down.

Guests consistently praise the quality of the food and wine pairing. Kaylee_I raves about the “gorgeous wines and wonderful food” and the friendly, knowledgeable staff who make the lunch a highlight.

Sculpture Garden and Estate Exploration

Post-lunch, there’s plenty of time to wander through Montalto’s sculpture collection set amongst wetlands and vineyards. The estate is home to the famous Montalto Sculpture Prize, which attracts attention for its valuable private sculptures. Walking among contemporary art and natural wetlands offers a peaceful, inspiring conclusion to your visit.

What Travelers Say

Our favorite feedback from guests confirms the appeal of the intimate and engaging atmosphere. Deborah_P mentions, “Even coming home with a few bottles,” highlighting how many guests find themselves eager to purchase wines directly from the estate. Kaylee_I emphasized the “highly recommend” vibe, appreciating the incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Cost and Value

At $96.83 per person, this experience packs a lot of value. You get a tutored winery visit, a delicious shared lunch with wine, and the chance to explore art and vineyards in a beautiful setting—all in about four hours. Considering the small group size and the quality of the offerings, it’s a good deal for those seeking a relaxed yet immersive wine experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for food and wine lovers looking for a relaxed, educational outing. It’s perfect if you want to combine tasting with a little cultural enrichment, like sculpture viewing. The tour’s intimate size and focus on quality make it ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want a more personalized experience.

People with a keen interest in wine will appreciate the opportunity to learn more about cool climate varietals and taste a variety of vintages. However, even beginners will find the guided approach approachable and enjoyable.

FAQs

Is transportation included? No, transportation is not part of the tour, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point at 33 Shoreham Rd in Red Hill South.

Can I bring a vegetarian or special diet? Yes, vegetarian options are available, but it’s best to specify dietary requests when booking.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, making it a more intimate and personalized experience.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience runs about 4 hours, from 11:00 am start to finish.

What is included in the price? The price covers the guided wine tasting, shared seasonal lunch, a glass of wine with lunch, and access to the sculpture gardens.

Is age a factor? Yes, the minimum age is 18, as alcohol is served during the tour.

Can I purchase additional wine? Yes, additional bottles and beverages can be bought, but are not included in the base price.

What are the highlights of the estate? Expect panoramic vineyard views, a curated sculpture collection, and beautiful wetlands.

Is this suitable for wine experts? Absolutely. The tasting includes limited bottlings and back vintages, providing enough depth even for seasoned wine aficionados.

Final Thoughts

The Montalto Vineyard Discovery Tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines wine education, excellent local food, and aesthetic beauty. Its intimate setting, knowledgeable guides, and thoughtfully curated activities make it more than just a tasting—it’s a chance to really connect with the place and its produce.

Whether you’re visiting Mornington Peninsula for a day or a longer stay, this tour is a fantastic way to deepen your appreciation for Australian cool climate wines while enjoying a relaxed, scenic day. It’s particularly suited for those who cherish authentic experiences, love art and nature, and aren’t just looking for a quick sip but a memorable journey into the world of wine.

For anyone craving a taste of local craftsmanship paired with artistry and fresh flavors, this tour hits all the right notes. Just remember to book in advance—it’s popular for a reason.