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Get ready to get up close and personal with a winemaker at Winter Wine Weekend on the Mornington Peninsula.
What began in the early 1980s as a way to showcase Mornington Peninsula wines has grown from strength to strength, becoming an annual event on every wine enthusiast’s calendar. The Winter Wine Weekend – Saturday 24th of July – is proudly presented by the Mornington Peninsula Wine.
Mornington Peninsula as a wine region
Whether the peninsula means camping on the foreshore over summer school holidays, a golfing trip with mates or a ride on the Arthurs Seat chairlift, there’s no denying the area occupies a soft spot in the heart of many.
For such a small area geographically, it exhibits incredible diversity when it comes to wine. Surrounded by ocean on three sides, the peninsula is webbed with hills and valleys and hosts an array of soil types from yellow and brown soils to red volcanic clay and sandy loam.
All this adds up to a patchwork of micro-climates when it comes to wine production, meaning there’s an infinite number of wine styles for your drinking pleasure. Good thing the Winter Wine Weekend over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend gives you the opportunity to try as many as you like.
Region’s top varietals
The region’s signature varietal is undoubtedly pinot noir, making up half the fruit grown in the region. Chardonnay is a close second with pinot gris/grigio also making a noteworthy appearance. There are also independent winemakers challenging expectations with tempranillo, arneis, savagnin, gamay and more.
Elegant pinot noir is the star of the region as it thrives in the cool climate. Though exact flavour profile varies across the sub-regions thanks to soil, elevation etc. Mornington Peninsula pinot noir is generally light to medium in body, with bright berry notes balanced by soft, savoury tannins. Saturday’s showcase is the ideal time to find your perfect pinot.
Chardonnay also loves the cool conditions, producing a restrained wine with delicate melon and citrus notes, as well as the expected mineral, flinty aspects often found in maritime wine regions. Pinot gris/grigio has a growing fan base thanks to its crisp, food-friendly flavour profile.
Exhibition and tasting Saturday
Saturday’s showcase takes place over three sheds at the Red Hill Showgrounds. Each shed will represent one sub-region with that area’s wineries and restaurants determined to convince you of their excellence.
In total, there will be 45 wineries and over 200 wines to sample so you’re going to need a plan of attack. Grab a buddy and secure your booking. They’ll provide a complimentary Riedel tasting glass, you just need to bring boots, a warm jacket and a willingness to eat and drink.
Ten Minutes by Tractor, Foxeys Hangout, Avani Winery, Mantons Creek Estate and Ocean Eight are just a handful of the wineries participating in the extravaganza, as well as debuting the new ‘Heartbreak’ gin from Bass & Flinders Distillery made with local pinot noir grapes.
Choose from tempting menus by Barmah Park, Lindenderry Red Hill, Many Little Bar & Bistro, Montalto, Paringa Estate and Pt Leo Estate. Red Hill Cheese will be providing their quality artisan cheese for your snacking requirements and Brew Up Bar coffee will keep you caffeinated throughout the day.
Covid-safe practices are built into the program, with each shed accommodating 300 people for a 90-minute session before rotating out and onto the next shed. Tickets are selling fast and with a strict limit of only 900 tickets, bookings are essential.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Mornington Peninsula’s Winter Wine Weekend
WHERE: Red Hill Showgrounds, 190 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill
WHEN: Saturday 24th of July
MORE INFO: Mornington Peninsula Wine
