The annual Winter Wine Weekend returns to the coast from 12th–14th June.
Wine lovers across Victoria will pull on their warmest jumpers and winter wellies as the Mornington Peninsula’s Winter Wine Weekend returns to the coast, boasting a wide-ranging program sure to please everyone from novice to connoisseur. Held over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend from 12th–14th June, the three days will burst with an abundance of world-class wines, mouth-watering food and picturesque countryside.
A firm favourite on calendars since the 1980s, the annual celebration will kick off with The Winter Wine Festival, a showcase exhibition and tasting on Saturday, 12th June from 10:30am–4:00pm in the Pavilions at Red Hill Showgrounds. Offering attendees a rare opportunity to experience 45 Mornington Peninsula wineries exhibiting over 200 premium wines in one event, it highlights the incredible diversity resulting from the climate and terroir unique to the region. To ensure crowd density remains COVID safe, Saturday’s festival will see three sheds transformed into sub-regional experiences, allowing groups to circulate from one to the next after 90 minutes. Each shed will house two restaurants that will create menus of entree-sized dishes made from regionally sourced produce, made specifically with the flavours of Mornington Peninsula wines in mind. Bookings for Saturday are essential, and spots are limited with just 900 tickets available. Creating the perfect Sunday afternoon setting, day two will launch the Long Lunch at the Pavilion. Bringing together an exciting group of smaller wineries without cellar doors, wine enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to sample wines that would normally require an appointment to enjoy. The curated selection of lesser known wines will be poured and thoughtfully matched to a spectacular three-course menu, complemented by roaming musicians and the chance to sit alongside the makers as regional hero host Richard Cornish draws out their fascinating stories.
In addition to the program’s hallmark events, Mornington Peninsula Vignerons will welcome visitors throughout the weekend to warm cellar doors to taste new release wines, visit old favourites and to experience the seasonal offerings of the region. With many vignerons relishing the rejuvenation of the vine following the busy harvest season, visitors have the chance to view the majesty of the vineyards showcased when stripped bare.
Pre-booked tickets are required for both Saturday’s and Sunday’s events and can be purchased at www.mpwine.com.au
The Winter Wine Festival
Date: Saturday, 12th June
Cost: $120
Where: Red Hill Recreation Reserve and Showground, 184 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill VIC 3937
Inclusions: Ticket includes a complimentary Riedel tasting glass, all wine tastings, a tasting book and three entree-sized dishes (more food vouchers are also available for purchase).
Designated driver tickets are also available for $80 and include all of the above except no wine tastings are included.
Please note, wine by the glass will be available to purchase to enjoy with your meal but any wine purchased by the bottle cannot be consumed at the venue due to liquor licensing.
Long Lunch at the Pavilion
Date: Sunday, 13th June
Cost: $170
Where: Red Hill Recreation Reserve and Showground, 184 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill VIC 3937
Inclusions: Ticket includes a pre-lunch tasting, a hosted sit-down three-course winemaker’s lunch with wines to match.
Gather your tribe for a weekend of exquisite wines and beautiful food while breathing in the fresh coastal air.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.mpwine.com.au
Mornington Peninsula to host a weekend of world-class wines, delicious food and local makers
