Mornington Peninsula Wine Region

Mornington Peninsula wine region is a stunning region in the state of Victoria. The region is one of the maritime regions of Australia with a cool climate that is ideal for vine growing. Every vineyard in the region is close to the ocean. The region is home to more than 50 boutique cellars producing spectacular wines. Morning Peninsula wine region specializes in growing Pinot Noir which response well to the cool climate. The region is renowned for medium-bodied, dry wines with robust structure and complexity. The region hosts the International Pinot Noir celebration annually which is one of the very popular events.

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Where is the Mornington Peninsula wine region?

The Mornington Peninsula wine region is in southern Victoria, just south of Melbourne. The Bass Strait, Port Phillip Bay, and Western Port Bay surround the region at the bottom of mainland Australia. This fantastic wine and tourist location have some beautiful beaches and Greenlands. Morning Peninsula is around an hour's drive from Melbourne.

History of the Mornington Peninsula wine region

The Mornington Peninsula wine region is relatively young to wine, with the first planting taking place in 1886, earning an honorable mention at the Intercontinental Exhibition. In 1891, the region had only six vineyards registered. The region endured economic deterioration and Phylloxera infection at the end of the nineteenth century, affecting the wine business, and by the 1920s, all vineyards in the region had been abandoned. Seppelt, one of Australia's oldest wineries, recovered these vines in the 1950s after they were burned by a blaze in 1967. Mornington Peninsula first began producing wine in 1972, with its first commercial winery opening in 1978 at Main Ridge.

The terroir and geography of the Mornington Peninsula wine region

Mornington Peninsula wine region possesses a benign maritime climate and is the coolest wine region in Australia.  The average temperature is 20.2 degrees celsius with 350mm of average rainfall. The soil varies across the region ranging from sandy, alluvial to russet volcanic soils. The area around Moorooduc and Tuerong are flatlands. The growing season is much longer than in mainland Australia. Water bodies around the region help moderate temperature and protect from frost. The cooling effect helps grapes retain acidity, and concentrate flavors and tannins. The rugged mottled duplex covers most of the Dromana region, together with well-drained clay. Across Main Ridge and Red Hill, volcanic soil is found, while in Moorooduc, the terroir is much sandier in texture.

Popular grape varieties from the Mornington Peninsula wine region

The key grape variety grown in the Mornington Peninsula is Pinot Noir which benefits from the cool climate. Pinot Noir is the flagship grape, consisting of half of the total plantings. The region also had success with other varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Viognier, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tempranillo. The wines produced in the Mornington Peninsula are considered Australia’s best and made by a collaborative community of winemakers and family-run vineyards. 

Food to pair with Mornington Peninsula wine 

Bœuf bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a slow-cooked beef stew that is commonly made in French cuisine with Burgundy wines. Beef, onion, carrots, celery, and flour are common ingredients in the recipe. Before adding the remaining ingredients, the beef is fried in butter or oil. Boeuf bourguignon is frequently accompanied by cooked potatoes or noodles.

The dish is not a traditional Burgundy cuisine; rather, the use of wine explains the name. The dish was originally documented in 1867 and was frequently cooked with leftover meat. At the turn of the twentieth century, the dish was acknowledged as a Burgundian specialty.

Because of the long cooking time, the tastes of the meal are deep, nuanced, and hearty. The robust Mornington Peninsula wines complement this dish perfectly.

Fondue Bourguignonne

Despite its French name, Fondue Bourguignonne originated in Switzerland. Tender beef chopped into cubes is called for in the recipe. The beef is fried in butter before being served with a dipping sauce.

Swiss farmers who made lunches in the field originated the dish. During their break, the farmers fried beef in a saucepan of oil. The meal is traditionally made with beef, although current versions incorporate pork, poultry, liver, and various vegetables.

Lobster Thermidor

The Lobster Thermidor is a gorgeous French dish that is surprisingly simple to prepare and pairs well with dry, crisp Meursault. The lobster shells are stuffed with a cooked soft portion of lobster in a creamy rich wine sauce, then fried and topped with parmesan cheese.

There are two versions of how the dish got its name. One of the most common is that Napoleon named it after the month he first ate it. According to the French revolutionary calendar, the month of Thermidor ran from July 19 to August 17. According to another legend, the meal was initially cooked in 1894 at Maire's Restaurant in Paris. Lobster thermidor is called after a performance of Victorian Sardou's play Thermidor at the Comédie Française, which was close to where the restaurant was located. For the finest experience, pair it with Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir.

Places to visit in the Mornington Peninsula wine region

Mornington Peninsula National Park

Mornington Peninsula National Park is located on the Mornington Peninsula's southern shore, approximately 90 kilometers south of Melbourne. The park is on the Register of the National Estate because of its high value and significance. This amazing park is also part of an aboriginal cultural environment in Bunurong people's ancestral territory. Swimming, walking, picnics, surfing, and wildlife research are all popular activities in the park. The park has a beautiful combination of natural scenery and significant historical aspects.

Sorrento, Victoria

Sorrento is a historic town on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula's southern shore. The hamlet is well-known for its unique shopping experience, which combines the warmth and elegance of a historic seaside setting. Some several high-end retailers and boutiques sell designer labels. This beautiful community has lots to offer whether you stay for a day or a week. There are also several holiday homes and serviced flats. Spend a relaxing week in this rich and bustling beach village.

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Frequently asked questions about Mornington Peninsula