Winter Wine Weekend 2025 - Sip, Savour & Explore the Mornington Peninsula

Discover the Mornington Peninsula’s Premier Wine Event This Winter

If you’re a wine lover, foodie, or just looking for the perfect winter getaway, Winter Wine Weekend 2025 on the Mornington Peninsula is your must-attend event. Running over the King’s Birthday long weekend (7–9 June), this celebrated annual event offers the ultimate way to taste the region’s award-winning cool-climate wines, meet passionate winemakers, and enjoy gourmet food with sweeping vineyard views.

The Mornington Peninsula is known for its premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines, with a cellar door culture that blends rustic charm with contemporary style. Add in rolling hills, open fireplaces, and the warmth of good company, and you’ve got a memorable weekend on your hands.

What is Winter Wine Weekend?

Winter Wine Weekend is hosted by Mornington Peninsula Vignerons (MPVA) and brings together over 40 local wineries for a three-day celebration of food, wine, and the region’s unique terroir.

The event officially kicks off with a Grand Tasting at Red Hill Reserve on Saturday 7 June 2025, followed by winery-hosted events on Sunday and Monday (8–9 June). Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious, this weekend is about exploring, relaxing, and connecting with local producers in one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal wine regions.

Event Highlights

🍷 Saturday 7 June: Grand Tasting at Red Hill Reserve

The Grand Tasting is the heart of the Winter Wine Weekend, where visitors can sample wines from more than 40 Mornington Peninsula wineries all under one roof. It’s your chance to taste new releases, chat directly with winemakers, and purchase wines to take home.

What to expect:

• Over 150 wines to sample

• Gourmet food stalls featuring local producers

• Warm indoor setting with fires and covered areas

• Masterclasses and wine education sessions

• Bottle sales and exclusive event specials

Time: 11am – 4pm
Location: Red Hill Reserve Pavilion, 184 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill VIC
Tickets: Available online via the MP Wine website (check for early bird deals)

🍽️ Sunday 8 – Monday 9 June: Cellar Door Experiences

After the Grand Tasting, spend your Sunday and Monday exploring Mornington Peninsula’s cellar doors. Each participating winery hosts its own unique experiences — think open fires, winter-themed menus, and intimate tasting sessions.

Expect:

• Hearty winter lunches paired with estate wines

• Wine masterclasses and vertical tastings

• Live music, fire pits, and panoramic vineyard views

• Limited release and museum wines

• Small group settings and warm hospitality

It’s a rare opportunity to go beyond the bottle and experience the stories, people, and places that make Mornington Peninsula wine so special.

Wineries to Watch

While there are too many great producers to name, here are a few must-visit Mornington Peninsula wineries participating in Winter Wine Weekend 2025:

Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove

Known for: Estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, beautiful sculpture gardens
Event: Winter Wine & Fire Feast – Slow-cooked dishes, mulled wine, and live music

Ten Minutes by Tractor

Known for: Iconic single-vineyard wines, fine dining
Event: Guided tasting flights, three-course winter lunch with wine pairings

Paringa Estate

Known for: Multi-award-winning wines, exceptional dining
Event: Fireside barrel tastings, exclusive back-vintage releases

Pt. Leo Estate

Known for: Modern cellar door, sculpture park, coastal views
Event: Wine lounge experience, curated food pairings, and art walks

Main Ridge Estate

Known for: Boutique Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, intimate cellar door
Event: Family-friendly vibe, vineyard platters and pinot tastings

Plan Your Visit

🗓️ Event Dates:

Saturday 7 June – Monday 9 June 2025

🗺️ Where:

Various wineries across the Mornington Peninsula, with the Grand Tasting held at Red Hill Reserve

🎟️ Tickets & Bookings:

• Grand Tasting: Pre-booking essential. Tickets include tastings, souvenir glass, and access to food stalls.

• Cellar Door Events: Most wineries require advance bookings for meals or tasting sessions. Check individual winery websites for details and pricing.

Visit the official site: mpwine.com.au

Why Visit the Mornington Peninsula in Winter?

Winter on the Peninsula is a time to slow down and savour. With fewer crowds, crisp air, and moody vineyard landscapes, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the region’s food and wine scene.

🧣 Cosy Vibes

Many cellar doors feature open fireplaces, blankets, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal place to unwind.

🍲 Winter Menus

Expect seasonal menus with slow-cooked lamb, wild mushrooms, truffle dishes, and locally made cheese to accompany your tastings.

🛏️ Stay a While

Make the most of your weekend with a stay in a local boutique B&B, luxury vineyard accommodation, or coastal retreat. Properties book quickly for this weekend, so early reservations are essential.

Accommodation Options

Here are a few recommended places to stay during Winter Wine Weekend 2025:

• Lindenderry at Red Hill – vineyard views, fine dining, and close to event action

• Jackalope Hotel – design-led luxury in the heart of wine country

• Polperro Farmhouse – private retreat near cellar doors

• Port Phillip Estate Luxury Accommodation – wine, views, and peace

• Airbnb & Farmstays – plenty of hidden gems across Red Hill, Main Ridge, and Merricks

Tips for Getting Around

• Book a Wine Tour – Let someone else do the driving with local wine tours. Great for groups and couples alike.

• Use Designated Drivers – Many locals offer private transport services during the long weekend.

• Stay Local – Reduce travel time by staying near Red Hill, Main Ridge, or Merricks.

Make the Most of Your Winter Wine Weekend

To help you enjoy every drop of your experience, here are a few pro tips:

✅ Book Early

Cellar doors often sell out for seated events, especially for lunch and masterclasses.

✅ Dress for the Weather

It’s winter in Victoria — bring layers, boots, and a waterproof jacket just in case.

✅ Share the Love

Take photos, tag wineries on social media, and share your favourites. #WinterWineWeekend2025

✅ Don’t Rush

Choose 2–3 wineries per day max. This isn’t about how many places you visit, but the quality of each experience.

Perfect for Locals and Visitors Alike

Whether you live in the area or are planning a trip down from Melbourne, Winter Wine Weekend 2025 is the perfect excuse to explore the Mornington Peninsula in a new light. Locals love it for the relaxed pace and community feel. Visitors come for the wine and stay for the scenery, the people, and the incredible food.

If you're already a Mornington Peninsula wine fan, this event will deepen your appreciation. If you're new to the scene, it's the ideal introduction to what makes this region so special.

Wrap-Up: A Toast to Winter Wine Weekend 2025

The Mornington Peninsula is a destination that shines year-round, but Winter Wine Weekend brings out its true character — earthy, welcoming, and rich in flavour. From the vibrant Grand Tasting to cellar doors full of warmth and charm, it’s a weekend that celebrates everything we love about wine, food, and community.

Whether you're sipping beside a crackling fire, tucking into a slow-cooked meal, or chatting with the winemaker over a glass of Pinot Noir, Winter Wine Weekend 2025 promises to be an experience to remember.

📍 Need More Local Tips?

Looking to buy, sell, or rent property on the Mornington Peninsula while you're here? We’re locals who love the region — and we know it inside out. Get in touch for real estate advice or to discover your next home, weekend escape, or investment.

Contact us at McNeill Real Estate – Mornington Peninsula’s trusted boutique agency.