Wine regions Australia - Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula   Victoria

With its distinct maritime climate, the Mornington Penninsula produces a vast array of quality wines. Traditional varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir excel, and promise has been shown with the lesser known varieties of Viogner and Pinot Gris.

Mornington Peninsula is famous for its bay beaches as well as its Chardonnay and Pinot

The Mornington Peninsula lies within the Port Phillip Zone just an hour south from Melbourne. The wine region takes in the whole peninsula starting at Mt Eliza just below Frankston. The main towns amongst the vineyards are Dromana, Red Hill South, Merricks and Moorooduc.

The region's climate is dominated by strong winds that sweep across Port Phillip Bay on its western flank and Bass Strait to the south. The region has a hills district rising 250m above sea level. Although rainfall is reliable supplementary irrigation is required at times during the growing season.

The region's reputation is building around Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The red volcanic soils also grow a fine Shiraz. Other varieties grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Gris and Riesling.

The region has a history agricultural production supplying the Melbourne markets with fruit, berries, vegetables and herbs. It is also an important recreation and tourist area mainly servicing the Melbourne population who flock to the area on weekends and holidays.

This is a modern wine region. There was a dabbling in viticulture in the late 1800s and then in the 1950s but it wasn't until Baillieu Myer of Myer stores planted vines in the early 70s did the region kick off as a commercial wine producer. Many vineyards and wineries followed, most of them small, producing boutique wines and tapping into the tourism market with cellar doors and fine restaurants.

Staying on the Peninsula is easy because there are so many quality accommodation services to choose from that suit varying budgets. There is also a great choice of restaurants and cafes with high quality food as we have come to expect from Victoria. The wine industry has been particularly active in establishing eateries at their cellar doors and getting round them is hassle free with a number of wine tour companies and shuttle services getting you there and providing insiders' knowledge about the best the Peninsula can offer.

The Mornington has some great wine events including Peninsula Piers & Pinots in March, Red Hill and Sorrento Long Lunches also in March, Winter Wine Weekend in June and for Pinot lovers a Pinot Noir Celebration in February.

Harvest time: late March to late May

2004 Vintage Summary

Late spring weather from the previous vintage indicated a potentially very fruitful crop. A mild winter and early spring led to fairly typical and even budburst. Spring was average to slightly warm, resulting in steady vine development. November and December were warmer than average, leading to highly fruitful buds for next (2005) vintage and very good flowering and fruit set for the 2004 vintage. Bunch weights were thus high and for Pinot Noir were at the very high end of recorded figures.

A very cold January then slowed vine development considerably, ensuring late ripening and relatively high acid levels. February and March were about average and fortunately April was warmer than usual. Conditions were also very dry, meaning this late ripening could occur with relatively low disease pressure. The fruit was very good quality with superb flavours. Winemakers are talking of this having the potential to be the best vintage for some time