RAISING A TOAST TO
CELLAR DOOR, FOOD & EVENTS
A WINERY WONDERLAND
As rugged and naturally alluring as the Island itself, Phillip Island Winery masterfully balances a relaxed, shoes-off feel with the sophistication of a local drop worthy of white-tablecloth dining.
The group says the vision has been to carve out a special corner of Phillip Island that can be enjoyed as much by families as couples and groups.
From the cellar door to food and events, this sparkling coastal gem is only getting better with age. In its 25 years, Phillip Island Winery has had only three groups of owners, the most recent cohort taking over three years ago. Misha and Nick Say, Bec and Tim Newman and Kyra and Dan Leary are the driving force behind the winery – and they’re throwing all caution to the wind when it comes to mixing business and family. “Within the ownership group two of us are sisters and the third may as well be!” explains Misha. The previous owners Tim and Trish O’Brien approached the group in 2017, wanting them to continue their legacy, while creating a whole new one. “They were heading into semi-retirement and given our hospitality backgrounds and knowing how much potential the site had, they thought we may be able to create something really special out here.” Their trust in the group was well-founded. In just three short years (two of which have been spent navigating a global pandemic), Phillip Island Winery has flourished. And the reinvigoration of the winery started at its beating heart. “The vineyard had been dormant for several years before we took over,” Misha said. “After much deliberation and several professional opinions, it was decided that the vineyard needed to be pulled out and reinstated. This was not a decision that was taken lightly, but we wanted to ensure the foundations were 100 percent right and given this was a long-term project, we wanted to make sure we got it right the first time. “With Gippsland being perfectly suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay these two varietals were a given, and research is still being conducted on something rare and experimental for next year. We are currently planting out our first clone of pinot noir (MV6) with the next two clones (115 and Abel) to be planted out next year.”
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gippsland lifestyle summer ����/��
“Our plan for Phillip Island Winery has always been to create a little wonderland of experiences. To make it much more than just a cellar door or restaurant and give you more reasons to come and visit. In doing so we’ve created a cellar door (The Yards) that not only can you pull up a stool and taste our current vintage, but you can also purchase a vast array of providore provisions including Gippsland cheeses, locally made pickles, relish and jams, cured meats, vegan pates, local Estate olives, and much more. There is also a beautifully curated selection of giftware including books, ceramics, Italian linens, leather goods, candles, tableware, body products, and bespoke gifts."
“Our restaurant is intimate and evokes a ‘dining at home aesthetic’ the service is relaxed but professional, the first thing we tell new staff is to welcome customers as if you would welcome people into your own home." “Our brand-new Atrium is where all the fun will happen! From weddings, to birthdays, work break ups and everything in between, this space will be available for private hire of an evening and will service all of our larger group bookings during the day." “Our new picnic area and expansive lawn area will again see live music over the summer months and every Sunday on going. It’s a space that welcomes all, whether you’re two or 102, the Winery has a space that’s perfect you. Our plans for next year include an art space, that will see local residencies and a calendar of masterclass sessions from photography, ceramics, painting, philosophy, styling, sourdough and salami making, and meditation classes. All housed in a brand-new building, encompassing the cellar door and an expansion of The Yards.”
