Main Ridge Red Hill Merricks Shoreham Point Leo Arthurs Seat

ONE PERFECT DAY with paul mercurio

Actor and professional dancer Paul Mercurio came to the Mornington Peninsula 15 years ago. The Strictly Ballroom star has made a life for himself and his family and is deeply involved in the community, becoming a Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor in 2020 championing local food producers. We asked the down-to-earth Paul where he'd take a guest on a day trip to show them his Mornington Peninsula.

"Don't get me wrong, I love Port Phillip,” he says. “I love the beaches and the communities, especially the food scene. But I am entranced with Western Port. It still has a wildness about it, something old-fashioned. There are country laneways around where I live that are still gravel, that pass through the old apple orchard country. You turn a corner and there will be a great big alpaca with his head over the fence giving you a grin.

“We'd head to Hastings and poke around the jetty. It is where the fishermen used to come in, and there is often a fish van selling fresh fish. I love to cook. It's all old weatherboard fishermen's shacks and big ships heading to BlueScope. Hastings is up-andcoming, but it has this historic maritime feel. There's a boardwalk through the mangroves through Warringine Park. The wildlife is amazing, from the crabs at low tide to the herons and seabirds.

“We'd drive to Crib Point, and on the corner of The Esplanade and the old refinery wharf is the HMAS Otama lookout. You walk through the tea-tree to the beach, and there, just offshore, is a beached Oberon-class submarine, moored there for 20 years. She is meant to be part of a maritime museum, which would be brilliant. Until that is built, her rusting hulk is as beautiful as it is eerie.

“Stony Point is next off the list, with its ramshackle store, pilot boats, ferry to French Island and end of the railway line. It feels like one of those big fishing ports in Gippsland, like Port Welshpool. I love the Merricks General Store. We'd drop in for a coffee, perhaps pick up some of their cool-climate wines and head down to Flinders. I always go and see Harry, the mussel bloke, and buy some of his mussels for dinner. Sometimes he has his food van down there, and we'll get a feed of freshly cooked mussels. We might take the mussels to the carpark on the cliffs near the old navy gunnery at West Head. The view along that Bass Strait coast is spectacular. The big swell comes in and pounds the basalt cliffs down to Cape Schanck. That is a wild piece of coastline.

“I would probably suggest we drop by St Andrews Brewery. This is a brewery housed in former racehorse stables. It is a great location, they do great food, and the beer is second to none. After tasting a few and putting a few six-packs in the boot, we'd swing along the coast and head to Boneo to Hawkes Farm. They are a family of long-time market gardeners and have absolutely delicious vegetables, especially potatoes. Nothing goes better with the chips I do in the wood-fired pizza oven than a good steak or piece of beef. So we'd head up to the summit of Arthurs Seat, stop and take in the view. Then we'd trundle down the hill, through Red Hill, and turn off down White Hill Rd to Torello Farm and pick up some Belted Galloway steaks from their impressive farmgate. Then home to cook up a delicious dinner courtesy of the Mornington Peninsula farmers, brewers and winemakers. That would be a perfect day.”

main ridge RED HILL merricks

PHOTO: STEVE BROWN

You have arrived! There’s an enchanted place where beauty and quality of produce reside, where cellar doors creak and speak and breweries bubble. Take a ride from Port Phillip through the undulating hills of the Mornington Peninsula’s hinterland to the surf shores of Western Port and you’ll find a world where attention to detail and deliverance mean everything and then some.

Joie de vivre is bottled and brought to you in the shape of exceptional dining experiences against the backdrop of artistic expression to create an extraspecial place we call Eat.Drink delicious. This is a region where the world stands still as the trees bend and the orchards bear the fruit of generations and new-found footings. Artisan produce is grown in the rich soil and crafted, prepared and offered with artistic sensibilities to world-weary travellers who have finally found the place to rest in the best of accommodation available. And the wine and cider flows. And the sustainable seasonal produce grows. With a focus on brilliant high-end feasting from Point Leo to Shoreham, Main Ridge to Merricks, Red Hill to Arthurs Seat, journey along the winding road from artisan eatery to winery to farm and indulge in the knowledge that great things come to those who are patient. This is grape-growing, cider-crafting and Chef Hat territory where tasting menus matter and each course comes with its own tastebud expedition. Seasons dictate and the silence of home-grown splendour is offered to you on a plate that says welcome to the adventure.

Indulge. Enjoy. Sense.

SHOREHAM point leo

Arthurs Seat Eagle Café 160-161 Cellar and Pantry 157 Cheeky Rascal Cider 156 Doot Doot Doot 158 Eddies Organic Cider 162 Elevate Wine Tours 172 Grape Explorations Australia 175 Jackalope 158 Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill 152 Montalto 159 Pt. Leo Estate 154-155 Rare Hare 158 Red Gum BBQ 153 Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm 163

PHOTO: STEVE BROWN

Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill

Voted by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the best hotels in Australasia four years in a row, Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill is the ideal luxury escape. Nestled in the Red Hill hinterland, Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill is positioned to soak up the best of the Peninsula: pure sand beaches, soul-enriching nature, artisan produce and mere minutes from the region’s most revered cool-climate wineries.

Featuring views of the 13.7ha of gardens and vines that surround it, the property has 40 curated guest rooms, five communal lounges with open fireplaces, four spaces for private meetings and events, an orchard, vineyard and cellar door, The Dining Room restaurant, indoor pool, sauna and tennis court. Drawing inspiration from its hinterland setting, The Dining Room offers endless views, an open fireplace, and a seasonal menu by executive chef Diego Cossio that will leave an enduring impression of the region. Deliciously fresh seasonal produce makes its way from paddock to plate in a modern Australian style before it is paired with our own award-winning Lindenderry Wines from the vineyard, or a classic vintage from our extensive wine list that celebrates the best in Australian and international vintners. Enjoy relaxed fine dining, warm informed service and meals that will linger in your mind. View our a la carte lunch and dinner menu online or call or email for more information.

Opening hours: The Dining Room, Friday to Sunday noon-3pm for lunch, Wednesday to Saturday 6-10pm for dinner; Cellar Door Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm. Bookings: info@lindenderry.com.au

Red Gum BBQ

Hunkered down in the Mornington Peninsula hinterland is Australia’s largest craft beer and southern-style barbecue joint. When you arrive, the smoky scent of barbecue greets you in the carpark, hinting you’re in for a finger-licking treat.

Once inside the converted truck mechanic warehouse, you’ll be instantly transported to Red Gum BBQ country. Families and friends gather at long wooden tables listening to country tunes and watching the ‘pitmasters’ smoke meat at one end of the expansive dining room. The place oozes rustic charm. Only the best free-range and grass-fed meat is on the menu: beef brisket and ribs, chicken, housemade sausage, pulled pork and pork ribs. Traditionally smoked for 12-16 hours using native Australian hardwoods in the venue’s custom-built offset steel pits, this method makes for serious melt-in-yourmouth deliciousness. Have the napkins ready as meat falls from the bone and sauce covers your fingers.

Barbecue is best served with traditional sides: mac ‘n’ cheese, Grandma Cobb corn, brisket chilli cheese fries or seasonal favourites like fried brussels sprouts or southern grits, to name a few. Be sure to try the cornbread with melted honey-butter, and always make sure you save room for a slice of sweet southern-style pie. A good selection of the Mornington Peninsula’s finest wines, Victorian craft beers on tap, and locally distilled spirits are served from behind the recycled timber bar.

Whatever your occasion or group size, there’s plenty of space inside and out. It’s time to gather for barbecue again, at Red Gum BBQ. Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11am-9pm; see website for seasonal changes to opening hours and details for takeaway, catering and functions.

Pt. Leo Estate

Pt. Leo Estate is a captivating celebration of internationally acclaimed art, design, world-class dining and wine, providing the most sought-after cultural and culinary experience in Australia. Gracing 330 glorious acres on the southern edge of Australia’s leading wine region — the Mornington Peninsula — this culinary destination is set in Australia’s foremost privatelyowned sculpture park, housing an ever-evolving outdoor gallery of more than 60 Australian and international exhibits delineated by indigenous flora, set against an immense backdrop of rolling vineyards and ocean views encapsulating glimpses of Phillip Island and Western Port.

At the northern end of the building, the visitor is met by a monumental 4-star cellar door showcasing the estate’s site-expressive wines. The 50-acre vineyard at the foot of the cellar door produces cool-climate wines the region is known for, predominantly chardonnay, pinot gris, pinot noir and shiraz.

This multifaceted family-owned estate boasts a two Chef Hat fine-dining restaurant, Laura. Named after the 7m cast-iron sculpture by Jaume Plensa that sits outside the room, Laura offers contemporary fine dining at its best. The restaurant is a room of beauty, elegance and a refined offer that takes diners on a culinary journey that embodies the season and the region. Pt. Leo Restaurant is a one Chef Hat modern Australian restaurant and is the vibrant culinary heart of the estate. The restaurant allows guests to spend the duration of their dining experience overlooking significant sculptural pieces. Simple, delicious, seasonal and above all regional food is the main focus of the menu, which is complemented by Pt. Leo Estate wines and a wine list with a focus on Mornington Peninsula and Victorian producers. Opening hours: Sculpture Park daily from 11am. Cellar Door Sunday-Wednesday 11am-5pm; Thursday-Friday 11am-6pm; Saturday 11am-late. Pt. Leo Restaurant lunch Monday-Sunday from noon; dinner Thursday-Sunday from 6pm. Laura lunch Thursday-Monday from noon; dinner FridaySaturday from 6pm. Wine Terrace lunch FridaySunday from noon. Live music on weekends from 1pm. Additional dinner services available over summer.

Cheeky Rascal Cider

With a reputation as a fun and adventurous brand, Main Ridge-based Cheeky Rascal Cider has an impressive claim to fame as Australia's first 100 per cent real fruit cider. Known for not using artificial colours, flavours or concentrates, they also push flavour boundaries, making fruit wines from many flavours. The ciders are fermented the same way as traditional wine and use the whole fruit – including the skins – to get the gorgeous colours.

While their production is done from facilities on the Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, which also hosts their cellar door, you can find the ciders in bottle shops or catch the team at markets across Victoria.

Owner Michael has been making the beverages for more than 10 years, sourcing fruit from both the Peninsula and across Australia. Starting with strawberry apple cider, he brought in the flavours of passionfruit, Pink Lady apples, and pineapple, then moved on to bold blends such as blood orange, limoncello and pear (Italian Street series); apple, lime, mint and chilli (Mexican Street series); plum, ginger and pear (Chinese Street series); and lychee, strawberry and pear (Vietnamese Street series). One of their most popular drinks is the Pinot Noir and Apple Cider, which can be enjoyed cold as a crisp cider, at room temperature for a wine-like taste, or warmed like a sangria. So for a cheeky, innovative and tasty drop, you know where to head. Opening hours: cellar door at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm 9am-5pm every day from November-April, weekends only from May-October

Cellar and Pantry

Sitting high on the hill, Cellar and Pantry has made its mark as a food and wine lovers’ destination. Owners Dee and Joe know the true sense of hospitality and it imbues their business that’s been going strong for 18 years. Their store has become more than just a place to pick up groceries – though you can do that too!

The real feature here is the impressive curation of more than 800 thoughtfully sourced Mornington Peninsula products. You’ll find everything imaginable from artisan breads to magnificent cheeses, condiments in every flavour, quality smallgoods, and super-fresh fruit and vegetables. In the extensive cellar, Mornington Peninsula wines, beers, spirits and ciders feature. You can even order online to pick up or have your food and wine delivered to your home or accommodation locally. Picnics and gifts are made easy. Order wonderful gift hampers and picnic baskets online, including French Wine and Cheese or Local Goodness hampers, or Beach Picnic or Day Tripper picnic baskets. After a walk on the nearby walking track, head here for great coffee from The Deck Café. If you’re peckish there’s always a delicious selection of filled Turkish breads and baguettes, pies, cakes, and seasonal vegetable salads. A firm commitment to sustainability is notable too. Solar power, composted vegie waste, BioPak and reusable packaging, and chemical-free cleaning are some of the ways Cellar and Pantry are doing the right thing by the planet. What more could you want in a village food and wine store? Opening hours: 7am-7pm daily; closed Christmas Day

Jackalope, Rare Hare & Doot Doot Doot

Situated on a private vineyard in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula wine region, Australia’s most awarded hotel promises an experience to remember.

With a monolithic, jet-black exterior, Jackalope’s debut property stands in sharp contrast to the verdant rolling vines that frame it. This juxtaposition is a nod to the hotel’s namesake, a mythical creature – part-jackrabbit, part-antelope – that exists only in folklore.

Unifying art, design, and dining in the guest experience, two Chef Hat restaurants delight with contrasting takes on locally sourced produce. Doot Doot Doot delivers upscale dining and a tantalising tasting menu under the arresting glow of a 10,000-globe chandelier, while cellar door restaurant Rare Hare serves up a food and wine affair with a devil-may-care air. Elsewhere, a cocktail bar oozing curated-cool breathes new life into the property’s old homestead, while a cellar door is open for daily wine tasting. Forty-four rooms and suites are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces; select categories sport sweeping views over the 30m infinity pool and vines. Inside, the option of deep-soak Japanese baths and complimentary mini bar, movies and ondemand popcorn deliver the ultimate in-room reverie. By any measure, Jackalope is a new standard in Australian luxury accommodation – the perfect interplay between the ideal and the surreal. Jackalope, Rare Hare & Doot Doot Doot 166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North P: 5931 2500 www.jackalopehotels.com JackalopeHotelPeninsula jackalopehotels

Montalto

Step inside the main building and you’ll find the award-winning restaurant at Montalto with its floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping vineyard views. Central to the kitchen is fire, with a wood-fired grill allowing the best of ingredients to sing. The abundant seasonal produce of the property is given top billing, and locally sourced meats, fish and fowl showcase the very best the region has to offer. Across the estate, 1.2ha of extensive vegetable gardens and orchards service the majority of Montalto’s plant-based needs.

With its casual Piazza, contemporary restaurant, cellar door, sculpture trail, behind-the-scenes experiences and popular private picnics, there’s something for everyone at Montalto. Indulge in small plates, wood-fired pizza with napoli, buffalo mozzarella and basil - and a few bigger dishes too - while seated in the striking kitchen garden of the Piazza at Montalto. The vineyard and sculpture park make a picturesque backdrop as you relax with friends over a long lunch. Guests can sit at the restaurant’s Chef’s Table to gain direct access to view the flame grill, while the private dining room caters for larger groups of up to 30. For those wishing to enjoy first-hand the beauty of the estate, Montalto has six secluded sites to indulge in a private picnic with seasonal delights included. Stroll through the estate to admire the permanent collection of more than 30 sculptures before discovering the cellar door with Montalto’s range of award-winning wines. Alto, the elevated wine room, is also available for private wine-tastings for smaller groups, complete with panoramic views of the rolling vineyards and Peninsula hinterland.

Arthurs Seat Eagle Café

You’ll feel on top of the world at Arthurs Seat Eagle Café, and a major part of the fun is getting there. Located at the summit of Arthurs Seat State Park, the Eagle Café is architecturally designed to make the most of the stunning surrounds and be accessible to all.

One of the best ways to take in the view and reach the summit is on board the all-weather Arthurs Seat Eagle, a state-of-the-art gondola that glides above the treetops. From the base station to the summit and back again is a 15-minute journey each way. Lunch at the café might be gourmet sandwiches, wraps or salads, or a locally made pie. For morning or afternoon tea there’s no shortage of sweet treats. The café is licensed so you can enjoy the view and a local vino from Critttenden Estate or Foxeys Hangout, or perhaps Mock Red Hill cider or MP Brewery beer. Bespoke picnic packages are available to pre-order online. Pick up your picnic basket on arrival and find a spot at the summit to relax and enjoy.

In-gondola dining is a new offer that enables guests to enjoy sweet or savoury selections beautifully packaged and ready to savour on their gondola ride. There’s also a kiosk conveniently located at the base station serving cold drinks, snacks, confectionery, and ice-creams. You won’t go hungry or thirsty. Whether you get there by bike, car or gondola, the spectacular view and Eagle Café experience is well worth the climb. Opening hours: 10am-5pm daily; closed Christmas Day. See website for sunset events and extended hours during summer.