SIPS AND LOCAL BREWS for you to enjoy

Whatever your drop, we’ve got the lot

The Mornington Peninsula has long been known for its award-winning wineries, but in recent years it’s also become the destination for discerning drinkers seeking great beer, cider, gin, whisky, brandy, rum, vodka and more. So we thought it was time to shine the spotlight on the talented producers who have taken up residence here in wine country and showcase their breweries, cideries and distilleries that turn out first-class products. Whether you love a thirst-quenching beer, a refreshing gin, a smooth whisky or a crisp vodka, we know you’ll have a good time visiting these welcoming venues and finding the drink that’s just right for you. Read on to plan your brewery and distillery adventure.

Banks Brewing in Seaford is a small, family-owned brewery run by a passionate group of beer-lovers, with Chris and Penny Farmer leading the charge. Named after their family dog, Banks Brewing’s core values are balance and deliciousness while always striving for excellence, great beer and good times.

If you’re looking for a gin masterclass or high tea, head to Bass and Flinders Distillery. It was founded in 2009 with a taste for adventure and a desire to create a range of high-quality, artisanal gins, brandies and liqueurs that truly reflect home and heritage. Find Bass and Flinders at Dromana Habitat. Biersal Brewery and Beerhall in Seaford makes traditional German beers under the mantra ‘open small and stay small’, but there’s nothing small about the taste. You can enjoy a bevvy or two at one of the long tables in the casual, medieval-style beerhall, and take some home in reusable bottles. There’s live music on weekends, and you’re welcome to raid the board game library.

Winning awards year after year, Chief’s Son Distillery sure knows how to make a cracking whisky – and now vodka’s been added to the menu too. This distillery was built on a powerful story of chance, risk and passion, but also history, love and family. You can buy Chief’s Son whisky and vodka at outlets across Australia, but the Somerville tasting room is well worth a visit.

Dainton Brewery and Taphouse in Carrum Downs was created by a father-and-son team and is always humming with a happy crowd eager to sample the latest beer on tap. Dainton believes everyone has the right to stand apart and be themselves, and the brewery crafts innovative beers for those who choose their own path. Pop into the taphouse for a fun day or night out. There’s great food, and on Friday nights there’s live music too. Escape Brewing’s custom-built taproom allows you to enjoy a great beer while looking across to the working brewery. As well as a range of its own beers, Escape has a selection of Peninsula wines, ciders and spirits. Have a game of pool, relax in the beer garden, and sample the menu filled with tasty treats. It’s open Thursday to Sunday off Boneo Rd in Capel Sound – and it’s kid and pet-friendly.

Frankston is the gateway to the Peninsula, and it’s also home to Frankston Brewhouse. This microbrewery and restaurant is owned and run by a group of beer-loving friends who want you to share their appreciation of a fine brew. The inviting venue features modern, luxurious aesthetics while evoking a casual, sociable feel. All beers are brewed on site, and there’s a menu that changes regularly and features approachable yet sophisticated dishes.

There’s a good time waiting to be had at Jetty Road Brewery, where great brews are cold and ready for the tasting. Part of Dromana Habitat, Jetty Road is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, so bring the whole family – the dogs too – and grab a paddle of craft beer that’s delicious, delightful and a little daring.

The best vodkas and ciders emerge from the best ingredients, so it’s little wonder that Mr Little Cider has picked up multiple awards for its delicious ciders made from top-quality apples and pears grown on the Peninsula. Mr Little Cider has a cellar door at Dromana Habitat where you’ll discover what success tastes like.

Original Spirit Co has won international awards for its gins, ginfusions and spirits. Being able to hold its own among the best gins in the world is quite an achievement for this small family distillery whose gins and spirits are made right here on the Peninsula and enjoyed throughout Australia and around the globe.

Penni Ave Distillery in Rye is one of the few dedicated vodka distilleries in Australia. Walter, as its copper still is called, transforms fermented grain into wonderfully smooth vodkas flavoured with sustainably sourced native botanicals for a real taste of Australia. With tasting paddles, great coffee, and meals from the ever-changing food trucks on site, Penni Ave Distillery is a great place to visit and will change the way you think about flavoured vodka.

That Spirited Lot in Seaford is a fully operational distillery where you can learn from the experts how to improve your own distilling efforts, or just chill out with a high-quality gin or vodka, a cheeky cocktail or specialty coffee. The jaffles are lip-smackingly good too. That Spirited Lot is open Friday to Sunday.

TWØBAYS Brewing Co is Australia's first dedicated gluten-free brewery and taproom and creates modern beer using ancient grains, inviting you to explore a new world of flavour. The craft beer taproom is open on weekends, serving a range of nine gluten-free beers including pale ales, IPAs and lager as well as many speciality brews. You can also enjoy a wine or cider along with gluten-free pizza to boot. Find TWØBAYS at Dromana Habitat.