Crittenden Estate Wine Centre

Travel through the southeast suburbs to the Mornington Peninsula. Surrounded by Port Phillip and Westernport Bays, the region is known for its beaches, scenery, wine and food. The first stop is at the family-owned Yabby Lake Vineyard. Taste their cool-climate, award-winning wines that are grown on site. Their plantings date back to 1998 and cover 120 acres, making them one of the larger producers. The estate fruit includes pinot noir, chardonnay, shiraz and pinot gris and they also feature wines from their vineyard in Central Victoria, Heathcote Estate. Nearby is one of the earlier established vineyards, Crittenden Estate at Dromana. With vines first planted in 1984 by Gary Crittenden, the regional favorites of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot gris, are supported with the Iberian Peninsula and Italian varietals that enhance the tasting experience. Take a short drive across the Peninsula is the Quealy Vineyard at Balnarring. Taste their lively range of Italian-inspired wines with a platter of cheese and biscuits. It's then off to lunch at the charming Merricks General Store at Merricks. This beautifully restored 1920's timber building offers a warm, country welcome together with an impressive a la carte menu from which to select your main course meal and a glass of wine. Following lunch, visit Ten Minutes by Tractor Vineyards at Main Ridge before concluding the day with a viewing from the Peninsula's highest point, Arthurs Seat.