Mornington Peninsula Winery, Beer and Spirits Tour

Exploring the Mornington Peninsula with a relaxed, social touch

If you’re looking to experience the Mornington Peninsula’s renowned wineries, breweries, and distilleries without the usual hustle, this tour offers a perfect blend of laid-back fun and authentic flavor. Starting at around $88.25 per person, the full-day adventure lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, comfortably filled with visits to some of the region’s best spots. What makes this tour stand out is its casual, social approach, prioritizing good company, great music, and flexible choices about where to spend your time.

We love the emphasis on socializing from the very start, including setting up a playlist everyone can add to — turning the bus ride into a part of the experience rather than just transportation. Plus, the carefully curated itinerary offers enough variety so you can stick to wine, or mix in some craft beers and spirits — ideal for those who want to tailor their day.

A small potential downside? The tour’s flexible nature means you might need to plan your own lunch, which could be a plus or a minus depending on your preference for structured meals. Still, if you’re after a genuine, community-minded day filled with authentic tastes and scenic stops, this tour is a winner.

This experience is best suited for wine lovers, curious explorers, and those who enjoy a friendly, social vibe. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a memorable day out, you’ll appreciate the combination of quality tastings and genuine local charm.

Key Points

• Social and flexible: The tour emphasizes fun, making music playlists and allowing choices for meals and venues.
• Diverse experiences: From boutique wineries to craft breweries and distilleries, the itinerary caters to many tastes.
• Beautiful scenery: Stunning coastal views and artistic installations, especially at Pt. Leo Estate, enhance the visits.
• Authentic vibe: Small, intimate wineries like Kerri Greens provide local flavor, away from tourist crowds.
• Value for money: At $88.25, the price includes numerous tastings and transportation, with optional meals at additional cost.
• Convenient pickup: Offers pickup in Melbourne CBD and Mornington, saving you time and hassle.

A detailed look at the Mornington Peninsula Winery, Beer, and Spirits Tour

Setting the scene: what the tour offers

This tour is designed for those who want a laid-back, social day exploring the Mornington Peninsula. It combines visits to top-rated wineries, breweries, and distilleries with scenic coastal views and options for casual dining. The price includes 4 tastings at 4 venues—though you can customize your day with additional stops if you like—and the tour lasts roughly 8 to 9 hours. Transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a notable feature is the music playlist everyone contributes to, making the bus ride a fun part of the day.

Starting point and timing

The tour kicks off at 74 Spring St, East Melbourne at 8:30 am, with pickups also available in the Mornington region. The last stop is back at the start point, so you’ll enjoy a full, well-paced day. The group size maxes out at 20 travelers, fostering a friendly, intimate atmosphere that’s conducive to conversation and connection.

The itinerary in detail

Stop 1: Trofeo Estate Winery

Your first taste of the region’s boutique charm comes at Trofeo Estate, known for its Italian-style wines made in terracotta clay pots. It’s a lesser-known gem that reviewers praise for its unique wine-making technique and quality offerings. Expect about 30 minutes of tasting, with tickets included, giving you a relaxed start while soaking in the countryside.

Stop 2: Quealy Winemakers

Next, if the schedule permits, you’ll visit Quealy Winemakers — often considered the best in the region. This stop is praised for its elegant, fruit-forward Pinot Noirs and sparkling wines. It’s a more in-depth tasting experience, with about 30 minutes to savor the offerings. It might not be as scenic as other spots, but the quality of wine makes up for it.

Stop 3: Pt. Leo Estate

At Pt. Leo Estate, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking ocean views and an art sculpture walk that overlooks the coastline. It’s a popular stop for a reason — the combination of fine wines, stunning scenery, and artistic installations makes for memorable photos and moments. Tasting here lasts about 30 minutes.

Stop 4: Kerri Greens Winery

A personal favorite of many, Kerri Greens is all about relaxed, friendly vibes. It’s a small, local favorite, where you can taste 5-6 wines in a laid-back setting. This stop highlights the authentic, unpretentious side of the region and is ideal for those who want a more personal experience.

Lunch options: T’Gallant Vineyard and Green Olive

For lunch, you have a choice between T’Gallant Vineyard and Green Olive at Red Hill. T’Gallant offers a scenic outdoor setting with great wines and pizzas, making it a popular choice. You’ll have about an hour here, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the vibe.

Alternatively, Green Olive offers lighter, grazing-style dishes, perfect if you prefer a more casual or health-conscious meal. Its wholesome atmosphere is highly praised, and it pairs well with the region’s wines.

Optional fine-dining or craft beer stops

If you’re inclined, the tour can include visits to Ten Minutes by Tractor for more refined tastings (depending on group size), or head to St Andrews Beach Brewery for award-winning craft beer. The brewery is noted as “a very popular spot” and a great place to enjoy local brews — a fantastic option if you prefer beer over wine.

Spirits and distilleries finale

The day wraps up with visits to Penni Ave Distillery, where you can sample flavored vodka paddles and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Then, several options for dinner and drinks include JimmyRum Distillery, Jetty Road Brewery, and Bass and Flinders Distillery, where you can indulge in gins, rums, and beers at your own expense.

Scenic end to the day

The last stop is Arthur’s Seat, offering a spectacular view of Melbourne’s skyline across the ocean — a perfect moment to take photos and reflect on a day well spent. The tour concludes back at your starting point, leaving you with lasting memories of the coast, wine, and good company.

What the reviews tell us

Though only two reviews are available, they paint a clear picture of a well-organized, enjoyable experience. One reviewer praises Matt’s knowledge and relaxed energy, noting how the thoughtfully chosen wineries provide a good mix of boutique and popular spots, with plenty of tasting opportunities. They mention that the seamless organization made the day “feel effortless,” highlighting the importance of a good guide.

Another reviewer loved how chilled and fun the day was, especially for a Hen’s Day outing. They appreciated the delicious drinks and food at T’Gallant, St Andrews Brewery, and Penni Avenue, emphasizing the social, relaxed vibe and the variety of options.

Why this tour gets high marks

The focus on socializing and flexibility seems to resonate most with travelers. The small group format and ability to tailor lunch and tasting stops mean you’re not just another tourist on a bus; you’re part of a community exploring the region’s best offerings.

Practical considerations: transportation, price, and experience

The $88.25 price tag includes transportation, four tastings, and access to some of the region’s most loved wineries. While Lunch and additional drinks are not included, the tour’s flexible setup allows for personal choice, whether you prefer casual grazing or a sit-down meal.

The pickup option makes life easy, especially if you’re staying in Melbourne CBD, saving you time and hassle. The group size capped at 20 keeps things intimate, and the air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride through scenic countryside.

Who this tour is perfect for

This tour is ideal if you want a social, engaging day with flexible options in the Mornington Peninsula. It suits those who appreciate authentic local wines, scenic coastal views, and casual dining. Whether celebrating with friends or seeking a friendly introduction to the region, you’ll find this tour offers good value, memorable stops, and genuine charm.

The Sum Up

This Mornington Peninsula tour delivers a personalized, laid-back experience that prioritizes authenticity and fun. The combination of carefully selected wineries, breweries, and distilleries, along with scenic stops and a focus on social interaction, makes it stand out from more structured, impersonal tours. The flexible approach to meals and visits means you can tailor your day to suit your preferences, whether you’re into wine, craft beers, spirits, or all three.

The small-group size and well-organized itinerary foster a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for making new friends or enjoying a quiet, scenic escape. If you’re seeking a value-packed day with quality tastings and a genuine local vibe, this tour ticks all the boxes.

In short, whether you’re a wine connoisseur, beer lover, or just someone who enjoys great scenery and good company, this tour offers an engaging way to experience the best of Mornington in a casual, authentic way.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, four tastings at four venues, and a collaborative Spotify playlist for the day. Lunch and additional drinks are at your own expense.

Can I choose where to go for lunch?
Yes, you can select from three venues, with options like T’Gallant Vineyard for pizza and wine or Green Olive for lighter grazing plates.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 20 travelers, creating an intimate environment perfect for socializing.

Is pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered in Melbourne CBD and the Mornington region, making the start of your day more convenient.

How long does the tour last?
Expect a full-day experience lasting about 8 to 9 hours, including visits, tastings, scenic stops, and optional meals.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can be accompanied by adults but cannot partake in alcohol tastings, and most activities are designed for adults over 18.

Choosing this tour means opting for a relaxed, social, and flexible way to explore some of Victoria’s finest local producers. It’s perfect for those who value authentic experiences over commercialized tours, and who enjoy discovering the region’s charm at their own pace.