Visit the vineyard: Get to know these standout wineries on the Mornington Peninsula

Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia’s most compelling cool-climate wine regions. It's a region where maritime breezes, ancient soils and gently sloping vineyards combine to produce elegant, balanced wines that express a sense of place.

The region is best known for its pinot noir and chardonnay, however its reputation rests on more than its fine fruit. Its wineries are sustainably minded and deeply engaged with terroir. There are more than 20 varieties in the ground across the Peninsula, so look out for sauvignon blanc (many in a barrel-fermented Fumé Blanc style), gamay and more.

Here, we shine a spotlight on three standout wineries that highlight the strengths of the Peninsula: Crittenden, Dexter Wines and Stonier. If you're visiting the region, or just want to get a taste for it from the comfort of your own home, seek out the names below.

Crittenden

Founded in 1982 by Garry Crittenden, Crittenden is a family-owned winery on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Today, the winery is operated by second-generation siblings Rollo and Zoe, whose aim is to produce exceptional wines that reflect the character and terroir of the region, with a focus on sustainability and minimal intervention.

The Crittenden cellar door is a must-visit stop for visitors to the Mornington Peninsula, offering a relaxed and informative tasting experience guided by experts. "In seated comfort, the team will take you through an insightful journey through the winery’s offerings – ideal for first-time guests or returning visitors looking to try something new," says Zoe. "Guests can also enhance their experience with a supplementary single-vineyard tasting, focusing on the pinnacle of our winemaking and featuring the Cri de Coeur label along with occasional gems from the cellar."

As part of the premium line-up, you may find the Cri de Coeur range (the 96-point 2022 Pinot Noir is available now, while the 2020 vintage of the iconic Cri de Coeur Savagnin has just been announced in the Halliday Top 100 Wines of 2025). Don’t be disappointed if it’s not available; due to demand and limited release quantities, the Savagnin sells out quickly!

The Crittenden Restaurant will officially open its doors at the end of October, just in time for summer. "We can’t wait to share the transformation to the original restaurant: a fully renovated indoor dining space, sheltered deck overlooking the lake and vineyard, and a beautifully landscaped terrace... multiple spaces designed for every dining occasion," Zoe says.

They have engaged chef Brunno Melo, who will be offering a menu that celebrates fresh, local ingredients, and host Gauthier Georgelet will ensure your visit to this new dining destination is one to remember. Finally, for those don’t want to leave, Lakeside Villas (run by Rollo’s wife, Linda) offers luxury self-contained accommodation built out over the property’s lake.

crittendenwines.com.au | 25 Harrisons Rd, Dromana VIC 3936 | (03) 5987 3800

Dexter Wines

Dexter Wines is a small family business growing premium pinot noir and chardonnay on Bunurong/BoonWurrung Land, Mornington Peninsula. Owners Tod and Debbie Dexter planted their first vines in 1987, some of which they are still farming today, 39 years later.

The vineyard is planted to chardonnay and pinot exclusively on a north-facing block that is protected from south westerlies, but has good airflow from the ocean breeze, reducing disease pressure. A range of clones are planted for each variety. "This gives us many blending options when it comes to crafting the wines," says owner and winemaker Tod Dexter. "We are also incredibly lucky to enjoy the benefits of working with mature vines that are well balanced and produce full-flavour fruit."

All of the fruit is hand-picked, aged in French oak puncheons on full gross lees, blended in December and bottled in January. The small team make two 'white label' wines, which are made from a blend of all the clones. And in exceptional vintages they make two 'black label' wines from specific plots on the vineyard in very small quantities. These two wines are processed using different winemaking techniques to the white label wines.

Tod says: "We try to grow and make wines that we like to drink as a family around the dinner table, in the hope that other people will enjoy them too."

Dexter Wines has just launched a wine club (as of last month), with a wine dinner in Melbourne. "We plan to host this each year for our members to dive into back vintage wines and current vintage wines and to discuss our future events and plans," says Tod. Wine club members will also receive exclusive benefits – from discounts and once-off wines to pre-release offers and updates.

Dexter Wines does not have a cellar door and is not open for tastings. However, the wines can be tasted at the Merricks General Store, only 10 minutes from the vineyard in Merricks.

dexterwines.com.au | 210 Foxeys Road, Tuerong VIC 3915 | 0417 330 610

Stonier

Stonier is one of the Mornington Peninsula's oldest wineries, having been founded by the late Brian Stonier in 1978. As well as founding Stonier, Brian was a pioneer of the Mornington Peninsula wine industry (as he also was of publishing and the arts). ⁠

Today, Stonier is owned by three local families – Drummond, McLeod and Thickins – who acquired the winery, vineyard and brand in December 2022. “Growing up on the Peninsula, I always looked at Stonier as the benchmark fine wine producer," says co-owner and CEO Aaron Drummond. "Brian had a very clear ambition to put Mornington Peninsula fine wine on the global stage…and he achieved that before he sold the brand in the late 1990s."

Stonier’s vineyard portfolio boasts some of the region’s oldest vineyards, each one contributing nuances from within the different subregions of the Peninsula. It is one of the few wineries in Australia to measure its carbon footprint in detail, using the officially recognised system of the Winemaker’s Federation of Australia. This process involves reducing electricity consumption, collecting rainwater and planting strategic cover crops to reduce its need to irrigate.

The Stonier cellar door, designed by renowned architect Daryl Jackson, is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11am–5pm, for tastings and local produce platters.

stonier.com.au | 2 Thompsons Lane, Merricks VIC 3926 | (03) 5989 8300

Top image credit: Dexter Wines