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Funny things happens in Victoria’s colder months. Fire becomes a comforting friend instead of a threatening enemy, red wine tastes smoother and somehow sweeter and otherwise generous sunlight makes a point of hiding itself behind ominous clouds. I’ll be the first to admit that these very things tempt even the best of us to stay wrapped up indoors during winter, yet simultaneously they are responsible for a magic that brings the Mornington Peninsula alive. These things must be experienced first hand to be fully understood and as such, we here at SW would like to draw your attention to a special little spot that captures the essence of Winter in all of its glory. Located just an hour or two out of the city, Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove is up there on our list of go-to spots during the colder months, so go on... Get out of town.

The family owned and operated vineyard has an impressive wine and food offering as well as a location to behold. The carefully considered set up finds itself amongst the rolling hills of Victoria’s peninsula, making it stunning to say the least. Look in one direction and you’ll see acres of vines wrap themselves around the countryside, look to the other and you’ll observe the quiet roar of the sea humming tranquilly in the distance. Oh the bliss.

Despite it’s vineyard title, you’ll find grapes aren’t the only thing grown at Montalto. The gardens are also home to multiple veggie patches so you know when they say the produce is fresh they damn well mean it. If the folks at Montalto can’t grow it themselves they make a point of sourcing it from the region, meaning you couldn’t make the day more ‘Mornington-esque’ if you tried. The winery offers three different dining experiences; the Pizza Cafe for casual visits, the sit-down Restaurant for those looking for something a little more fancy and last but certainly not least, they offer fully catered picnics for visitors who really mean business. 

When it comes to their wine, they firmly believe that what they create should be an expression of its origin. The 50 acre estate vineyard is home to many-a-fruit-bearing vine and after years and years of finessing their craft you can be sure that the wine of Montalto is oh so fine. If delicious wines and wonderful are your thing I’ve no doubt that you’ll find yourself right at home amongst these hills. Still not convinced? On the first Sunday of every month the family hold wine-education sessions for all to attend which explaining the Montalto process and a more in-depth view of wine-making in the peninsula, so you can call yourself a wine connoisseur in no time.

If you call Melbourne home, (or anywhere else in Aus if you’re keen for one hell of a drive,) surround yourselves with those you love and make your way to Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove to get your good wine/food buzz ON. Believe me, its our tried and tested way to ward of those winter blues and let me assure you -- you won’t regret the journey.