Nowhere in Australia are vineyards backdropped by such breathtaking seascapes than they are in Peninsula Wine Country. The first commercial plantings occurred in the late 1970s, but in only 20 years more than 150 vineyards now create a patchwork of colour and shape that characterises the landscape of the Peninsula’s hinterland. About 50 of them feature cellar door facilities, ranging from rustic bucolic sheds to some of the most stylish architectural statements in Victoria. They are located in settings that match the quality of the wine itself.

Most wineries are to be found in and around the hills of Main Ridge, Red Hill, Balnarring, Merricks and Merricks North, while another grouping has been established on the Moorooduc Plains.

The experts say it is the happy coincidence of late ripening and a prolonged, gentle autumn that produces the fully ripe grapes with intense varietal flavours, high natural acidity and fine tannins. The leading grape variety is chardonnay, but the Peninsula has managed to harness the notoriously fickle pinot grape, making it one of the country’s acclaimed producers of premium quality pinor noir and pinot gris.

Equally seductive but lesser known viticultural surprises also emerge from the variety of soil types of the region, nurtured in the cool climate and tempered by the surrounding seas.

A tasting fee of $2 per person is charged at most of the Peninsula’s boutique wineries, which is refunded when you purchase.

The two day event was a showcase of world class Pinot Noir from France, USA, New Zealand and Australia. One hundred and fifty delegates were treated to the best weather, wine and comfort the Mornington Peninsula has to offer.

Over 280 hectares of pinot noir are planted on the Mornington Peninsula, the region's flagship red variety and focus of the recent successful Pinot Noir Celebration weekend.

Pinot gris also thrives in the region's fertile soils and maritime climate with over 40 hectares currently planted to this rising white star. Pinot Meunier is the curiosity pinot - and only grown by a handful of producers.

The sensual early-ripening grape that beguiles winemakers with origins dating back to the 4th century in Burgundy. According to Jancis Robinson MW, pinot noir is 'Capable of producing divinely scented, gorgeously fruity expressions of place.' Its flavour spectrum runs from raspberries and strawberries to cherries and violets which given time 'can evolve to a gaminess, liquorice and autumnal undergrowth.' The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its pinot noirs that match well with char-grilled seafoods such as squid, salmon steaks or herb-crusted roast blue-eye cod.

If there is one grape variety the Peninsula can claim as its 'own', this is it. Pioneered by T'Gallant, pinot gris produces soft, evocatively perfumed wines of surprising substance & complexity. 2 distinct styles are made - the buxom 'Gris' & the svelte 'Grigio' which Italian wine producers tend to pick before full ripeness. Peninsula producers have explored both styles with acclaim.

The most extensively planted variety in Champagne, Meunier is typically used in sparkling wine blends to add crispness and flavour. A late budder and early ripener, this red grape offers winemakers some insurance against nature's vagaries. Meunier, with its distinctive downy 'dusted' leaves, is also used occasionally to make characterful red wines. Two Mornington Peninsula wineries are among the few Australian producers to make a red Meunier.