ABOUT

Montalto history

The kernel of an idea began to develop when the Mitchell family lived in the UK during the 80's. Summer holidays were spent in the South of France, where John & Wendy Mitchell became smitten with the vineyards rolling down the hills to the Mediterranean. The generosity of spirit and joie de vivre was also infectious, as was a glass of rosé in the afternoon!

It was also at this time, unconnected to the Mitchell's, that the Montalto vineyard was being planted.

A few years after their return to Australia, the Mitchell's started thinking about planting some vines at their holiday house on the coast at Westernport Bay on the Mornington Peninsula, running down the slope to the sea as they had seen in France. John Mitchell undertook a short viticultural course and was hooked. After further study the Mitchell's decided to buy a vineyard site to produce their own wine. They purchased their first 25 acres in 1997, and, when the adjacent block came up a year later, purchased that also.

Over a period of 3 years the property that would become Montalto evolved as the passions of the Mitchell family took hold. A love of nature, growth, people and environment joined with a desire to produce the best possible from the land of which they were now caretakers. Montalto was opened to the public in January 2002.

Montalto provides a genuine heartland and home for its produce, a natural and sustainable expression of horticultural production, and a welcoming, peaceful and refreshing experience for the visitor.

A family business, Montalto is run by John and daughter Heidi. Wendy is the creator and keeper of the extensive vegetable and herb gardens, fruit & nut orchard and roses.

The Mitchell's draw on what they love, and share this passion with others. The unique combination of wine, olives, gardens, natural wetlands and sculpture evolves from this philosophy of producing with love, for love.