Montalto is home to an extraordinary collection of contemporary sculptures showcasing the work of many leading Australian artists. Twenty of these pieces were winners of the annual Montalto Sculpture Prize, with a further fifteen acquired over time.
From 2003 to 2023, the evolution of form, material and scale across the collection has reflected the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the art form itself. Today, this permanent display represents two decades of sculpture at Montalto, with curated movements designed to reward visitors with a rich and engaging journey through the landscape.
The Montalto Sculpture Trail remains free for all visitors to enjoy. It stands as a
lasting celebration of creativity, community and connection to place, welcoming everyone to experience these remarkable works year after year.
The grounds at Montalto are open 7 days, 11am - 5pm.
We recommend allowing one hour to enjoy the Sculpture Trail across the estate.
The trail is approx 1km and suitable for most ages and abilities. It meanders over grassy lawns and gravel pathways, through vines and wetland boardwalks. The grounds are undulating and reasonably steep in sections. We’ve provided benches dotted along the walk for a well-earned rest as you go. On hot days the wetlands provide a welcome cool shelter. We recommend wearing walking shoes, and gumboots through the wet winter period.
A walk along the Sculpture Trail is an experience shaped by light, space, shifting perspectives and the quiet rhythm of the estate.
According to Chief Winemaker Simon Black, the wines that best complement the trail are those with freshness, lift and clarity. Something bright and refreshing tends to sit naturally alongside the openness of the landscape, with energy, clean acidity and a touch of tension mirroring the way the trail unfolds beneath you.
For a true sense of place, Simon recommends our Montalto Estate wines. They remain the most faithful snapshot of who we are and where we farm, speaking directly to the diversity of our vineyard sites and the provenance that underpins them. That balance and character make the Estate range an ideal match for the breadth of artworks and environments encountered along the walk.
If guests are completing the full Sculpture Trail, Simon suggests choosing a wine with a little more substance. Still fresh, but with the depth to stay interesting over a longer journey, a Single Vineyard wine is his pick.
For a shorter visit or casual wander, lighter, effortless styles are often the better choice, with the Pennon Hill range offering the right balance of vibrancy and approachability.
Seasonality also plays a significant role. As Simon notes, the trail feels different every
week.
Spring and summer favour vibrant whites and Rosés.
Autumn’s gentle light pairs beautifully with Pinot Noir.
Winter’s stillness and stark beauty invite something with warmth and comfort, such as Syrah.
For those visiting now, Simon’s go-to recommendation is the Montalto Estate Chardonnay. Fresh, bright and textural, it has enough detail to hold your interest as you take your time. The mix of power and finesse speaks directly to the balance, heritage and character of our vineyard sites, making it a fitting companion for exploring the trail.