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“Winter at Montalto is slower and quieter. Vivid greens, browns and greys pop together with the odd burst of blue. What’s better than a cosy long and lazy lunch nursing a delicious pinot, watching the weather.” Heidi Williams, CEO.
John and Wendy are passionate Peninsula locals having holidayed in Balnarring Beach since mid-1970s, before moving in permanently in 2005.
Inspired by their travels through the south of France, they set their sights upon establishing a property on their beloved Mornington Peninsula sharing the same integrity, generosity, estate-grown produce and spirit of hospitality they had enjoyed overseas.
In 1997, their dream was realised with the purchase of the property that was to become Montalto from 2002. In 2017, they expanded their Peninsula footprint again by acquiring the property next door, Tucks.
What started as a dreamy retirement project has become a lifelong passion realised, and an ongoing source of pride and joy for both.
"As winter approaches, it's time to enjoy the maturity and complexity of wines from the cellar. In particular, our growing interest and intrigue in the delicious Chardonnays from across our Estate.
Right now I'm appreciating the finesse and subtle differences in fruits from across our vineyards, expertly nurtured and coaxed by Simon to deliver purity. My favourite three beauties are all from 2018.”
JOHN MITCHELL, OWNER
“Spectacular upon its release, but even more so a few years later. The perfect expression of our maritime location."
"Made from grapes sourced mainly from our prized home vineyard in Red Hill, these vines produce Chardonnay with wonderful depth of flavour. Perfect drinking now, or save for a special occasion in a year or two."
"This was Simon’s first vintage after we acquired Tucks in 2017. Whilst nostalgia plays a part, my appreciation of this cool-climate Chardonnay has only intensified over the years."
“As the estate starts to slow down in winter, we look forward to utilising the fire for estate-grown vegetables and slow cooked hearty dishes. Think braised greens with house-made vinegar and parmesan, fire roasted earthy-yet-sweet root vegetables married with a hint of warming spices, braised Belted Galloway shin, slow-cooked Barangaroo pork belly or even a favourite from the past: lamb shanks with a herb crust. It’s also time to share our love for our orchards full of pears and apples, and citrus is in full swing too. Naturally, our desserts will feature our orchard harvests but look out for cured local snapper and mussels using the abundance of heirloom cirtrus.” - Matt Wilkinson, Creative Culinary Director.
Our all-weather marquee continues to keep things cosy in The Piazza. We’re excited to welcome a la carte bookings for groups of 2 - 9 guests in The Piazza throughout winter. Bookings are only available Monday - Friday. On weekends, The Piazza will continue to operate on a walk ins only basis.
In celebration of Winter Wine Weekend 2023, we are inviting bookings for Museum Wine Tastings in The Cellar Door for a very special reduced rate of $30 per person. This is an unmissable opportunity to taste the following collection of museum wines:
• 2008 Late Disgorged Cuvée
• 2012 Pennon Hill Pinot Noir
• 2013 Merricks Block Pinot Noir
• 2014 Tuerong Block Pinot Noir
• 2014 Pennon Hill Shiraz
• 2016 Montalto Pinot Noir
• 2018 Pennon Hill Chardonnay
• 2018 Montalto Chardonnay
For those heading to the Red Hill Showgrounds for Winter Wine Fest on Saturday 10th June, we’ll be showing our pre-release Montalto Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
From 11am – 5pm on Sunday 11th June, enjoy a day of pork and pinot at Tucks, with plenty of fire pits to keep you warm and live music to keep you entertained all day! Tucks will also have their brand new heated marquee onsite making this a guaranteed all weather event!
Join award-winning journalist Kate Legge for lunch at Montalto as she explores the complex topic of infidelity.
On Sunday 23rd July, the day starts at 10am with an interactive truffle hunt with the Mornington Peninsula’s first truffle producer and founder of Red Hill Truffles, Jenny McAuley, at her stunning farm in Red Hill.
Jenny’s expert knowledge of truffles, fungi and the peninsula, coupled with her engaging story telling, build on the ancient mystique of truffle hunting in preparation for an exhilarating hunt. Get your hands dirty with Jenny and her truffle hunting dogs Thomas and Maddie, as the dogs put their well-honed skills to work finding truffles, which you can uncover, digging carefully to reveal the well hidden fungi and release its aroma.
We invite you to enjoy the peaceful majesty of our estate under crisp, turquoise skies with the warmth of the winter sun at your back.
Every private picnic begins with a bespoke wine tasting in our Cellar Door. Our trained staff will help you select the perfect wine for your picnic, based on your personal preferences and the generous, seasonal menu featuring personally delivered hot main courses to really warm you up on those chilly mid-winter days.
With wine and a detailed map in hand, you’ll gently make your way to your covered, private picnic site where you’ll find your table beautifully set with white linen, tableware and glassware. Cosy up under our freshly laundered woollen blankets in front of your very own open fire - all set for you so you’re one quick strike of a match away from a crackling blaze.
A selection of stunning starters will be ready for you to enjoy upon your arrival to your picnic site. Piping hot main courses and decadent desserts will be personally delivered by our dedicated Picnic Patrol team.
Need more wine? You can radio our Picnic Patrol anytime and we’ll come straight out with whatever you need. We’re at your service.
When the day is done, wander back through The Piazza for one last glass of wine looking out across the estate before you go. Don’t forget to pop your head into The Cellar Door to pick up a bottle of your favourite wine to enjoy at home.
Our sister-estate Tucks has installed a state-of-the-art, all weather, heated marquee specifically designed to host exclusive events throughout the cooler months whilst still enjoying the photographer’s dream that is the Tucks property. The arrival of this pop up space means capacity for events is now an impressive 100 for sit down and 150 for stand up events.
We look forward to welcoming you to Montalto this June,
John & Wendy Mitchell, Heidi Williams
