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There are moments in a winery’s story that stop you in your tracks - moments that affirm years of work in the vineyard, the winery and the broader community. For Montalto, being recognised in the Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wineries 2025 is one of those moments.
Each year, the Halliday Wine Companion team reviews thousands of wines from across Australia to celebrate the country’s most exceptional producers “right now.” The Top 100 Wineries list acknowledges those who consistently achieve excellence across their range, contribute meaningfully to the industry, and demonstrate leadership in sustainability and mentorship.
This year, Montalto proudly joins that list.
Every accolade begins in the vineyard and the best way to celebrate this recognition is to taste it. From our bright, expressive Pennon Hill range to the Single Vineyard wines that define Montalto’s place on the Mornington Peninsula, each bottle tells part of the story behind our inclusion in the Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wineries.
Explore the collection that continues to set the benchmark for cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and experience why Montalto stands among Australia’s finest producers.
Celebrate Montalto’s achievement as a Top 100 Winery in the Halliday Wine Companion with this exclusive 6-Pack – a curated selection of the wines that helped us secure this elite honour.
“Recognition in the Halliday Top 100 Wineries is an incredible honour for everyone at Montalto,” says Simon Black, Montalto’s Chief Winemaker and General Manager – Wine. “It’s a reflection not just of one wine or one vintage, but of the effort that goes into maintaining quality and character across our entire range. Every bottle - from Pennon Hill to our Single Vineyard wines - tells the story of our site, our people and our philosophy.”
Since joining Montalto in 2009, Simon has guided the estate’s winemaking with precision and purpose, capturing the nuances of the Mornington Peninsula’s maritime climate through cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The recognition by Halliday Wine Companion reinforces Montalto’s standing as one of the region’s leading producers, continually striving for excellence and balance between innovation and tradition.
For Heidi Williams, Director at Montalto, this recognition extends beyond the wines themselves.
“Being included in the Halliday Top 100 Wineries is a huge testament to the collective energy of our vineyard, restaurant, garden and hospitality teams,” Heidi says. “Montalto has always been about connection - to place, to community, to what we grow and create here on the Peninsula. To be recognised among Australia’s best for that approach means the world to us.”
Montalto’s ethos has always celebrated the interplay between land and table. The estate’s expansive kitchen gardens, olive groves and vineyards work in harmony, providing the backbone of both the wine and dining experiences. It’s this holistic vision - where estate-grown produce meets estate-grown wine - that continues to set Montalto apart.
From the cellar to the kitchen, every part of Montalto contributes to its ongoing story of craft and care. John Mitchell, who founded Montalto more than two decades ago, sees this moment as recognition of the estate’s evolution while staying true to its roots.
“When we planted our first vines and built The Restaurant all those years ago, our goal was simple - to create something that truly reflected this place,” John says. “Over time, that’s meant nurturing every aspect of the estate: the vines, the gardens, the art, and most importantly, the people. This accolade belongs to everyone who’s been part of that journey.”
The recognition comes at the perfect time, as Montalto prepares for another summer season on the Mornington Peninsula - a time when the estate hums with energy, visitors and vineyard life.
Luke Gooley, General Manager – Operations, says the Halliday accolade adds another layer of excitement to an already vibrant time of year.
“Summer is when Montalto truly comes alive,” Luke explains. “Guests can taste award-winning wines at The Cellar Door, enjoy a long lunch in The Restaurant, share pizzas at The Piazza, or disappear to one of our secluded sites for a private picnic. To be able to offer that experience as a Halliday Top 100 Winery makes it even more special.”
Montalto is open seven days a week, welcoming guests to experience the very best of the season across the estate:
The Restaurant – a refined estate-to-plate dining experience led by Head Chef Adam Johnston, featuring seasonal produce from the gardens and a wine list showcasing Montalto’s most acclaimed vintages. Twilight dinners return every Saturday evening from 27th December 2025 to 7th March 2026, offering a four-course celebration of summer at golden hour.
BOOK YOUR TABLE
The Piazza – the relaxed heart of Montalto, serving wood-fired pizzas, share plates and vineyard views daily from 11:00am–5:00pm. From 27th December, Twilight at The Piazza adds evening dining to your weekend plans.
EXPLORE THE PIAZZA
The Cellar Door – open seven days for seated tastings guided by Montalto’s knowledgeable wine team. Choose from Pennon Hill, Current Release, Single Vineyard or Wine & Cheese tastings - the perfect way to explore a Halliday-celebrated range.
BOOK A TASTING
Private Picnics – enjoy a three-course menu and a bottle of Montalto wine at one of our secluded vineyard sites, complete with white linen, shade and serenity. Twilight Picnics return each Saturday evening through summer for an unforgettable vineyard experience.
BOOK YOUR PICNIC
Sculpture Trail & Gardens – wander through our 1km Sculpture Trail and explore Wendy’s Garden, where much of The Restaurant’s seasonal produce is grown. Both are open daily and free to explore.
LEARN MORE
Inclusion in the Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wineries underscores Montalto’s dedication to sustainable vineyard practices, thoughtful winemaking and genuine hospitality.
“We’ve always believed that our responsibility as winemakers and custodians of this land goes beyond producing great wines,” Simon adds. “It’s about ensuring this property - and the region - continues to thrive for generations to come.”
The accolade also highlights the estate’s balanced approach to innovation and respect for nature. Montalto’s vineyards are managed with minimal intervention and an unwavering focus on soil health, biodiversity and long-term sustainability.
As the Mornington Peninsula moves into another golden summer, this recognition from the Halliday Wine Companion serves as both a milestone and a motivation.
Heidi sums it up best: “We’re proud, we’re grateful, and we’re inspired to keep raising the bar. Recognition like this reminds us why we do what we do - to share beautiful wines and experiences that truly capture the spirit of this place.”
From long lunches to twilight tastings, picnics among the vines and walks through the Sculpture Trail, there’s never been a better time to visit a Halliday Top 100 Winery and experience everything Montalto has to offer.
Book your summer at Montalto - from estate to plate, and from golden hour to starlight.
