It’s been a very busy start to the year for our hospitality team – we are so grateful to each and every individual who has actively and enthusiastically helped to make every visitor’s experience a moment out of the ordinary. We hope you got to meet some of our team if you popped in over summer.
We’d love to introduce you to one of our senior team, Mark Coffer, our Food & Beverage Manager.
Mark joined the management team at Montalto in 2021 after honing his craft at the Riverland Group and before that, the Rockpool Group. With experience both in Australia, and in his native London (where his identical twin still lives), Mark centralises his impressive suite of hospitality skills to work passionately with his team across all aspects of the customer journey at Montalto - from the welcome upon arrival, to final farewells. Dedicated to all things food and wine during the day, at night you can find Mark at one of the Peninsula's beautiful beaches, at the gym, or playing guitar in his jam band- with a glass of Montalto wine nearby at all times, of course.
What does your perfect day at Montalto look like?
Whilst the property is always busy, there is always a sense of peace. The perfect place to soak it all in? Out on the lawn with a glass of two of Simon’s wine – my all-season pick is 2018 Estate Chardonnay.
If you had to pick one Montalto wine to drink forever, which one would it be, and why?
Extremely difficult this one as Simon (our Chief Winemaker) creates some extraordinary wines, and pushes boundaries year on year.
The help of the whole bunch also brings out some beautiful savoury characteristics too.
What’s your favourite season? And your favourite estate-grown produce from that season?
Without doubt, it has to be spring. Full of hope and promise with new buds on the vines, and produce varieties being planted that we sorely miss during the cooler months.
Something I’m already looking forward to is our heirloom tomatoes. They were absolutely amazing this summer! Julie (our Produce Manager) grew over 60 varieties which the kitchen teams used liberally in our salads and blitzed into the most beautiful Bloody Marias. Michael (our Sous Chef in The Restaurant) also created an incredible smoked tomato pasta dough recipe which proved to be one of the most popular dishes of summer!
Sitting here writing this with the warm autumn sun on my back, I can still taste every single dish… only a few months to go until we’ll be enjoying them once more!
Can’t wait until summer to taste our tomatoes? Try out Tomato Relish!
Have you tried our mustards, jams, relishes and olive oils?
Your favourite little-known fact about Montalto to share with visitors?
We have an almost-unbelievable diversity of native birds visiting Montalto. With over 120+ species of bird surveyed, it’s no wonder some guests ask if we play bird recordings around the property.
Top tip on the Peninsula?
I shouldn’t be giving this one away, but Mills Beach in Mornington is the most beautiful beach on the Peninsula – especially if you’re trying to avoid the crowds. With a low sandbar at one end, it’s great for families too. Check it out if you’re on the Peninsula for the Easter holidays.
After dinner, if it’s warm enough, head to Merricks or Balnarring Beach for a sneaky dusk swim.
Mark Coffer works Thursday - Sunday so if you’re visiting during the week, definitely say hello!
