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The estate continues to bloom and grow under the ever-warming spring sunshine. The garden harvests have been impressive so far this season – supplying our kitchens with the freshest heirloom varieties picked every morning, and prepared, served and enjoyed the same day.
SPRING PICNICS
Spring at Montalto means warm days full of blossom and promise. The perfect time to enjoy the abundant harvests from our estate-gardens amidst countless shades of green, under a sky of perfect blue.
Spring picnics are from 11am sharp, 7 days a week. Bookings are essential.
SPRING / SUMMER EVENTS (INCLUDING CHRISTMAS!)
Whether it’s an intimate gathering for 15, or a milestone celebration for 140, Montalto offers dining options to suit every occasion.
The opportunities to curate a magnificently unique and memorable event are endless. Our dedicated team will work collaboratively with you to ensure a most spectacular affair.
We’ve been working hard to prepare glorious new functions packs which we’d love to share with you.
WHAT I’M DRINKING
Introducing our Operations Director, Luke Gooley. Luke leads hospitality and retail operations across The Restaurant, The Piazza, The Cellar Door and at Montalto’s sister estate Tucks; as well as events, weddings and picnics. And, as a WSET graduate, he knows a thing (or three!) about what do drink, with what, and when…
“As we enter October, just as there’s a distinct change in weather, there’s a change to what we are drinking, when and where, too. Wines really need to be bit more celebratory and conducive to warmer evenings with friends where we’re firing up the BBQ for the first time since March. Read on, if you dare, for some fitting spring wine recommendations.” ~ Luke Gooley, Operations Director.
Montalto Pennon Hill Sparkling Rosé NV
Spring means the party season is fast approaching and what better way to set the mood than with bubbles. Our sparkling rose is 100% pinot noir and is beautifully refreshing with lots of pretty red fruits. I’ll be enjoying a glass or two as an aperitivo to kick off proceedings, or, as a cheeky breakfast drink with some pancakes and fruit salad.
Montalto Chardonnay 2021
I’m a HUGE fan of Simon’s chardonnay. They’re consistently delicious: generous in citrus and stone fruit, mouth watering acidity, elegant (like Simon!) and make for totally moreish wine. Recently, this chardonnay had a great result by winning a gold medal in the 2022 James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge, which only proves my sentiments. Best enjoyed with friends on a balmy evening along with smoky BBQ chicken and roast potatoes cooked in just the right amount of butter (i.e. a lot).
Montalto Single Vineyard ‘Main Ridge’ Pinot Noir 2021
As we release our wines throughout the year, my favourites sway a little; however my love for this wine has never been truer. 2021 was an exceptional year for our pinot noir and this wine makes for beautiful spring drinking. From our highest elevated vineyard, we get a stunningly pretty, delicate and fragrant pinot that is lighter in body but still very serious. Raspberry, strawberry, cherry, blood orange and peppery spice give way to a long and memorable finish. Enjoy with food if you wish, though it’s just as lovely without.
OUR NEW CELLAR DOOR BAR
With The Restaurant refresh complete, it was time to tackle The Cellar Door. We are thrilled with the completed works, including a brand new bar – the perfect place to enjoy seated tastings!
We have an incredible range of wine tastings and experiences to enjoy at Montalto – all hosted by our experienced, knowledgeable, multi award-winning wine team.
CONTEMPLATING ART: HIROMI TANGO
On Thursday 17th November, as part of our Contemplating Art lunch series, in partnership with MPRG and Front Beach, Back Beach, we welcome Hiromi Tango, a Japanese Australian artist whose art practice intersects with arts, health, nature and neuroscientific research and Dr Emma Burrows, neuroscientist at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.
Learn about ‘mood medicine’, how an inspiring environment impacts your mental health and why, when you surround yourself with things you love, such as your garden, food, colour and creativity, you are protecting your mental health and helping you live longer.
With this in mind, we invite you to join us for a pre-event estate garden tour with our Produce Manager Julie Bennett. Research indicates that time spent in nature is connected to cognitive and mental health benefits, as well as improvements in mood and emotional well-being. The perfect way to connect with our surrounds before enjoying a scintillating presentation over a 2-course seasonal menu in The Restaurant at Montalto.
2022 SCULPTURE PRIZE FINALISTS
In case you missed our announcement, here's our list of finalists for the 2022 Montalto Sculpture Prize:
Al Phemister (@alphemistersculpture) • Andreas Buisman • Anton McMurray (@anton.mcmurray.sculptor) • Ben Carroll (@madebyben) • Benjamin Jay Shand (@studioshand) • Carmel Wallace (@carmelwallace) • David Wood (@woody_bent_metal) • Don Barrett (@donbarrett898) • Edward Willson (@edward_willson.sculptor) • Elly Buckley (@elly_buckley_sculptor) • Graeme Altmann (@graemealtmann) • Greg Johns (@gregjohnssculpture) • Heath Jerald (@heathjerald) • Hugh McLachlan (@mclachlanstudio) • James Parrett (@sculpturebyjamesparrett) • Marcus Tatton (@marcustattonsculpture) • Mark Cuthbertson (@de_con_form) • Phil Gordon • Renate Crow (@crowrenate) • Rosella Namok • Rudi Jass • Sonia Payes (@sonia__payes) • Sophie Lanigan (@sophielanigan_) & Max Volfneuk (@merxumilian)
2022 marks the 20th year of sculpture at Montalto.
The Montalto Sculpture Prize is among the most valuable private sculpture prizes in Australia. In celebration of its 20th year, founders John and Wendy Mitchell have increased the value of this year’s prizes significantly. The winning piece becomes part of the stunning Sculpture Trail at Montalto in Red Hill, on the Mornington Peninsula.
SAVE THE DATE: On Saturday 19th November, we invite you to join us at Montalto for the announcement of the winner of the 2022 Montalto Sculpture Prize.
SPRING / SUMMER TRADING HOURS
THE RESTAURANT
Open Friday - Monday for lunch. Reservations essential.
Also open Tuesday 1st November (Cup Day) and every day from Wednesday 28th December 2022 - Monday 9th January 2023.
THE PIAZZA
Open 7 days, 11am - 5pm. Walk ins only. For groups of 10 - 16 guests, reservations can be made online.
This summer, The Piazza is hosting Summer Twilight Dinners from 5.30pm every Saturday from Saturday 3rd December 2022 - Saturday 25th February 2023 including New Years Eve (please note: Twilight is closed on Christmas Eve). Throughout this time, the kitchen is open from 11am - 7.30pm every Saturday. Last drinks at 8pm. More details, including booking link (for groups of any size) to come!
THE CELLAR DOOR
Open 7 days, 11am - 5pm. Bookings available. Walk ins welcome.
The Cellar Door will host Summer Twilight Tastings from 5.30pm - 7.30pm every Saturday from Saturday 3rd December 2022 - Saturday 25th February 2023 including New Years Eve (please note: Twilight is closed on Christmas Eve). Throughout this time, The Cellar Door is open from 11am - 7.30pm every Saturday. Last drinks at 8pm.
PICNICS
7 days from 11am sharp.
Summer Twilight Picnics from 4.30pm sharp every Saturday from Saturday 3rd December 2022 - Saturday 25th February 2023 including New Years Eve (please note: Twilight is closed on Christmas Eve). More details, including booking link, to come!
SCULPTURE
Open 7 days, 11am - 5pm.
PLEASE NOTE: MONTALTO IS CLOSED
Montalto is closed to all visitors on Sunday 25th December (Christmas Day) & Monday 26th December (Boxing Day).
Here’s all the ways to spend the day at Montalto:
