Best Romantic Wineries in Victoria 2023
Where are the best romantic wineries in Victoria? After hearing of several engagements and the like at Merricks Creek Winery on the Mornington Peninsula I wondered as to where the most romantic winery destinations were in Victoria. I'm thinking some of the criteria would be aesthetics, overall vibe, menu and quality of wine. A romantic visit should include a romantic atmosphere not just in terms of indoor restaurant but also outdoor scenery. Romanticism is a difficult notion to define but here are our favourite romantic wineries in Victoria.
Merricks Creek Winery - Mornington Peninsula
With reports of proposals and engagements we could't go past Merricks Creek Winery on the Mornington Peninsula. For a start it's a French themed winery in the sense that the wine is prepared by French method.
The Pinot Noir is sublime.
You feel like you are right in the vineyard.
The views and vistas at Merricks Creek are simply stunning. The open design cellar door with bi fold doors means there's a seamless transition from cellar door to deck to vineyard. For us it's magical. Come here and you feel like you are actually in the vineyard. It's romantic. The gardens are designed in the French Monet style.
Deconstructed Tiramisu is a romantic and popular dessert.
Part of the romance is that Merricks Creek is a bespoke winery - not hugely commercial - with its nuances and strengths from being family run. You feel you are somewhere special.
Sexy dishes like the new Orange cinnamon sweet potatoes and garlic infused labne may well impress at a romantic lunch.
The menu is approachable and reasonably priced with European even French style highlights to match the wine. Dishes are shared which can also be romantic. We recommend the Raclette (romantic in itself), the cheese platters, terrines, meatballs, slow cooked lamb, even the desserts such as deconstructed tiramisu. The cellar door dining is relaxed and not stiff and formal, how we like it.
Grilled Raclette cheese with hot potatoes, cornichons and cocktail onions is always a winner.
What we also find is that the Pinot Noir comes from close-planted vines and is prepared at harvest like in France at 12 degrees celcius. With excellent terroir the quality of the wine is amongst Australia's best Pinot Noir. High quality sexy French style Pinot Noir utilising exceptional Australian terroir - it's a romance.
Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove - Mornington Peninsula
Montalto is a fabulous place to visit for romantics as it ticks the boxes for food and wine, art and stunning views. Make sure you grab a table by the window in the restaurant and soak in the fabulous views across the vineyards to rolling hills. Also prominent are the sculptures and you can explore a sculpture trail after lunch. Romantic indeed.
The menu is first class with well presented dishes that are seasonal and that elevate local produce, even from their own garden.
Well presented top notch dining.
What we also love is that the restaurant has undergone a renovation in recent years and is relaxed as well as delivering a touch of class. Wines are fabulous featuring premium cool climate wine and the range is surprising. Check out their cellar door and also their even more relaxed Piazza.
Meletos - Yarra Valley
This may surprise some that Meletos is included in our selection. We have discovered their back section which is like a slice of Tuscany.
Fresh oysters for the romantic at heart.
Local produce is an attraction.
Sexy wood fired pizzas.
A slice of Tuscany in the Yarra Valley.
Dining out on those back tables outside with umbrellas and stunning vistas, you may feel you are in Tuscany. And may want to pop the question. The menu is extremely approachable where you can order smaller dishes featuring excellent produce, or go larger. The wood fired pizzas are excellent, even rustic, and it's that rustic feel that appeals. There's boutique accomodation next door as well.