Montalto

Mornington Peninsula royalty. Skip the standard wine tours—discerning oenophiles make a beeline for this Red Hill estate, a sprawling collision of art, agriculture, and spectacular maritime terroir. The cellar door pours impeccable, cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but the kitchen is the true heavyweight. Peninsula purists will tell you the ultimate afternoon involves snagging a sun-drenched spot in the lively outdoor piazza. Blistering Gambero prawn pizzas. Earthy, umami-rich wild mushroom pasta executed to flawless al dente precision. Almost every plate leans heavily on hyper-fresh produce pulled straight from the property’s lush kitchen garden. Weather turning sour? The elegant indoor dining room serves up a brilliant set menu with expertly curated wine flights. Those with a serious palate point to the legendary short rib and a pistachio tiramisu that completely redefines Italian indulgence. Walk it all off winding through the monumental outdoor sculpture park. Pure Red Hill perfection.