Crittenden Estate

Crittenden Estate is one of the Mornington Peninsula's best – and most established – wineries. Garry and Margaret Crittenden planted their first vines here in 1982. Nowadays, children Rollo and Zoe oversee a portfolio of over 25 wines, and the estate’s impressive wine centre built in 2014.

Take one of 40 seats to try the entry-level Geppetto range (shiraz, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, sparkling), the Italian-varietal Pinocchio range (rosato, sangiovese, moscato, pinot grigio) or the Spanish-varietal Los Hermanos range (tempranillo, saludos, homenaje). As at many Peninsula wineries, the top-of-the-range wines are chardonnay and pinot noir. Tall windows give you a view out to the lawn and lake as you sip.

Situated moments from the wine centre on the edge of the lake are Crittenden’s three self-contained villas, which are perfect for weddings and weekend getaways. They come with cosy log fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, luxury bathrooms with underfloor heating, and freestanding spa baths with pristine lake views.

Whether you’re passing through or staying the night, a visit to Stillwater, the estate’s on-site restaurant, is a must. Independently owned and operated by chef Zac Poulier, it’s one of the Peninsula’s destination dining experiences, and serves seasonally-driven dishes on a verandah overlooking the lawn and lake.