Pinot and chardonnay country, 70–90 minutes from Melbourne, with cellar door fees that catch first-timers out. Here is what the day actually costs.
Mornington Peninsula sits about 70 to 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD depending on traffic, which makes it one of the easiest wine day trips in Victoria. I have driven down the Nepean Highway more times than I can count, and my honest take is this: a self-drive day costs less, but a guided tour gets you to cellar doors you wouldn't find on your own. If you're planning to visit the Yarra Valley instead, the Maroondah Highway from Melbourne takes roughly 60 minutes — and the cost structure is similar. Most Mornington Peninsula tours run 6 to 8 hours and include pick-up from Melbourne hotels or St Kilda meeting points.
Prices accurate as of July 2026. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cellar door tasting fees on the peninsula typically run AU$15 to AU$25 per person at mid-range wineries, and most are refundable against any bottle purchase. Premium spots like T'Gallant and Montalto can push toward AU$30, while smaller operations like Crittenden Estate still charge around AU$10. I always tell friends to budget AU$120 to AU$160 for tastings across four or five stops if you're not buying bottles. The other expense people forget is lunch — Peninsula Hot Springs nearby draws crowds, but the winery restaurants (Mock Red Hill, La Famiglia) will set you back AU$40 to AU$80 per person for a proper meal.
Small-group Mornington tours from Melbourne typically run AU$145 to AU$220 per person and cover transport, a driver-guide, and four to five cellar door visits. Lunch inclusions vary wildly — some tours serve a cheese platter at the final stop, others include a two-course meal at a winery restaurant. Private tours for groups of four to eight start around AU$650 and can exceed AU$1,400 for a full-day bespoke itinerary. If you're comparing options, my Yarra Valley wine tour breakdown covers similar pricing for the other big Melbourne day-trip region.
Honestly, yes — if you don't want to worry about the 0.05% BAC limit or designating a driver. Mornington Peninsula back roads between Red Hill and Main Ridge are winding and the wineries spread out further than people expect. A guided tour also gets you into smaller producers like Main Ridge Estate that don't always take walk-ins. For a broader look at Australian wine regions, my guide to Hunter Valley tours from Sydney covers pricing for the NSW option. Just book ahead on weekends between November and April — the peninsula fills up fast.
Eight-hour small-group day trip hitting four wineries plus a gin distillery, cider house, and chocolatier. Departs from Melbourne CBD with hotel pick-up options.
From US$115 Check availability →
Eight-hour guided tour visiting four wineries with a two-course lunch included. Expert driver-guide, air-conditioned transport, and tastings covered in the price.
From US$135 Check availability →
Full-day tour combining premium winery visits with a distillery stop and chocolate tasting. Operates seven days a week with small groups capped at 11 passengers.
From US$120 Check availability →