Pt. Leo Estate
Star Cellar Door
(03) 5989 9011
ptleoestate.com.au
Mornington Peninsula is home to some wow winery architecture, but it’s possible that Pt. Leo Estate, with an investment of $50 million, has achieved a new, double wow.
The Gandel family, which made its fortune in shopping centres, is behind the impressive vineyard/cellar door/restaurant complex on their 135-hectare property at Merricks, planting a vineyard in 2006 and making chardonnay and pinot noir years before in readiness for the complex’s opening last year. Hence, the surprising number of aged Pt. Leo Estate wines on the menu at its swish dining room overseen by ex-Rockpool chef, Phil Wood. Tod Dexter, ex-Stonier, is the winemaker behind the glorious-drinking chardonnay and pinot noir.
The Gandels also secured works of art in advance as they manned a serious, world-class sculpture park on the estate. A total of 50 pieces are scattered along a path overlooking Western Port Bay.
It’s all very grand, as you might imagine. Go and see for yourself. JENI PORT
OUTSTANDING WINE: 2015 Pt. Leo Estate Pinot Noir, A$46
Ten Minutes By Tractor
BEST LARGE CELLAR DOOR
(03) 5989 8300
tenminutesbytractor.com.au
A pop-up cellar door will be operating for a few months during renovations