UNIQUE EXPERIENCES BALNARRING

Elan Vineyard and Winery was established in 1985. The name Elan was inspired by their desire to produce premium wine made with flair from grape varieties both classic and unusual. They make estate grown, hand crafted, small quantities of special wines. Located on the Mornington Peninsula in Bittern, Elan Vineyard and Winery is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the views while sipping on beautiful wines. The Wines they specialise in are Riesling, Chardonnay,Gamay, Merlot, Cabernet Merlot, Shiraz. All at reasonable prices. There is a playground with a cubby over a sandpit and a slide. There is a grassed area for ball games. Gas barbecue facilities are on-site, picnic tables, rotunda overlooking the vineyard, coffee and tea making facilities. "2009 is the thirteenth vintage of Elan Vineyard's exceptionally good Gamay which is a light, dry and fruity red wine made using the primary grape variety of Beaujolais in France. The wine is quite unique, it is light-bodied but surprisingly earthy and is terrific slightly chilled at lunch." Stuart Gregor

The grand red-brick entrance of Willow Creek Vineyard denotes the vineyard that was planted in 1989. Predominantly pinot noir and chardonnay, it has been hand tended by the same viticulturist since the beginning. His partnership with renowned cool climate winemaker Geraldine McFaul results in some of the most elegantly crafted wines in the region. At the end of the meandering driveway is the original homestead, McCormick House. Built in 1876, it creates an historical context for the property and sits opposite the entrance to the stylish cellar door and restaurant. Designed by Carr Group, its ambient bluestone and oak interior is a calm, cool oasis in summer and warmed by a crackling fire in winter. And with a purpose built tasting room in the barrel hall, touring groups can discover the intricacies of winemaking in an intimate and dedicated setting. Beyond the cellar door is Salix, with its captivating vineyard view. The bright bistro has a sunny deck for summer dining, while the sophisticated restaurant is a cosy escape in all seasons. 'See how far the Mornington Peninsula wine scene has travelled from its origins as a 'hobby' winemaking region at Willow Creek. Beautifully manicured grounds and imposing old buildings set the scene for the superbly appointed, stylish Salix Restaurant, Bistro, and separate cellar door. An extended deck overlooks a picture-postcard scene of a beautiful, tree-enclosed valley, and carefully tended vineyards spread around. Ex-Stonier's winemaker Geraldine McFaul presides over a range of outstanding benchmark wines, all worthy of the estate's quality credentials.' Ralph Kyte-Powell.

Red Hill Cheese established their small modern cheesery and cellar door on the farm at Red Hill in April 2000, making distinctive, handcrafted regional cheeses to complement Mornington Peninsula wines. They are now joined by a farmer and cheesemaker with their flock of milking sheep, producing wonderful ewe's milk at Moyarra in Gippsland's "Prom Country". An exciting new range of sheep cheese now adds to the flavour experience offered by Red Hill Cheese released under their Prom Country Cheese banner. Connect with the farm and know where your food comes from. A seasonal range of quality cheese is made using fresh ewe milk from their own farm, organic milk from cows at Fish Creek, and goat milk from Main Ridge Dairy. Red Hill Cheese's use vegetarian rennet, and are free from artificial stabilisers and preservatives. Low temperature pasteurising, slow processing and gentle handling help preserve the raw qualities of the clean rich milk, resulting in cheeses with character and great depth of flavour. Sheep milk products display unique qualities in texture, flavour and nutritional value, and are particularly attractive for those consumers who are intolerant to other milks. Cheese from ewe's milk has a smooth texture with back palate softness and delicate, complex flavours. Red Hill Cheese cellar door promises a high-end flavour experience for Serious Cheese lovers, with goat, cow, and sheep cheese. Treat yourself to a tasting plate of the Cheese maker's selection, to enjoy at your leisure on the deck overlooking the forest. Make an informed choice of cheese to purchase to complement Mornington Peninsula wines. No facilities for groups more than 10. Contact Red Hill Cheese for further details.