Melbourne Wine Tours Start at $138

- The history of winemaking on the Mornington Peninsula dates back to 1886, but the industry was largely abandoned by the 1920s and experienced a modern revival starting in 1972. - Located less than an hour's drive from Melbourne, the region's geography is unique, being surrounded by water on three sides, which creates a cool maritime climate ideal for viticulture. - The area is renowned for its high-quality cool-climate wines, with Pinot Noir being the most dominant grape, accounting for about half of all plantings, followed by Chardonnay. - The region is home to over 200 vineyards and more than 50 cellar doors, most of which are small-scale or family-run operations. - Many wineries feature acclaimed restaurants that focus on local and seasonal ingredients, with notable examples including Ten Minutes by Tractor, Port Phillip Estate, and Montalto. - While the featured tour is priced from $138, other tours in the region that also include lunch typically range from $180 to over $250 per person. - The Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association hosts a popular, biennial event called the International Pinot Noir Celebration to showcase the region's signature grape to a global audience. - The soil composition throughout the peninsula is quite varied, ranging from sandy flatlands to russet-colored volcanic soil, which contributes to the diverse styles of wine produced.