Main Ridge Estate
Main Ridge Estate
Main Ridge Estate was the first licensed winery on the Mornington Peninsula, and has built a reputation for producing exquisite pinot noir and chardonnay from estate-grown fruit. The iconic vineyard is set in a picturesque bush valley with a mature garden, emphasising the rustic, off-the-beaten-track aesthetic. The brown-bricked estate seamlessly blends in with its lush surroundings and vineyard.
Main Ridge Estate was founded by Nat and Rosalie White in 1975. After an impressive career of forty years in the winemaking industry, the pair retired in 2015, paving the way for the Sexton family. Tim, Libby and their winemaker son, James, continue the tradition of operating Main Ridge Estate as a boutique, family-run wine business.
With 3.4 hectares of vine on-site, Main Ridge Estate uses nothing but its estate-grown fruit for its wines. Sitting at 230 metres above sea level on Arthur’s Seat, Main Ridge Estate is one of the oldest and highest vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula. The estate’s north-east facing vineyards slope gently, shaded by tall trees.
The vineyard produces approximately 1000 cases of wine per year, comprising of fifty percent chardonnay and fifty percent pinot noir, pinot meunier and merlot.
Main Ridge Estate’s ‘Half Acre’ Pinot Noir is rated ‘Outstanding’ in the Langtons Classification, and the estate holds a James Halliday 5-Red Star rating. Wine aficionados can also peruse Main Ridge Estate’s esteemed wine catalogue online, where a selection of its wines can be purchased.
The Larder at Main Ridge Estate offers light meals to be shared among guests. Each dish is designed to complement Main Ridge Estate’s wine varieties, so guests can take advantage of the complexity of each wine while visiting the cellar door. A large sundeck overlooking the scenic vineyard and gardens make for perfect drinking conditions in summer, while the estate’s cosy fireplace is ideal for when the weather is cooler.
Tasting Notes
⇐ Main Ridge Estate 2017 Chardonnay
This wine is a restrained expression of Main Ridge Estate Chardonnay that reflects the cool vintage of 2017. White peach and maraschino cream are lifted and elevated by the tones of pink grapefruit and musk through to the finish.
⇐ Main Ridge Estate 2016 Chardonnay
The warmer conditions of 2016 allowed for ideal ripeness to be achieved in the production of this wine. Honeydew melon, peach, grapefruit and jasmine are well-balanced here with a gentle, yet tantalising acidity.
⇐ 2017 ‘The Acre’ Pinot Noir
Raspberry, violet and juniper make up the floral and spicy notes of this pinot noir. The powerful tannins will soften over time, adding depth, length and complexity to the wine.
⇐ 2018 ‘Half Acre’ Pinot Noir
Main Ridge Estate’s signature wine is produced on the higher vineyard block where intensely flavoured fruits are abundant. This pinot noir fuses poached cherries and plums, tempered with violet, mocha and vanilla flavours. Silky tannins highlights clove and fennel seed spice, while forest floor undertones add layers and complexity to this finely boned wine.
VISITOR’S GUIDE
Getting There
80 William Road,
Red Hill
Contact Details
Tel: (03) 5989 2686
Email: mrestate@mre.com.au
Website: mre.com.au
Cellar Door
Open 12pm–5pm Friday to Sunday and every day from 27th December until the Australia Day long weekend
Restaurant
Open 12pm–3:30pm, weekends and public holidays
Weddings & Functions
No
Accommodation
No
Additional Features
No