Food & Drink

One of the pleasures of food and drink is that they are often a shared experience – think about the times you’ve gotten together with friends and exchanged interesting ideas and opinions. In addition to having enjoyed a good meal, you left the table better informed with most senses more than likely fulfilled. Our Food and Drink section is all about the unique, best practice experiences on the Mornington Peninsula. In this section we like to inspire and inform readers with a mix of stories from around the Pen.

Rocky Creek Strawberry farm

Nestled into the verdant hills of Main Ridge amid volcanic soil and with perfect climatic conditions, lies 300 acres of strawberry fields – Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm. First settled by Pietro Gallace, father of current owner, Mick – Pietro planted apples, but soon discovered that the conditions in the area were perfectly suited for strawberries. 

Vulcano Gelato

In 2008, Vulcano Gelato opened in Rye with the single hearted aim of improving the quality and taste of the universally loved authentic Italian gelato and granita. From our perspective, gelato is the prefect buffer; there’s such an emotional response when you even think of it & when you combine it with the Rye Pier, bay beach & carnival it becomes a powerful combination. We love gelato & we love Vulcano Gelato, we love Rye & we love that they’re all on the Pen.

Essence Food for the Soul

When chef husband and wife team Jim and Melanie Houston got married at the Portsea Hotel, little did they know that 10 years later they would buy a business across the road from the Portsea Hotel and live in it with their three children for the best part of a year. That business is now known as Essence Food for the Soul. As chefs, life for Jim and Melanie was busy, particularly with three young children. The long hours took a strain, and they were ready to make a lifestyle change within the food industry. Sometimes everything falls into place and you find the ideal scenario, and this wholesale food business was perfect for the chef team. Essence Food for the Soul is all about the best quality produce made into delicious, heat and serve meals that help the time poor to eat well.

Chief’s Son Distillery

The journey began modestly in 2013 when Stuart and Naomi McIntosh initiated a pilot project. After three successful years, the distillery produced its first commercial single malt whisky, solidifying its place in the Mornington Peninsula's vibrant artisan community. The McIntosh name—Mhic an Tòisich in Gaelic—translates to ‘Son of the Chief,’ a title earned over nine centuries ago. It's a name that embodies loyalty, a generational love for whisky, and the Scottish roots that continue to influence their craft.

Barmah Park Vineyard

Barmah Park is a stone's throw from Mornington, just off the Moorooduc Hwy. Come here to warm up beside their log fire and unwind with the help of stunning rural vineyard views, fine food, wine and friendly service. What was a working cattle farm is now an acclaimed restaurant with a spacious dining room - graced with natural light and a rustic cellar door. There is something for everyone with their modern Australian menu that reflects seasonal moods. 

Cibo Deli

Inside this green-and-white store is a selection of mouth-watering products and foods along with Italian Wine, Beer, Spirits, and Liquor. Cibo Deli Mt Martha is like 'Little Italy', only it's in the heart of Mount Martha's thriving Lochiel Avenue Strip. This upmarket Italian-style deli and grocer has a supreme collection of premium imported Italian and locally sourced foods. Their mission is to provide you with the most delicious epicurean treats for cooking, eating and entertaining. 

Hawkes Farm

Hawkes Farm and farmgate store is not only famous for selling their own farm grown product in Boneo, but also a wide range of fruit, vegetables and other gourmet products. For many, it's a one-stop shop for their pantry needs. Best of all, their food truck is open on the weekends cooking their famous thrice cooked hot chips - hand-cut from their own potatoes grown on the farm. The veggie patch is the perfect place to sit and enjoy their delicious coffee & treats, and kids will love their 1970s Farmall tractor that takes pride of place.

Montalto

With fruit coming from six unique vineyards located across the Peninsula, Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove creates interesting and complex wines reflecting the fantastic diversity of the vineyards, according to winemaker Simon Black. There’s more than the multiple award winning wines and the restaurants 11 chef’s hats since 2002 that make a visit to Montalto such a rewarding place to visit.