If you are fortunate enough to have savoured the rich flavours of Bouillabaisse by the French Riviera or biting into a freshly caught snapper in a coastal Mornington restaurant, remember: the world is small, but its ability to delight is endless. And sometimes, you don’t have to travel halfway around the globe to find the essence of a distant land right in your backyard.

For a little piece of casual sophistication on the Mornington Peninsula picture yourself in an estate that encapsulates the quintessence of Provence, France yet sits beautifully in the heart of our beautiful region —that’s Tussie Mussie Vineyard and Retreat for you. No more than an hour away from Melbourne, this 27-acre private vineyard estate is a local treasure where casual sophistication comes to life.

Offering three separate residences with a total of eight bedrooms and six bathrooms, the estate can be your intimate escape or a grand gathering spot. Accommodations range from the expansive Vineyard Lodge to the romantic Vineyard Owners Cottage and the secluded Old Laundry suite. Each dwelling is imbued with Provence-inspired interior design, delivering an authentic European atmosphere that mirrors the quaint rusticity of the Mornington Peninsula.

The Vineyard Lodge is charming and spacious, consisting of four king bedrooms, each with their own bathroom suite, private entrance, and terrace. Vineyard Owners Cottage is a completely separate and romantic cottage, consisting of two bedrooms, one with king and the other with a queen bed. It has one large, shared bathroom, with both a Victorian style bath, and a large walk-in double shower, as well as a separate cloakroom and WC. The Old Laundry is a spacious, private suite consisting of a bedroom, bathroom with shower, it’s own private entrance and parking. This secluded accommodation for two is perfect for those seeking comfort and privacy in a shady, woodland setting on the property.

Amidst the estate, you’ll find an all-weather full-size tennis court for sports enthusiasts, a kitchen garden brimming with herbs and vegetables, and an open-air fire pit coupled with a wood-fired pizza oven—a nod to alfresco dining that feels right at home in either Provence or Mornington. The estate also features a long table overlooking the vineyard, capable of seating up to 20 people for those special occasions.

Local Flavours and Global Touches. The Tussie Mussie team goes above and beyond to make your stay unique. Want a catered dinner under the stars? A private chef can make it happen. Or perhaps, a chauffeur service to explore the local wineries, mirroring the leisure of a Provencal afternoon? Consider it done.

The Vineyard: A Microcosm of the Peninsula. As for the vineyard itself, the three-hectare stretch dedicated to Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris can give any Provencal vineyard a run for its money. Located in the nutrient-rich red loam soil of Merricks North, the vineyard reflects the region’s uniqueness while offering a homage to its European counterpart. And let’s not forget the local wildlife; wallabies occasionally make appearances, echoing the natural harmony that defines both Mornington and Provence.

In sum, Tussie Mussie Vineyard and Retreat isn’t just a stay; it’s a transcendent experience that invites you to remove yourself from your daily routine. It embodies the marriage of two worlds, an oasis where the spirit of Provence, France is alive and well, right in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.

Today, and as we were shooting, when the afternoon sun was painting the sky with shades of orange and pink, it’s easy to forget whether we were strolling up in the rolling vineyards of Provence or the coastal charm of the Mornington Peninsula. Two worlds apart, yet strangely similar, these two beautiful regions have become synonymous with a lifestyle that celebrates good food, better wine, and the best of natural beauty. Come discover a world where French sophistication meets Aussie charm, where you can pause, breathe, and be in the moment. Experience Tussie Mussie and let your two worlds become one.

The soul-soothing landscapes, sumptuous gastronomy, and rich wines make both Provence, and the Mornington Peninsula places not just to visit but to live—at least for a little while. Tussie Mussie Vineyard Retreat offers a private escape into a slice-of-heaven region and you don’t need to travel half a globe to enjoy it.