Crittenden

The Cri de Coeur Pinot Noir represents the pinnacle of Crittenden Estate’s winemaking and something the family is very proud of. The story behind Cri de Coeur says a lot about the formidable force the two generations of Crittendens represent in Australian wine. Two years ago the opening of the Crittenden Wine Centre also broke new ground by seating visitors at tables and serving wines in themed “flights” to illustrate common stylistic, varietal and geographic threads. It is here – at the Wine Centre - you can learn more about the Cri de Coeur but more importantly go on a journey through the entire Crittenden Estate wine range.

Classic Hinterland

What can we tell you about the Cellar and Pantry? Well for starters this is a place people come from near and afar to enjoy. You can eat in, take out or take home a delectable array of local fresh produce, local and imported deli or cellar items home. Either way it is worthy of your time. On the busiest of days you’ll order coffee and something scrumptious to eat at the window, you’ll go inside to forage for pantry items to take home until your name is called out whereby you’ll stop everything to find a seat on the iconic deck to enjoy the moment. If there aren’t any?

St Andrews Beach

Originally known as Capri Beach until the 1960s, St Andrews Beach is an elite holiday come residential community nestled among the sand dunes between Gunnamatta and Rye. Set alongside the wildly beautiful waters of Bass Strait, this popular year round surf spot forms part of a 35km stretch of beach from Cape Shanck to Portsea. With a breathtaking beach (although swimming is really at one’s peril), the area is also well known for its reliable breeze, rolling grassy hills, pristine sand dunes and exploring-worthy rock pools.

Whispering Vines

Trofeo Estate is situated on the iconic Harrisons Road precinct of Dromana - in the 1930’s it was a passionfruit plantation - it is one of the Pen’s oldest vineyards but newest wineries. From the moment you enter the property, with it’s oak lined driveway, you’re surrounded by vines & beautiful rural views.

Cooking with Kids cookery class at Georgie Bass Cafe & Cookery

This class is a fun and interactive session where your kids can get involved in the cooking process of building healthy burgers, flipping fruit piklets and baking mini pizzas, before washing it all down with colourful and tasty smoothies. Ideally suited for 12 to 16 year olds, parent's attendance required.

20/20 A Sense of Place

From the tropical forests of Far North Queensland, to Aboriginal in-depth representations of Country, the lands of the Centre to the green hues and coastal views of the Mornington Peninsula, this year's summer exhibition at Whistlewood comprises the work of more than 40 leading landscape artists whose work explores a distinctive connection to place.

Looking for inspiration

Spring is in the air and whilst we may encounter many sunny and warm days on the Pen the late afternoon and evenings are still cool. The Italians would say ‘primavera non ti scoprire’, meaning in Spring, don’t get undressed, yet, as you may still encounter cool days and if you’re looking for a beautiful cashmere wrap or light merino jumper to keep your warmth then head to Red Hill House (RHH).

Suri & Huacaya

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Alpaca – they’re very intelligent, inquisitive animals that relate well to people so can make excellent pets. There are two types of alpaca in Australia - Suri & Huacaya and Pitchingga Ridge has both – mainly blacks, greys & whites, also some browns. Alpacas are shorn once a year, usually in October.

Dolphin Research Institute

The Dolphin Research Institute is based at Hastings, on the shores of Western Port. DRI’s efforts are focused in the south-eastern region of Australia, especially Port Phillip, Western Port and the Gippsland Lakes.