It’s fair to say we love autumn here on the Mornington Peninsula. A new season begins, a new wave of fresh potential lingers in the milder air. Bellies become full of delicious autumnal produce, washed down with region-famous cool climate wines, and a gentler pace to the daily routine brings a welcomed sense of calm. It’s also a time we continue pursuing our passion to explore more, uncovering new experiences and events suited to the autumn atmosphere. But why do we love this season? Well, we actually asked a few of our local legends this exact question.
It’s fair to say we love autumn here on the Mornington Peninsula. A new season begins, a new wave of fresh potential lingers in the milder air. Bellies become full of delicious autumnal produce, washed down with region-famous cool climate wines, and a gentler pace to the daily routine brings a welcomed sense of calm. It’s also a time we continue pursuing our passion to explore more, uncovering new experiences and events suited to the autumn atmosphere. But why do we love this season? Well, we actually asked a few of our local legends this exact question.
Leonie Steele, Cellar Door Manager at Stonier Wines
“Clear, settled days, cool nights, golden light and beautiful sunsets. My thoughts turn naturally to heartier one-pot dishes and roasted vegetables instead of crunching through summer salads. Autumn is a cosy time of year, without the bitterness of winter.” It’s quite lovely to see the new season through the eyes of Leonie Steele from Stonier Wines. Vintage, mushrooms and the feeling of the year turning have all become powerful reflections of this time, in addition to the autumnal characters from a glass of Pinot Noir at their Merricks cellar door.
For Leonie, it is the early autumn that represents her favourite time of the year. A time where the rolling vineyards of the region’s hinterland start their most intense yet famous colour transformation. And from her perspective, it’s a drive through the region, a long trail walk or the indulgence in this “all time classic” combination of mushrooms and Pinot Noir that make for the most memorable pursuits.
Stonier Wines was one of the original vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula that now invites guests to sample their fine wines in the superb cellar door. Discover more of their story here.
Danielle Field, Owner/Founder at MP Experience
As well as finding similarity in the new season’s focus on mushrooms, foraging and the changing of leaves in the vineyards, Danielle Field from MP Experience sees autumn as a time of “getting organised…regrouping after a busy [summer].” New workshops start to make their anticipated presence, and the pre winter truffle season begins.
Yet what does she love most about this stage of the year? “Lovely days, cool nights, stable weather, a relaxed atmosphere and the matching of seasonal produce to new dishes and wine.”
Danielle and her team have created exceptional and memorable touring experiences on the Mornington Peninsula. And as a local resident, you have the enviable chance to uncover all the hidden gems across our abundant region. Learn about the food and wine journeys on offer with MP Experience here.
Autumn leads to a calmer few months for Tracey Gregson at Timeout Fishing Charters. As she describes, “it is generally a more settled time of the year weather-wise on the water, great sunrises and sunsets to be had and enjoyed.” The delightful local marine life of dolphins and fur seals are also still here to be spotted whilst journeying out on the sublime bay waters.
Having lived on the Mornington Peninsula for the majority of her life, Tracey believes this is one of the best times to explore our region. Where visitors can soak in a refreshed serenity and fully embrace the glorious great outdoors with milder and more relaxed temperatures.
Timeout Fishing Charters offers the enticing opportunity to catch the fish of the day on a family friendly and comfortable vessel. Book a memorable journey on the bay here.
There’s an overwhelming excitement in the air as we move further into the vibrant time of autumn. Opportunities to explore more of the Mornington Peninsula are continually growing, and there is an adventure for each and every visitor to enjoy. With the ongoing resilience, creativity and hard work of our countless business operators, we’re in for a season to remember.
Make sure to check out our most recent blogs! We celebrated International Women’s Day with some of the many inspiring and influential women of the Mornington Peninsula. We also put together the Complete Autumn Guide of Things To Do around our ever-charming region.