merricks creek

located in mornington peninsula, merricks creek winery cellardooris a family run winery boasting a 5 star rating by james halliday.

owner and winemaker, peter parker's passion for pinot noir translates to a wonderful selection of high quality vintages (with its very first vintage of pinot noir attracting a score of 96 from james halliday in 2001).

the cellardooris chic and modern with clever use of textures including hues of stone and timber. the stunning vineyard is simply a sensational backdrop whilst enjoying rustic shared dishes on the raised deck.

we loved the variety of share plates on offer - simple but absolutely delicious. the menu offer

surrounded by rows of beautiful vines, the newly added cellardoorto merricks creek wines is the perfect balance of sophistication and homeliness. after all, it was once the living room of the parker family, who have been running this wine business for 15 years now. on visiting, one might be lucky enough to be served by the enthusiastic sam, the son of the family that owns merricks creeks wines. moving away from simply supplying their wines to restaurants, the newly opened cellardooris sam’s dream, accompanied by his sister georgia and her partner, his dad peter (the wine-maker) and mum georgina (the chef). for an 18 year old boy, sam knows a lot about wine and the pride he feels in his family business is charming. he has grown up making wine since the vineyard began producing pinot noir in 2001- make sure you check out the sweet photos of he and his sister running through the estate as little children. his passion for wine-making and the new dining offering at such a young age is energetic and inspiring, and it is clear that with his families support his dream is on its way to becoming a reality.

though the family has fifteen years of winemaking to its name, the cellardoorhas been open just a month. it’s an impressive feat. the service is really special, helmed by patriarch peter (yes, peter parker; a whole new light is shed upon those glossy white webs splayed across the vineyard) who delights in sharing his family’s work. the food is simple and delicious and made for picking at between mouthfuls of wine. the cellardooris already busy, but in a way that feels like a cosy and beloved local haunt.

i was recently invited to taste the wines and sample share plates at merricks creek wines by the delightfully hospitable parker family. what i discovered was surprising and exciting. the 2013 pinot noir was simply one of the best i've tasted on the mornington peninsula and the reasonably priced share plates were created with care, fresh ingredients and presented with impeccable style. this boutique cellardooroffers a fresh new opportunity to get away from the madding crowds so often found on the peninsula and enjoy landscape, fine wine, friendly faces and fine food. love it!