FOR WINERY TOURS BETWEEN THE BAYS

For Winery Tours between the Bays - Specialising in exclusive wine tours of the Mornington Peninsula Victoria. Conducting Small Group Tours for 2- 6 persons Air-conditioned luxury vehicles - Door to Door Service Full Day Winery Tours visiting 4- 5 cellar doors. The team at Amour of the Grape Wine Tours invites you to share our passion for this unique cool climate wine region, discover sensational wines, picturesque countryside, and welcoming locals.

OUR MISSION:

To provide friendly, informative wine tours on the Mornington Peninsula. To enable you to discover fine wines, from the best cellar doors, to develop your knowledge on wine appreciation, and experience this beautiful region at a leisurely pace.

OUR REGION:

The Mornington Peninsula is nestled between Port Phillip and Western Port Bays, it is a Cool Climate Maritime Wine Region; the area is similar to wine regions of France and produces many varietals. Our flag ships are Pinot Noir s and Chardonnays with increasing amounts of Pinot Gris and Grigio. Our wines have outstanding fruit flavours, high natural acidity and fine tannins.

OUR TOURS:

Settle in, relax and enjoy the experience as you are driven in luxury air-conditioned comfort from one cellar door to the next. Take in the vista of rows of neatly planted vines, the back drop of the bay against farming land, the beauty of the beaches, while you savour the aroma, the colour, and the taste, of premium award winning wines.

Our wine tours are hosted by a local, we know the people at the cellar door. We pre-book each cellar door with anticipation of providing you with an enjoyable, informative day of wine discovery. No two tours are the same, to assist us in planning the day we encourage you to discuss with us your preferences in wine style. We are then able to plan the day taking into consideration your likes and dislikes. A typical tour will visit 4-5 cellar doors. Pick up is between 9.30am and 10.45am. Return drop off is between 4.30pm and 6.00pm depending on your location.

You are able to purchase wine along the way, some cellar doors offer specials or discounts for our groups. Cellar doors can arrange wine shipments in case lots. Or, if you prefer to purchase smaller amounts throughout the day, we are able to arrange shipment once you have 12 bottles, anywhere in Australia at cost. There are around 170 vineyards, and over 60 cellar doors, scattered amongst gentle undulating hills and rich fertile lands.

We have built a close working relationship and regularly visit around 30 of these cellar doors; they welcome and appreciate our smaller groups at their tasting bench. They have negotiated tasting fees with us so you will not pay tasting fees at these cellar doors whilst on tour with us.

Being local enables us to know our cellar doors, we endeavour to stay up to date on what is available, be aware when new vintages are released and when particular styles are out of stock. You only need to be a wine lover to enjoy our tours. The informative staff at the cellar doors welcomes your interest and relate to your level of knowledge, giving you an insight into wine appreciation.

If you are a novice we are also happy to assist you to understand what you taste, smell and see whilst swirling the glass. Our tours cater for all level of wine lovers, if you understand and know your wines; we are attentive to your needs, while keeping a low profile for you to enjoy the art of wine, you are sure to discover excellent wines to add to your collection.

TOUR 1: WINE LOVERS TOUR: (Public Tour)
This is our version of a public tour. We take a minimum of two people and a maximum of six on our tours. You may be lucky to be the only group on tour or you may share with others. Either way there will only be a maximum of six guests on tour, and perhaps new friendship will be formed. Please note that pick up times for Public Touring must cater for additional guests, allowing time to collect all guests from various pick up points. (maximum 3 pick up points). We feature 4-5 of the Mornington Peninsulas best cellar doors, be it character filled, smaller boutique family owned, or large and famous.
This tour Includes:

• Tastings at 4-5 pre-selected cellar doors.
• A gourmet lunch of local produce and a glass of wine at a boutique winery cafe.
• Pick up and return to your door.
• Complimentary bottled water.
• Free tasting fees at our preferred cellar doors.

If you are staying in Melbourne and wish to reduce costs an alternative is to consider boarding a train to Frankston, this is a direct route from Melbourne, and the journey takes approx 1 hour. We will be able to pick you up and return you to Frankston station at the end of the day.

Extras: Depending on time and preferences of those on board on the day we may also visit a cheese factory or micro-brewery, or finish the day with panoramic views from Arthurs Seat. (note:- cheese factories and micro-brewery involve fees not covered in the standard tariff, please enquire with us at time of booking.

TOUR 2: CONNOISSEUR TOUR (Private Tour)
This tour allows for those that prefer to design their own personal itinerary, we work with you, discuss your requirements and make all reservations on your behalf. It is perfect for groups of friends, small corporate groups, or the more discerning connoisseur. If it is something different or something special, ask us and we will put together a package just for you.

The Connoisseur Tour allows for those who want a private day out. You hire the vehicle and driver for the day. The Connoisseur Tour allows you the flexibility to choose your preferred cellar doors, and lunch venue. Lunch and any tasting fees are not included in the tariff giving you the freedom to dine and taste where ever you choose.

Perhaps you desire to indulge in a long lunch at a fine dining restaurant of your choice and at your cost. (Suggestions are Montalto Restaurant, T’Gallant Winery Restaurant, Salix at Willow Creek, Max’s at Red Hill, Port Phillip Estate Restaurant)

With a variety of things to see and do on the Peninsula you may wish to incorporate activities such as picking strawberries at Red Hill Strawberry Farm, getting lost in a maze at The Enchanted Maze, wandering through lavender gardens at Ashcombe Lavender Labyrinth.

For the romantically inclined, perhaps you are wishing to pop the question why not book a private picnic at Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, a unique experience, an afternoon in your own private beautiful location. A table set with white linen, and a menu of fresh seasonal, local produce.

Maybe you are a serious wine connoisseur and your intent is to target specific wine venues, Paringa Estate, Main Ridge, Prancing Horse Estate, The Duke Vineyard, to mention just a few.

The Connoisseur tour is at your pace and guarantees our vehicle and driver is exclusively yours. We listen to your ideas and are more than happy to assist you to design a day of difference.

MEALS:

• Our Wine Lovers Tour (public tour) includes lunch consisting of local produce with a glass of wine at a cellar door cafe.
   
• Our Connoisseur Tour (private tour) lunch is by arrangement as this tour allows you the flexibility to choose your own venue. Restaurants have varying menus and it is impossible to structure a set fee. We have found it best to allow you to choose and purchase your own meals with this tour.
   

ABOUT US:

We (Michael and Kay) have lived on the Mornington Peninsula since 1997. We re-located from Wollongong NSW when Michael took a career move with BHP Steel based at Western Port Bay. We both instantly fell in love with the region and the people. Our passion for the region was immediately evident as we become ambassadors amongst our friends and family in NSW. Tourism was the obvious next step and we opened Petit Amour Cottage in Mornington in 2001. Providing a romantic retreat for couples. From this beginning it became apparent that couples were very interested in exploring the cellar doors of the region, and required someone to host their day and be the designated driver. We are members of Mornington Peninsula Tourism and we both have held positions on the committee for Northern Mornington Peninsula Tourism.
 

OUR TEAM:

We have a couple of relief drivers that share our passion for the region and the wines; they are also locals, with tourism experience and an understanding of basic wine appreciation.

Ray grew up on the Peninsula, is a grandfather, and enjoys sharing our region and meeting new people. Ray drives occasionally mid- week and one week end a month, allowing us time to refresh.

Robert along with his wife owned and ran accommodation on the Peninsula for 10 years; he has retired from this and enjoys the odd day out touring. Robert tours occasionally mid-week should one of us have other commitments.
 

OUR VEHICLES:

Your comfort is vital to us; our vehicles have been chosen to provide quality touring. We currently have two vehicles in our fleet, both top of the range.
 

• 1. Chrysler Voyager seating six guests, a luxury vehicle with leather seating and access for passengers from both sides of the car.
   
• 2. A Toyota 5 door Rav 4, with sun roof, seats 3 guests in comfort.
   

Both vehicles were chosen for smooth driving and modern luxuries, both are air conditioned and spacious providing ease for our guests boarding and disembarking. They are easily recognisable both being burgundy in colour with our logo displayed on bonnet and side doors.
 

WHAT TO BRING:

Bring a jacket; hat, and sunnies, dress code is casual. All cellar doors accept cash and major credit cards. Most importantly bring a smile and appreciation for fine wines.
 

EXTRAS:

Depending on time and preferences of those on board on the day we may also visit a cheese factory or micro-brewery, or finish the day with panoramic views from Arthurs Seat. (note: cheese factories and micro-brewery involve fees not included in our tariff, please enquire with us at time of booking)

LICENSE:

Amour of the Grape is a registered business. Vehicles and drivers are licensed with Victorian Taxi Directorate to operate tours. Drivers are required to undergo regular health checks and have zero alcohol reading whilst hosting a tour.

 

Typical Features of our Tours:

• Mornington Peninsula owned and operated business, giving local service and knowledge.
• We visit 4 -5 cellar doors, allowing for a leisurely pace and the opportunity to chat with cellar door staff.
• Our tours are designed for small groups 2- 6 persons.
• Pick up and return to your accommodation/home door.
• Free tasting fees at our preferred cellar doors.
• Complimentary bottle water.
• Welcome pack per group.
• Enquire about wine shipment details for wine purchased whilst on the tour.
• Special dietary requirements catered for please advise at time of booking.
• Requests taken at time of booking for styles of wine or a particular cellar door you would like to visit.
• Mornington Peninsula pick-up a speciality.
• Melbourne city pick ups by arrangement min 2 persons, max 3 pick up points
• Public tour includes gourmet lunch and glass of wine at a boutique cellar door cafe.
• Private tour exclusive tour for your group, allows the opportunity for fine dining at a gourmet Restaurant.

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE...

The temperate climate of the Mornington Peninsula and gentle autumn lends itself to the production of late ripening, resulting in generosity of fruit with intense flavours, gentle tannins and high natural acidity. With over 170 vineyards there is sure to be a style to please.

Classic grape varieties available on the Peninsula: Chardonnay - Pinot Noir - Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz.
Extensive plantings of: Riesling - Sauvignon Blanc - Cabernet Franc - Merlot Shiraz - Pinot Gris/Grigio.
Unusual varieties: Gamay Sangiovese - Malvasia Tempranillo Dolcetto Moscato Duriff Marsanne.

Special diets: Yes

Licensed: Yes

Smoking: Outside Only Not inside vehicles
 

TARIFF GUIDE:

• Wine Lovers Tour (Public tour)
Our tariff is based on Mornington Peninsula pick up @ $140.00 per person all inclusive (2-6 Passengers). Melbourne CBD pick up is a minimum of 4 people @ $165.00 per person (4-6 Passengers) all inclusive. Other areas by arrangement, tariff on application.

• Connoisseur Tour (Private Tour)
Tariff on application.
 

PAYMENT METHODS:

 
Cash, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx
 

BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY:

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL

Credit card details required with 50% deposit to secure reservation. PayPal requires full payment on invoice.

ADVANCE BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED

Strict Cancellation Policy Applies:
 

• Bookings cancelled more than 7 days prior 15% cancellation fee.
• Bookings cancelled 2 to 7 days prior 50% cancellation fee.
• Bookings cancelled within 48 hours or No Show no refund.
• During Peak period cancellations will result in loss of full amount of booking. No refunds.
• Bookings made as a result of prize/donation cannot be postponed. Cancellation will result in loss of eligibility.
• Bookings made as a result of a gift voucher cannot be extended beyond the expiry date of the voucher; cancellation will result in voucher being cancelled with no refund.
• Should Amour of the Grape be forced to cancel a tour due to unforeseen circumstances the booking will be transferred to another date.
• We reserve the right to alter or cancel a tour or substitute vehicles due to circumstances beyond our control.
• We do not accept any liability to refund monies due to the unlikely event of natural disasters such as floods, wind or a CFA ‘Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating’ in the region. In the event that legal authorities have closed all access roads to Mornington and/or issued explicit advice not to visit the region then we would postpone your reservation to a mutually agreed date within 6 months from date of original booking.
• No liability shall be accepted due to injury or property damage or any loss or other expenses arising from the services provided.
• Strictly No esky's or pre-purchased alcohol permitted. No food or drink in the vehicles. No smoking in the vehicles.

GROUP BOOKINGS:
The person making the booking is responsible for the entire amount due. i.e. Should a booking be made for a party of #6 and any number of the party withdraw, the full amount of the booking is to be paid unless the management can fill the empty seats.
 

MEMBERSHIPS:

• Mornington Peninsula Tourism Inc
•  Northern Mornington Peninsula Tourism Inc
   

AWARDS:

• In 2006-2007 Amour of the Grape was a winner in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Business Awards.
   

RECEPTION HOUR:

OPERATIONAL DAYS:

• We operate 7 days a week, the cellar doors are quieter mid week and in a sense allows for private tastings.
• Week end touring is the most popular with some cellar doors having a larger range of wines on tasting.
• We do not tour, Christmas Day/New Years Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Mothers Day and Fathers Day.
• We are a small business, we value personal service, and we welcome your enquiry via phone or email.
• Please consider the time when making your call as we are home based.
   

CONTACT DETAILS

Phone 0403 500 528

Email Amour of the Grape

Kay & Michael Wheeler

PO Box 529

Mt Martha 3934
Victoria Australia
 

Petit Amour Romantic 2Br B&B Cottage - Mornington