LOCATION1 hours drive from Melbourne at Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula, in the South of Victoria.
DETAILSThis sleek winery-restaurant balances elegance and parity with cool composure, using its beautiful landscape to maximum effect. Wander in via the alfresco pizzeria and cafe and you'll find the handsome timber and glass-walled dining room with rough-hewn floor boards and white linen-set tables. Floor to ceiling windows overlook the rolling vineyards, olive groves and sculptural works that speckle the pasture.
FOOD & BEVERAGEMontalto’s food philosophy ‘estate to plate’ is all about using the land in a sustainable manner and following the rhythm of the seasons. Chef Barry Davis cooks in a contemporary style that owes a lot to modern French cuisine, and makes great use of seasonal, local ingredients including organically grown vegetables, fruit and nuts from the estate garden tended by owner Wendy Mitchell. The menu changes daily, but certain themes recur. Think main courses of snapper fillet with confit fennel, kipfler potato and saffron mussel beurre blanc or sous vide pork belly with Du Puy lentils and tarragon jus. For dessert, sherry and raisin souffle with pistachio ice cream is preparation for a post-prandial stroll across the pasture. You’re not here for a quick bite, so take your time and enjoy. The wine list features Montalto and a selection of local and imported wines. Try them at the cellar door before or after lunch, and pick up a bottle of Montalto olive oil while you’re at it.
FUNCTIONS The relaxed elegance of the Montalto restaurant makes it an ideal venue for a private function. For groups of up to 30 the estate can offer exclusive use of the private dining room; a light, intimate space that takes full advantage of the view. Larger seated gatherings of up to 100 guests can also be catered for.