Wine, Gin & Beer Experiences Mornington Peninsula

Guided drinks sessions give a group a shared focus for an afternoon. Instead of a quick pour at the counter, a host walks everyone through a flight, a blend or a gin built from botanicals, and the session runs to a booked time.

The Peninsula's reputation rests on cool-climate pinot and chardonnay from the Red Hill and Main Ridge hinterland, though distilling and brewing now sit alongside the vineyards. Three businesses are listed here so far, so the choice is small, and some of them also run cocktail classes or high tea if you want to combine activities.

What to look at before you commit:

• The few that list a price sit around $75 to $105 a person, with about $80 the middle of that range
• Ask whether the figure covers food, a take-home bottle or just the tasting itself
• Check how long the session runs and when it starts, so it fits around lunch and the drive
• Find out the largest group they host privately and whether weekends cost more
• Everyone tasting must be 18 or over, and staff serve under responsible service rules

Summer holidays and autumn vintage are the busiest times in the hinterland, and long weekends book out first. Most groups drive down from Melbourne, so organise who's driving before anything else.

Send an enquiry to each listing with your date and numbers to compare what's on offer. Producers quote you themselves, and there's no commission or booking fee added.