If a day out combining food, wine and your dog sounds right up your alley, then check out Gourmet Pawprints; a unique organisation which offers Doggy Winery Tours to Victoria wine regions. The concept was created by director Kerry Watt who, with her dog-loving team, arranges tours for owners and pets to visit Mornington Peninsula wineries (they also cover the Yarra Valley and Bellarine Peninsula). A Doggy Winery Tour is a win-win situation, you get to sample fabulous food and wine in good company, while your dog gets to socialise, play off leash on beaches and enjoy doggy treats. What could be better for owners who’re looking for an adventurous day out with their dog to pet friendly wineries on Mornington Peninsula?
Doggy Winery Tour on the Mornington Peninsula
Sunday 25th May saw a Doggy Winery Tour gathering on our very own Mornington Peninsula. First stop on the itinerary was the verandah of the picturesque Willow Creek Vineyard homestead, McCormick House, where wine and olive oil tasting ensued courtesy of Peter and Kathy. Willow Creek Vineyard is one of the dog friendly wineries on the Mornington Peninsula and it’s situated in Merricks North. It is also known as one of the long running Mornington Peninsula wineries, with vines concentrating on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris.
After everyone had their fill of wine and running around on the lawn (dogs not owners) it was back on the bus to Flinders Beach for some off-leash doggy play time (too cold for most paws to be dipped) but as you can see by the photo some brave souls went all in!
Lunch was a mouthwatering two course affair at lovely Pier 10 Winery & Restaurant in Shoreham which offers an à la carte menu, and the group happily sampled mouthwatering seared scallops; plum, chorizo and prosciutto salad; olives; chicken and mango salad and more. Of course delicious Pier 10 wine was also served, this Mornington Peninsula winery specialises in Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
Whilst the owners lingered inside over the food and wine, Gourmet Pawprint’s Robyne looked after the dogs on the lawn, she’s been nicknamed ‘Wine Tour Doggy Whisperer’ so everyone was in good hands, especially as she was giving out the treats.
The tour finished up in Mock Red Hill orchard in Red Hill for homegrown apple cider and cheese tasting. The Mock family are pioneers of Bio-dynamic products and use environmentally friendly methods of processing cider.
Doggy Winery Tour Review
A great day was had by all, especially Laura and her Staffy Ridgeback Cross, Diesel. Laura won our Mother’s Day competition gift voucher to go on the Doggy Winery Tour. A hard working teacher, Laura’s daughter Sarah felt she should go on the Mornington Peninsula wineries trip with her favourite dog because as she said “she deserves a bit of a luxury as a reward for being a great mum”.
Laura said of the tour “I had such a fabulous day – Kerry you are a wonderful host – lots of heart and a fabulous idea! It was so relaxing being chaperoned everywhere and just hanging out with your dog as well as everyone else’s!”
The next Doggy Winery Tours on the Mornington Peninsula are being held on the 15 June and 20 July. So check out the Gourmet Pawprints website for further information and to book a spot for you and your pooch to visit some of these fantastic Mornington Peninsula wineries.
Alternatively, to visit the Mornington Peninsula check out https://www.winecompass.com.au/mornington/