FOR WINERY TOURS BETWEEN THE BAYS

Amour of the Grape Wine Tours, Specialist in week end touring for small group wine tours of the Mornington Peninsula Victoria. Wine Tours for Groups of 2- 6 persons (max), 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.

Friendly and experienced you will have a fun day out, enjoy sensational wines created by the talented vignerons of the Mornington Peninsula

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:

At Amour of the Grape Wine Tours we explore the Mornington Peninsula wine region, and provide friendly informative service. Settle in, relax and enjoy the experience as you are driven in luxury air-conditioned comfort to cellar doors that welcome tour groups. 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 Mornington Peninsula 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, fun 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 a total of 12 bottles (1 case), anywhere in Australia at cost. There are around 170 vineyards, and over 60 cellar doors, scattered amongst gentle undulating hills and rich fertile lands.

If you are visiting from overseas we suggest you plan to tour early during your stay, this will allow you to purchase wine whilst on tour and have time to enjoy it prior to departing for home.

We have built a close working relationship with the cellar doors of the Mornington Peninsula, 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. Informative staff at the cellar doors welcome 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 levels 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)

Amour of the Grape Wine Tours specialise in small group wine tours. 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,

Wine Lovers Tour (Public 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 and welcome pack
  
• 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)

Amour of the Grape Wine Tours provides exclusive wine tours. 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 is NOT included in the tariff giving you the freedom to dine and taste where ever you choose. Some cellar doors that are not our preferred venues may charge you tasting fees.

When you and your group choose to indulge in a long lunch at a fine dining restaurant, the Connoisseur Tour is the only way to go, you know your budget, you choose the restaurant, you are able to relax and enjoy the meal and the wine as we will be driving you back to your door.

(Fine dining restaurant suggestions are Montalto Restaurant, T’Gallant Winery Restaurant, Salix at Willow Creek, Max’s at Red Hill, Port Phillip Estate Restaurant, Veraison Restaurant at Blue Stone Lane)

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. (Entry Fees apply at these venues).

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) the luncheon venue is by your request, and at your cost. 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, we are happy to advise and make the booking on your behalf.
  

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 started Amour of the Grape Wine Tours in June 2006. We are members of Mornington Peninsula Tourism and we both have held positions on the committee for Northern Mornington Peninsula Tourism.

Our favourite wines, Michael loves Pinot’s and Shiraz and Kay loves Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.

Our Wine Experience: We don’t regard ourselves as experts in wine appreciation, (we leave that to the experts) we do enjoy sharing our passion. Over the years we have had the pleasure of visiting most wine regions in Australia, including, The Hunter Valley, The Barossa, Claire Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Margaret River, Yarra Valley, Rutherglen, Grampians, Shoalhaven, Canberra, Tamar region Tasmania, also the Marlborough region in New Zealand.

OUR TEAM:

We have a couple of relief drivers that share our passion for the region and the wines; they are also locals, growing up and/or living on the Mornington Peninsula, with tourism experience and an understanding of basic wine appreciation, they enjoy meeting new faces and providing our guests a friendly, fun day out.

Ray grew up on the Peninsula, he is a family man and a grandfather, he enjoys driving for us and sharing our region, he finds meeting and speaking to new people very interesting. Ray drives one week end a month, giving us time out to refresh. Ray’s favourite wine, Shiraz, and has been driving for us since 2009.

Roy also grew up on the Peninsula and currently lives on the Western Port side. He has previously driven limousines, has a calm and friendly manner, Roy has been driving for us since 2007, he enjoys the fun of the wine tours and meeting a diverse range of people. Roy drives the occasional week end and over holiday periods. Roy’s favourite wine, Pinot and Shiraz.

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.

• Chrysler Voyager seating six guests, a luxury vehicle with leather seating and access for passengers from both sides of the car.
  
• 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 fun, leisurely day out 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 advice 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 4 persons for the public tour and 2 persons for the private tour, max 3 pick up points
  
• Public tour includes gourmet lunch and glass of wine at a boutique cellar door cafe.
  
• Private tour exclusive touring for your group, allows the opportunity for fine dining at a gourmet Restaurant of your choice at your cost.
  

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, Tempranillo, Dolcetto, Moscato.

Special diets: Yes. 

Licensed: Yes. 

Smoking: Outside Only, Not inside vehicles. 

TARIFF GUIDE:

• Wine Lovers Tour (Public tour) tariff is based on Mornington Peninsula pick- up @ $143.50 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. Bay side pick ups by arrangement, tariff on application.
  
  
• Connoisseur Tour (Private Tour) Tariff on application.
  

PAYMENT METHODS:

Cash, PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Diners,
note: Fees may apply for some payment methods

BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY:

As with any holiday activity we do suggest you have travel insurance.

• ADVANCE BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
  
  
• Credit card details required with 50% deposit to secure reservation. PayPal requires full payment on invoice.
  
  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

AWARDS:

Winner, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Business Awards 2006-2007

OPERATIONAL DAYS

OPERATIONAL DAYS:

• We offer tours week ends only, as a small family run business we require advance notice.
  
• Week end touring is popular with the majority of cellar doors open.
  
• We do not tour, Christmas Day, Boxing Day/New Years Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Melbourne Cup Tuesday, 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 Cottage Mornington - Self Contained 2 Bedroom B&B - Designed for Adults