ATTRACTIONS MERRICKS VIC

Stonier Wines was established in 1978. They are located on the Mornington Peninsula in Merricks.

They specialise in Sparkling Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Reserve Chardonnay, Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Reserve Pinot Noir, Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Wines.

Cheese platters are available daily as well as wine tastings. For any further information please contact Stonier Wines.

"Stonier has long been recognised for making excellent varietal wines on the Mornington Peninsula. The standard Pinot Noir Chardonnay are always terrific value, and the Reserve range highly decorated over the years. There can be no doubt that Brian Stonier's original intent of 28 years ago, on concentrating solely on the quality of the wine, continues to this day." Ben Edwards.

The idea for Paradigm Hill was conceived almost 40 years ago. Ruth and George have always been passionate about food and wine and their other careers have laid the foundation for this adventure. Paradigm Hill was a case of all or none and their obsession with the pursuit of quality has meant pushing the boundaries with viticulture and wine making and to work within ecologically responsible practices. Great wine is made in the vineyard and they have just over ten acres of north facing gently sloping vineyard. The trellis runs north south and vines have been trained with a keen eye on ensuring a balanced vine. They are committed to using only estate grown grapes for on site production of pinot noir, shiraz, pinot gris and riesling. This voguish new cellar door and winery at the end of a long driveway boasts a large timber deck with an eye-pleasing view of vineyards, meadows, stands of bush and rolling hills. An excellent spot to savour riesling, shiraz, pinot gris and pinot noir. Tasting plates of savoury delicacies are usually available to complement the wines on the first weekend of each month....

Merricks Beach is a fairly narrow, steep strip of clean white sand over a more rocky tidal bay area. It lies on Western Port Bay and overlooks Phillip Island. From Palmers Bluff in the north east (accessed via a small path from near #15 Cliff Rd) the beach meanders for over two kilometres towards the south-west, eventually ending up at East Creek, Pt Leo. The beach is buffered by a long area of bushland known as the Merricks Beach Bushland Reserve. A low dune backs the northern section of Merricks Beach, giving way to 10 to 20 metre high vegetated bluffs in the southern section. This area is home to the endangered Red-Capped Plover. The Merricks Yacht Club is about halfway along the beach and can be accessed from the end of Merricks Beach Road. There are picnic facilities and a toilet block here. There is also access via a small walking track opposite #7 Bluff Road. The beach is fairly protected and receives low wind waves and very rare ocean swell. There is deep water at high tide and exposed sand and reef flats at low tide. You can walk along the beach at low tide to Balnarring Beach in the north-west. There is no access to Point Leo Beach as the beach is divided by East Creek which can flow quite deeply....

The old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill used to carry fresh apples on to Hastings where they were sent on to the markets of Melbourne. There are no trains running now, but you can walk this pretty trail for yourself. There are lovely views over Western Port and great coffee/wine/sustenance at either end. This is a shared trail for walkers, mountain bike riders and horse riders so be aware of your fellow travellers along the trail. The starting point is at Merricks to the north side of the Station Ground Recreation Reserve. The trail climbs steadily for two kilometres providing good views over Western Port to Philip Island the Nobbies. After a sharp right turn, the trail continues down the steep hill to the end of Tonkins Road. The trail then continues to the left on the original railways easement and ascends more gently to Red Hill, first through pine trees (look for colourful fungi in autumn), then two small cuttings. You can do this walk in either direction; uphill from Merricks to Red Hill, or down hill from Red Hill to Merricks,...