Pinot Noir has been around in Australia since the 1800s, and though it took some time, this tricky grape has finally found its groove, flourishing in cooler regions such at Tasmania, Yarra Valley, Orange and the Mornington Peninsula.

Australia also has its very own Pinot Coast wine trail which winds along approximately 750km of Victoria's rugged and stunning Southern Ocean shoreline. This trail encompasses three unique wine regions - Geelong/Bellarine, Mornington Peninsula, and Gippsland - all renowned for crafting exceptional maritime Pinot Noir. Featuring around 146 cellar doors and boasting some of Australia's most renowned upscale dining establishments, there are abundant chances to savour some exceptional Pinot Noir wines.

Check out some of our Ultimate Winery Experiences below in the cool climate regions where Pinot Noir thrives. 

Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Pinot Noir is the true star of the Mornington Peninsula, with this intricate red wine emerging in various expressions, spanning from well-structured and savoury to charmingly vibrant; renowned for its ability to mirror its terroir, Pinot Noir is shaped by the diverse sites and soils of the Peninsula, leading to an array of captivating styles.

Take a Terroir Masterclass at Ten Minutes by Tractor to discover what makes the Mornington Peninsula perfect for creating cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with the masterclass featuring two special release wines and a handpicked selection of six current releases. Hosted in a private tasting room, you will be guided through the vineyard sites and their distinct characteristics, with a rare opportunity to savour limited release wines.

Experience the Mornington Peninsula's cool maritime climate, perfect for early ripening varieties like Pinot Noir, on a Montalto's Discovery Tasting which explores the impact of variety, site, and winemaking in crafting award-winning, cool-climate wines. Enjoy seated tastings of current releases and back vintages, followed by a relaxed shared lunch in The Piazza. Afterwards, enjoy the Sculpture Trail at your leisure.

Tasmania

Tasmania's natural cool climate, influenced by the Southern Ocean, is ideal for producing premium Pinot Noir and contributes to the creation of Traditional Method sparkling wines using fruit from the cooler vineyard areas.

Delve into the winemaking journey from grape to glass on a Go Behind the Label experience as expert guides lead you through Josef Chromy Wines' rich history, ampelography vineyard, and traditional method sparkling wines. The tour culminates in a wine tasting flight and a delectable two-course lunch featuring Tasmanian produce expertly paired with wines in the acclaimed Josef Chromy Wines Restaurant.

Another Tassie winery, House of Arras, uses Pinot Noir in their sparkling wines. Join a Sparkling Scholar experiences and sample the vast, exquisite range of sparkling wines from the House of Arras, including vintage and non-vintage méthode traditionnelle wines. Gain a deep understanding of Australia’s most awarded sparkling wines and their regional Tasmanian vineyards.

Down in Hobart, Moorilla produces several Pinot Noirs under their Praxis, Muse, Cloth and Domaine A brands. Discover more on a Moorilla Decanted experience beginning with an informative private stroll to the vineyard, escorted by one of Moorilla’s resident wine-savants. Head to the underground wine bunker for a comprehensive tasting of the Moorilla range all decanted into  crystal glassware.

Yarra Valley, VIC

Yarra Valley's top red wine, Pinot Noir, offers a diverse range of styles, from fragrant and fruity to savoury and structured, with different flavors flourishing in cooler or warmer spots. Older vines create richer wines, and grapes from soil with granite can add a unique mineral touch.

Embark on a Behind the Scenes tour at De Bortoli Yarra Valley vineyard and winery, explore viticultural practices, indulge in barrel and tank wine tastings, followed by a premium wine and food pairing experience in a private tasting room. Conclude your visit by becoming a winemaker for a day at an interactive Blending Table, crafting a distinct blend of wine to bottle, name, and label as your own personalised sample to enjoy at home.

Adelaide Hills, SA

When it comes to South Australian wine regions, the Adelaide Hills takes the crown for top-notch Pinot Noir production. Thanks to its mix of climates, you'll discover a whole spectrum of Pinot Noir styles here - from earthy, herby, and spiced, to fruity, smooth, and vibrant - making the Adelaide Hills a Pinot Noir paradise.

Join a member of the Penfolds team on a journey through the foundation of Penfolds as Australia’s leading red wine producer. Your Ultimate Penfolds Experience starts with a visit to the Grange Cottage; the original home of Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold before viewing the Magill Estate winery, vintage cellar and underground drives where you will discover the gems hidden within. The tour concludes with an intimate tasting of Penfolds most awarded and sought after wines, including one vintage of Grange.

Orange, NSW

Orange specializes in crafting small quantities of Pinot Noir, leaning towards delicate, fragrant profiles highlighted by cherry fruit notes.

On a Savour by Swinging Bridge experience, indulge in food and wine pairing as you sample cool climate wines such as Pinot Noir, expertly accompanied by seven canapés crafted by in-house chef and sommeliers; led by the experience host, you'll explore the intricacies of each wine-canapé match while delving into discussions about the Orange wine region, local attractions, and the captivating history of Swinging Bridge.

Unwind on a Printhie Picnic experience with Printhie Wines, soaking in vineyard views, orchards, and hills, guided by your Printhie map to a perfect picnic spot with a gourmet lunch from Printhie Dining; enjoy laid-back conversations and a guided tasting of selected wines in this ultimate picnic experience.