We are thrilled to announce the inclusion of two new members to the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia collection – Jackalope at Willow Creek Vineyard, on Victoria's beautiful Mornington Peninsula and Mandoon Estate, located in the Swan Valley, Western Australia, a short distance from Perth. As well as first class food and wine, both properties offer luxe boutique accommodation, further enhancing our suite of experiences. 

*

Luxury boutique hotel, Jackalope, opened in April 2017 to widespread excitement and acclaim, immediately earning one of Australian tourism’s most revered accolades -  Australia's Hotel of the Year at the annual Gourmet Traveller Australian Hotel Guide Awards.

Set on a pristine vineyard amid Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula - only one hour from Melbourne – this distinctive hotel, unique in destination and design, heralds a new era for the region.  In collaboration with existing UWEA member, Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove, Jackalope will offer four new experiences combining winery tours and tastings, fine dining, luxury accommodation and spa treatments.

Examples of the new experiences available at Jackalope include:

Mornington Peninsula Discovery – an ideal introduction to the Mornington Peninsula, this one or two-night escape packages accommodation in one of Jackalope’s Vineyard View rooms; a wine and a cheese plate on arrival; a five-course dinner with matched wines in Jackalope’s hatted dining room, Doot Doot Doot; and daily breakfast. Also included is Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove’s Estate to Plate Experience and private road transfers to/from Melbourne.

Mornington Peninsula Luxury - a premium exploration of this beautiful region, this two-night luxury escape includes accommodation in Jackalope’s 85 sqm signature suites, known as Lairs; a wine and a cheese plate on arrival; a five-course dinner with matched wines in Jackalope’s hatted dining room, Doot Doot Doot; daily breakfast; and a ‘Wine Therapy’ spa session, designed for couples and comprising a range of treatments using wine-based products. Also included is Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove’s Pinot Lovers Road Trip, Jackalope’s signature Wine Therapy spa treatment and private road transfers to/from Melbourne.

*

Mandoon Estate is the first Swan Valley winery in the UWEA collection.  Western Australia’s beautiful Swan Valley is a favourite of Perth locals, situated just over 25km from Perth CBD.

Located overlooking the magnificent Swan River, Mandoon Estate has earned a reputation as one of the Swan Valley’s best wineries and most popular destinations.  As well as the cellar door, showcasing the Estate’s range of award-winning fine wines, within the picturesque grounds also lies a microbrewery and casual dining venue, the Homestead Brewery; fine dining restaurant Wild Swan; a gourmet deli and beer garden as well as the property’s original homestead, dating back to circa 1905, which has been restored and now houses the Linton & Kay Art Gallery.

Luxury accommodation is available onsite at recently opened The Colony,  with 32 spacious, luxuriously appointed rooms and suites overlooking a beautiful section of the Swan River and the property's original Verdelho vineyard, planted in 1895.

Examples of the new experiences on offer at Mandoon Estate include:

Meet the Makers at Mandoon Estate – An in-depth guided tour of Mandoon Estate’s working winery, hosted by a member of the talented winemaking team, a tour Mandoon’s German Brewhouse and a 5-course degustation lunch at Wild Swan.

Ultimate Flight – an exploration of the Swan Valley region and Mandoon Estate with a private tour, guided tasting in the private underground cellar, a 30 minute chopper flight to Perth’s beautiful beaches, a 5-course degustation lunch at Wild Swan, and overnight accommodation with breakfast at The Colony.

Also available for groups of 10 people of more is Mandoon Estate’s Bush Tucker Tasting – a unique opportunity to listen to the stories of this area and learn about local indigenous food and culture from Noongar Elder, Dale Tilbrook including a tasting of some traditional bush food followed by a 2-course lunch paired with award-winning beer and wine.