Featured image: Enjoy a swanky waterfront arrival (with drink in hand) to MONA. Photo: Adam Gibson
Want a twist on your classic winery weekend? Add art to the mix. Australia is dotted with destinations where the artworks are mesmerising and the wine sublime, and Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia is tapping into the trend with a selection of picture-perfect winery/gallery matches.
Here are three to tempt you in 2021.
Soak up the drama at Moorilla & MONA, Tasmania
Moorilla winery shares prime riverside real estate with the innovative, provocative, must-see Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), home to Australia’s largest private art collection. How could we resist?
The Posh-as Day at MONA kicks off with a swanky Hobart to MONA ferry transfer in the Posh Pit, including complimentary Moorilla wine, Moo Brew Beers, canapés and a private deck (loving it already). You’re then free to roam the attention-gripping galleries before a behind-the-scenes vineyard and winery tour, wine tasting in the seductive subterranean tasting room, a two-course lunch, and a bottle of Muse wine to take back to your Tassie hotel.
Raise a glass at Leeuwin Estate, Western Australia
Wine making is a fine art in itself but Margaret River’s superb Leeuwin Estate takes things a step further. Their iconic ‘Art Series’ labels, featuring contemporary Australian artworks, have been a beacon on cellar shelves since 1980 while the alfresco Leeuwin Concert Series performances have brought everyone from Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to Tom Jones and Sting to the estate grounds.
The Leeuwin Immersion Experience delves into the family-owned estate’s winemaking philosophy and long love affair with the arts, before a tour of the unique gallery. Tucked away beneath the excellent cellar door, this space is home to over 100 original paintings used on the flagship series, with names including Sir Sydney Nolan, John Olsen, Albert Tucker, and Imants Tillers. Top off the day with a tutored Wine and Food tasting flight showcasing five wines perfectly paired with West Australian delicacies from the restaurant’s seasonal menu.
Follow the sculpture trail at Montalto, Victoria
Sculptural forms abound at Montalto, from the luscious shape of pinot in a glass to the trail of contemporary artworks scattered throughout the 75-acre estate. Positioned on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, this is a winery renowned for its delicious vintages, fine dining restaurant, lauded cellar door, and annual $40,000 Montalto Sculpture Prize — making it a worthy addition to any wine/art itinerary.
A Behind the Scenes Winery Tour brings to life Montalto’s winemaking philosophy, including wine tasting straight from the barrel alongside the winemaker, and a long, leisurely lunch on the glorious grounds. After lunch, stroll the estate to discover the sculpture collection which is set against a backdrop of natural wetlands, produce gardens, and lush vineyards.
Find out more here
