Mornington Peninsula - Victoria

The Mornington Peninsula is a peninsula located south-east of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, surrounded by Port Phillip, Western Port Bay and Bass Strait. A tourist region with a variety of beaches (both sheltered and open-sea) and seaside resorts, much of the area is now regarded as a part of greater Melbourne. It is known simply as "The Peninsula" to locals and Melburnians alike. The Melbourne suburb of Frankston is sometimes known as The Gateway to the Peninsula, being where the peninsula joins the mainland on its northern boundary. The peninsula tapers away and terminates at Point Nepean. The Mornington Peninsula is a notable wine region, producing small quantities of high quality wine from around 60 wineries. While most varieties are grown, the cool, maritime climate of the Peninsula is particularly noted for pinot noir. Many wineries are open for public tastings, and several have quality restaurants. Apples were the staple product of the Peninsula for several generations, with whole trainloads being dispatched to the city and ports. The number of orchards has been dramatically reduced, however there are many other producers on the Peninsula, specialising in berries, cherries, and other fruits, as well as market gardens. There is increased interest in organic production, and there are even organic beef producers. The Peninsula not only produces fresh products, with small-scale manufacturers of niche products as diverse as cheese, chocolate, chutney, jam, and olive oil. Local produce is also to be found at markets held around the Peninsula, such as the monthly market at Red Hill. A local organisation, Mornington Peninsula Gourmet, has been set up to support the many small producers on the Peninsula.