Merricks General Wine Store

Merricks General Wine Store is a historical icon on the Mornington Peninsula. Built in 1924, it’s served as a homestead, a post office and a general store. These days the “store” encompasses a cafe, bistro, cellar door, pantry, art gallery and coffee kiosk.

While in days of old might this grand beauty might have served milkshakes, pies and hot chips, today it’s a little more refined. The cafe and bistro menus have a French leaning, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Coffee is by Dromana roasters Little Rebel.

The store stocks Elgee Park and Baillieu vineyards’ hand-harvested, estate-grown wines. It also acts as a cellar door for other local small-batch vintners. The pantry side of the store features house-made preserves, kitchen and garden goods, and homewares by local makers. Take home one of the store’s signature tea towels and a log of its nougat.

There are multiple verandahs for enjoying your breakfast outdoors, or you can ask the friendly staff to pack you a picnic hamper to enjoy on the beach. The charming front porch is skirted by hydrangeas and vines, and gardens of fennel and herbs create a fragrant backdrop to a slow morning coffee from the kiosk.

Explore Red Hill further in our detailed Out of Town to Red Hill guide.