Yabby Lake

Yabby Lake was established in 1998 by Robert and Mem Kirby of Village Roadshow fame. While the vineyard’s north-facing slope was ready to produce good wines from the get-go, the appointment of star winemaker Tom Carson in 2008 (the same year Robert and Mem’s children, Nina and Clark took over) took the label to new heights.

In addition to vintages in Burgundy, Carson has made wine at Lenswood, Coldstream Hills and Yering Station. Today he brings this experience to bear with high-definition takes on single-vineyard (or even single block) chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz and pinot gris. These are some of the best wines coming out of the Mornington Peninsula.

The cellar door and restaurant strikes the balance between rustic and polished, with a stripped-back indoor space flowing into an expanse of grass populated with weathered Adirondack chairs and low tables. The restaurant offers two or three courses for lunch and is consistently excellent, making this one of the most well-rounded winery experiences in the region.