To the east of the city, hugging Port Philip Bay, is the Mornington Peninsula, “loved for its combination of calm bay beaches, wild surf coast and rolling hinterland … and it’s one of Victoria’s leading wine regions …” says Taste. You could start at Crittenden Wine Centre, which is a cellar door with a difference, modelled on similar places in South Africa. “Basically, you taste wine at your own pace, sitting in a cafe-style setting,” explains Good Food, “pay for a wine flight ($8-$11, depending on which varietal you choose) and work your way through the information or chat to friendly staff. You get five 30ml wine tastings in beautiful glasses. There's a fire for cold days, a terrace for warm weather and a private room for groups.” Or you could take in one of Wine Compass' tailored wine tours with a group.