Haven’t heard of Red Hill? Let us let you in on a little secret: it’s one of Australia’s most underrated wine regions. Known for its cool-climate drops – most notably its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – this small town has real legs when it comes to food, wine and natural beauty.
Just an hour from Melbourne, in the hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula, Red Hill puts everything at your fingertips. Think truffle and lavender farms, hatted restaurants, coastal strolls and soothing hot springs only minutes away. It’s the kind of place where your senses switch on, time slows down, and life suddenly feels beautifully simple.
The town of Red Hill gets its name from the rich red-clay soil that characterises the area. Paired with its favourable microclimate, this rich soil made Red Hill a natural food bowl and in its early days, the town was best known for its thriving orchards.
Fast-forward to today, and the region is still celebrated for its fresh produce, but it’s equally renowned for its exceptional cellar doors, breathtaking landscapes, and indulgent accommodations.
You could easily spend weeks exploring Red Hill and the Greater Mornington Peninsula, but if time is tight, read on for our picks for an unforgettable 48 hours.
Stay in Style
We’re of the opinion that if you’re going to do a wine-region justice, you should probably stay at a vineyard. Not only because the views from your room will be rolling hills covered in vines and magnificent greenery, but there’s also the added benefit of having a few cheeky tastings and not having to drive.
The Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill – is set in the heart of the town on 34 stunning acres of gardens and vines – combines stately, spacious rooms, country-style hospitality, exquisite dining and fantastic on-site amenities.
Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill is a leading collection of award-winning boutique hotels across Australia, offering one-of-a-kind stays that blend timeless design, exceptional service and a deep sense of place.
The Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill encapsulates everything Lancemore stands for. It’s luxury boutique accommodation at its best. Turning off Arthurs Seat Road and into the driveway, you’re greeted by luscious greenery on both your left and right. It feels like you’re driving into an idyllic sanctuary where every detail whispers luxury and calm.
Then you step inside your room – modern palatial estate vibes with a hint of art deco. In the Garden Room, your floor to ceiling windows look out across the rolling hills and lush green vineyards. The generously-sized room features a plush couch, perfectly positioned in front of the fireplace for cooler nights, a full-sized bath where you’ll undoubtedly want to sit and sip Blanc de Blanc before slipping into the comfy white robe. There’s even a writer’s desk if you feel inspired to sit and start your memoir.
If you’re less of a green thumb and more of a theatre kid, the Balcony Suite lets you live out your own modern-day Romeo and Juliet moment. There are other rooms available as well including the Linden Room, Terrace Room and Courtyard Room.
The hotel’s sprawling layout, dotted with cosy reading rooms and hidden leisure spaces, feels like a delightful little rabbit hole, full of hidden nooks and unexpected delights. It feels, paradoxically, both grandiose and cosy at the same time.
The staff are seriously accommodating – cheerful, welcoming and helpful. You get a sense that for them, this is more than a job – this is enriching people’s lives by treating them to a little bit of much needed rest and relaxation.
Every step inside Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill is curated to delight the senses, blending refined luxury with the warmth and charm of its surroundings.
Indulge – Fine Wine & Quality Produce
Obviously one of the most important things to consider when visiting a food and wine region like Red Hill is where on earth to eat and drink!? With so many renowned wineries and delicious meals at your fingertips, you’ll want to be selective, especially when you’ve only got 48 hours and one stomach (but we’ve heard there’s a separate stomach for dessert, right?)
We skipped breakfast and thought we’d save up for lunch as the main event – at Gigi’s Piazza, Red Hill Estate. Gigi’s Piazza, operated by Dominic Fabrizio and his father Frank is the ultimate “dolce vita” experience, encouraging guests to enjoy life’s pleasures. This relaxed open-air space is the perfect place for long lunches, late afternoons and everything in between.
Dominic’s vision for the venue is clear:
“We want our guests to feel right at home – enjoy a glass of wine, a bite to eat and take in the stunning surroundings of Red Hill Estate while you pause from the hustle of everyday life.”
If you’ve got kids in tow, you’re in luck. You can let them run wild across the rolling hills (well away from the road) while you savour a Single Vineyard Pinot Noir – blackberries, quince, smoky char, refined tannins… and pure bliss for you.
Shared plates are the way to begin: Zucchini Rolls wrapped in salty pancetta, a beautifully creamy Burrata, and Pork Meatballs simmered in Napoli sauce, paired with wood-fired puff bread to soak up every last smear. A flawless opening act to the experience ahead.
Gourmet pizzas, pasta and risottos are a staple on the menu year-round, but the selection changes seasonally. If you get the chance, try Gigi’s signature Salami Pizza – an exquisite flavour combination of truffle oil, chilli, parmesan, potatoes, basil, hot salami, stracchino & parmesan. If you haven’t tried potato on a pizza you truly haven’t lived!
Every dish is made for sharing, encouraging a relaxed garden feast – exactly how Nonna would’ve imagined it.
After polishing off a delicious lunch, head into the cellar door for a tasting. And if you’re lucky, household favourite Bob might be on shift. Judging by the regular chorus of “came for the wine, stayed for Bob,” he’s half the experience.
Whilst you might not be quite ready for a degustation on your first evening following the extraordinary lunch at Gigi’s Piazza, you’ll want to book in for an evening of fine dining at The Dining Room during your stay. Located in the stunning grounds of the Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, the Dining Room is a two-hatted restaurant led by Executive Chef Nick McGonigal with a menu showcasing some of the region’s finest ingredients. Dinner is served Thursday through Saturday and the tasting menu (The Dining Room Experience) is one you cannot miss, so book ahead of time to avoid missing out.
Explore, Shop, Relax
There is so much to explore in and around Red Hill. Start your morning off with a trip to Red Hill Lavender Farm and Cafe. Set on 27 acres on the ridge at Red Hill, when in full bloom – the fields are like an ocean of purple swaying in the breeze – a magical sensory experience.
The Lavender Farm Cafe is the perfect spot for a delicious morning coffee followed by a browse of the farm-gate store which stocks natural botanical products for every corner of your life – gentle and nourishing creations for your home, body, and kitchen – all lovingly handmade on the lavender farm.
If you’re a fan of truffles, you’ll also want to stop by Red Hill Truffles where you can shop truffle butter, truffle salt, truffle honey, truffle mustard, truffle aioli, and truffle mushroom paste. You can also book a truffle hunt, where you’ll be accompanied by farm owner Jenny McCauley and her hunting dogs, along with Fiona Hammond – hunt guide, renowned author and recipe developer. Truffle tastings are also on offer, so if you’ve worked up an appetite digging for these earthy little treasures, a fresh truffle pizza is the perfect (and deliciously indulgent) reward.
No trip is complete without a little retail therapy, with a thoughtfully chosen momento to take home as a lovely lasting memory. We stopped by Red Hill’s new design-led concept store Zaza, brainchild of interiors curator Maggie Fabrizio. Zaza brings together a thoughtful selection of art, homewares and gifts from some of Australia’s most-loved brands and local makers. The gender-neutral scents from SSAINT are the perfect stocking filler while the sculptural Forma trays from Black Blaze bring an effortless touch of elegance to any interior.
The perfect way to end your trip is with a visit to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa in Fingal, a scenic 20-minute drive from Red Hill.
Indulge in a luxurious full-day spa package or spend the afternoon exploring the 31 indoor, open-air, and outdoor thermal pools, unwinding in the serene surroundings, and letting the warm waters wash away every trace of travel fatigue – a blissful finale to your getaway.
