Ocean Eight Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned gem nestled in the heart of Australia's Mornington Peninsula wine region. This boutique winery offers wine enthusiasts a unique and intimate experience, focusing on producing high-quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.

Location and Setting

Ocean Eight is situated at 271 Tucks Road in Shoreham, Victoria. The winery boasts 17 hectares of vineyards spread across two sites, providing the perfect terroir for their cool-climate wines. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque surroundings, including beautiful gardens that are particularly stunning in spring.

History and Philosophy

Founded by the Aylward family in 2004, Ocean Eight emerged from their previous venture, Kooyong Vineyard. Winemaker Michael Aylward, who was named 'Young Gun of Wine' in 2011, draws inspiration from his extensive travels through Burgundy, Alsace, and Champagne. The winery's philosophy centers on producing wines that best represent the Mornington Peninsula's climate and grape-growing conditions while ensuring they pair excellently with food.

Wines and Production

Ocean Eight specializes in four main wines:

• Pinot Noir

• Chardonnay

• Pinot Gris

• Sparkling wine (produced in limited quantities)

The winery is known for its small-batch production, ensuring high quality and a focused style. Their Pinot Gris has consistently been rated as one of the best of its type in Australia.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door at Ocean Eight offers visitors a chance to taste their current releases alongside occasional museum wines. The tasting room sits atop an underground barrel room, providing a unique atmosphere for wine enthusiasts.

Opening Hours:

• Friday: 12 PM - 5 PM

• Saturday: 12 PM - 5 PM

• Sunday: 12 PM - 3 PM

For a more exclusive experience, private barrel tastings are available by appointment.

Visitor Information

Group Bookings

Limited to a maximum of 10 people

Food Options

While there is no on-site restaurant, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic food to enjoy with Ocean Eight wines by the glass in the beautiful gardens

Accessibility

The winery does not currently cater to people with special access needs

Wine Characteristics

Ocean Eight wines are characterized by their lean, bright, and tight profiles with crisp acidity on the finish. These qualities not only make the wines excellent for food pairing but also contribute to their aging potential. The wines reflect the cool, maritime conditions of the Mornington Peninsula, showcasing the region's unique terroir.

Recognition and Distribution

Ocean Eight wines have gained recognition both domestically and internationally. They are available in top restaurants around Australia and are exported to countries including the UK, US, Germany, and Japan.

For wine lovers seeking a boutique winery experience that combines high-quality, cool-climate wines with a picturesque setting, Ocean Eight Vineyard & Winery offers an unforgettable visit to the Mornington Peninsula.