Endota Spa
The Endota Spa story began in 2000 when Melanie Gleeson pursued her dream to give back and inspire others to connect with themselves. The first day spa on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula paved the way for wellbeing to be considered a priority rather than a treat.
Endota is an indigenous word meaning 'beautiful' and the natural environment of the Mornington Peninsula became a guiding inspiration. The expansive light, the relaxing colours and the power of nature to heel is embodied in their spas, products and organic treatments.
What started as one small business is now Australia's largest day spa network with spas in over 100 locations and employing over 1000 people.
Silky Tots
Silky Tots core product, the Silk Cot Slip, was created out of necessity when founder, Nikki Bardos continually found clumps of hair in her daughter's cot after she slept. Searching for a solution, Nikki discovered that silk was the answer, as silk eliminates friction, allowing delicate skin and hair to glide across the pillow, sheet or bed surface. While silk pillowcases were already growing in popularity, the Mount Eliza Mum of two saw there was a gap in the market for babies and toddlers and set about designing a range to suit cots. Silky Tots launched in 2018 and since then, Mum's have gone crazy for them. They now produce a range of silk products including cots slips, cot sheets, silk head supports, comforters, eye masks and scrunchies and are sold in more than four countries including the UK and Asia.
Flinders Black Garlic
Flinders Black Garlic is a small, family owned and operated farm in Flinders. Set on 84 acres and accompanied by two kids and 17 alpacas, around 2 tonnes of fresh garlic is produced each year, that is then lovingly turned into their signature Black Garlic. The story began in 2013 when Nick and Jay Young traded the hustle and bustle of on inner city Melbourne for a slower paced life in picturesque Flinders. Not wanting to commute to work, they decided a career change was in order and so turned their hand to farming. After much research and crop testing, they decided garlic would suit their property and climate the best. A random conversation with friends introduced them to black garlic and so by chance, they found their niche. Organic farming principals were a priority from the start and the entire crop is planted, tended and harvested by hand to grow the highest quality, fresh Australian garlic. Once the harvested garlic has cured, they then select the best bulbs and those of trusted Victorian suppliers to begin the process of producing premium Australian black garlic.
Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove
Montalto is a family owned and operated business set on a picturesque 50 acre property including 30 acres of vines, a dedicated cellar door, restaurant, piazza cafe, flourishing market garden, olive grove, 11 secret picnic spots and sculpture park. The restaurant first opened in 2002, since being awarded 14 chef's hats in its fine dining restaurant and numerous awards for its three wine labels. In fact this unique offering has been awarded Best Winery Tourism Destination by Gourmet Traveller and given a 5-star rating by Australian wine critic and vigneron James Halliday.
Bass & Flinders
Proudly the first distillery on the Mornington Peninsula, Bass & Flinders Distillery was born in 2009 from an admiration for hand crafted, premium aged spirits through the distillation of grapes, taking inspiration from traditional French Charentaise production methods. The specially selected Victorian grapes are double distilled into a bright and fruity eau de vie or grape- based spirit in small batches using an Alembic Pot Still and are used to create a range of award winning gins, liqueurs and brandy. This spirit is a reflection of the quality and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. Second generation distiller Holly Klintworth continues the family passion to produce world class spirits that capture the essence of their home on the Mornington Peninsula. Like their namesakes, we they are committed to continually exploring the infinite possibilities to create unique small-batch, handcrafted drinks while staying true to the region through the use of local produce wherever possible.
Jimmy Rum
Jimmy Rum is the first dedicated craft rum distillery in Victoria. Following a 20 year career at sea as a marine engineer, James McPherson started a ridiculous rumour of opening a rum distillery. The idea started to grow and before he knew it he was on a trip to North America, the Caribbean and Europe to do some deep and thorough research on craft distilling. Arriving home, well and truly bitten by the craft spirits industry, he was inspired by the incredible passion the distillers had for their product and the craft.
Now, Jimmy Rum just doesn't produce great rum, they are on a mission to share with you how diverse, unique and exciting rum can be with their Australian crafted distinctive and delicious rums produced at their unique distillery located in Dromana.
Peninsula Nut Co
Marcus and Jackie Hanley started The Nut Bloke as a part time business in Gippsland in 2004. Since then a lot has changed including a move to the Mornington Peninsula to raise two young boys and a merger of their popular home made muesli, Humpercrunch, with the Nut Bloke to become one entity, Peninsula Nut Co.
Their range has also expanded to include Niugini Organics coconut oils and soaps to various health shops across Victoria, all while still traveling back to support local Gippsland markets where it all started.
Olieve & Olie
Olieve & Olie began in 2000 when Andy and Jude Steel planted 2000 olive trees on a small property, 50km west of Echuca. With perfect climate and soil conditions, the olive trees flourished and soon after their first harvest, the first batch of olive oil soap was created.
In 2010, Andy & Jude sold their grove and moved to the Mornington Peninsula where Olieve & Olie continued to grow from their home studio in St Andrews Beach. They still source the olive oil from their old grove and return every year to prune, maintaining the same quality and connection with the region.
In April 2015 their daughter, Sarah, joined the team and they moved the business into a purpose built factory in Rosebud. In 2017, son Hal joined the business and they expanded into a second factory. Winning a Gift & Life InStyle Gala Award in 2016 and a finalist in 2017, and then a finalist in the Peninsula Business Awards in 2018, Olieve & Olie is a real 'kitchen to factory' success story.
Cuvee Chocolate
In 2014, Maître Patissier, Chocolatier and Wine Connoisseur Deniz Karaca and his wife Kylie founded Cuvee Chocolate from their home kitchen, just on the fringe of the Mornington Peninsula.
Being a Master Pastry Chef, Deniz's achievements include Australian Patissier of the Year 2016, #1 Chocolatier in Australia and Asia in 2012 and 2013 and more recently he appeared as a guest chef on Masterchef Australia in 2017.
Together with a team of passionate chocolate makers, Deniz and Kylie dedicate themselves every day to making Cuvee Chocolate, Australia’s most exclusive and iconic range of chocolate designed to be paired with the finest drops of the worlds most esteemed vineyards and distilleries.
Foxeys Hangout
After two decades of owning and running award-winning Melbourne hospitality businesses, brothers Michael and Tony Lee turned their love and knowledge of fine wines into a livelihood on the Mornington Peninsula.
The brothers planted their first vineyard in 1997, at Merricks North near the iconic Peninsula road junction, Foxeys Hangout, from which the label takes its name.
The pair later assumed management of the former Massoni vineyard at Red Hill then owned by their mentor, the Australian sparkling wine pioneer Ian Home. The brothers have undertaken further plantings of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot gris in Red Hill, on a historic farming property, the home of Foxeys’ winery and cellar door. Michael is responsible for Foxeys’s sparkling winemaking and unique cellar door sparkling disgorgement program, while Tony is primarily responsible for the production of Foxeys’ still wines, as well as cooking for visitors at the cellar door kitchen.
Stumpy Gully
Frank and Wendy Zantvoort emigrated from Holland to Australia with 4 children, purchasing their first block of land on the Mornington Peninsula in 1981. Initially it was growing citrus that caught their interest, but it was viticulture that won out and the family planted its first grape vines in 1989 in Moorooduc. Further plantings nearby at 1675 Stumpy Gully Road were established during the 1990s leading to a further 25 hectares, all planted to red varieties.Today Stumpy Gully Vineyard is into its second generation of Zantvoort family winemakers and viticulturists. Three distinct blocks produce 11 varieties of wine under the Stumpy Gully name. The classic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are produced together with Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. More exotic varieties are grown, too, including Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Marsanne and, since 1998, the first Peninsula-grown Sangiovese.
Original Spirit Co
Original Spirit Co. is a family owned and operated distillery located in Somerville. Since it was established just a few years ago, their Classic Dry Gin has won three prestigious awards at the 2017 World Wine and Spirits Competition in New York including Double Gold, Best in Show Gin and Best in Show Un-Aged White Spirits. Original Spirit Co not only pride themselves on creating a wide range of international award winning premium spirits, but their latest creation, GINFUSION, allows you to create a premium cocktail with just the addition of soda water. Genius.
Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie
Husband and wife team, Ian & Leanne Neeland had a vision of creating the most popular sweet destinations in Victoria. They’ve now built three chocolaterie’s, in the Yarra Valley, on the Great Ocean Road and now, the Mornington Peninsula.
At the petite Chocolaterie in Flinders, visitors can indulge in Ian & Leanne’s love of chocolate and passion for creating memorable experiences. Watch Chocolatiers at work, discover thousands of handcrafted chocolates from signature truffles to traditional favourites, indulge in artisan gelato or delight in hot chocolates, barista coffee, best-ever brownies and Belgian waffles. You can join one of the daily tasting sessions or hands on chocolate making classes for all ages.
The care taken to create the Chocolaterie’s collection of 180 chocolates extends to where and how chocolate is sourced – every step of the process and everyone involved. That’s why the Chocolateries are proudly part of the Cocoa Horizons program that supports farmers and their communities, ensuring their cocoa is sustainably sourced. Ian and Leanne believe sustainable practices create better lives and better chocolate.
Pure Peninsula Honey
After moving to a farm on the Mornington Peninsula, Pure Peninsula Honeys’ apiarist John Winkels turned his hobby of many years into a full time business. John found 2 feral beehives, which he carefully monitored, tended to and eventually moved into boxes - this was the beginning of Pure Peninsula Honey.
With passion as a foundation, orchards in many parts of Victoria and New South Wales are regularly pollinated and honey is produced with a vast depth knowledge and experience.
Today, Pure Peninsula Honey transports bees to pollinate fruit, vegetable and seed crops as well as producing high quality cold extracted honey that is rich in flavour and goodness.
Over the course of 25 years, Pure Peninsula Honey has worked assiduously to develop products to suit everybody's needs, tastes and desires. Today, there are close to 30 different honey, wax, honeycomb and cosmetic products that you can purchase.
Commonfolk Coffee
Commonfolk is not just another cafe offering great coffee, it’s an institution on the Peninsula. Started by a group of friends, this stylish cafe in Mornington’s industrial area not only serves premium coffee and fine food, but it also gives back to the region where their coffee is sourced. Through an initiative called ‘The Cup That Counts’, 20 cents of every coffee sold goes towards funding sustainable coffee production in Uganda’s Mt Elgon region. They also assist disadvantaged youth with an initiative to help train those in the regions local social economic communities in their youth training cafe, Home Ground Cafe.
Not just good coffee, good people and you will find their coffee in cafes all over the region and across Victoria.
Ridge Estate Olive Oil
Located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, just 1hr south of Melbourne, Ridge Estate is an award winning supplier of extra virgin olive oil, kalamata olives, tapenade & tasty dukkah.
Since starting off as a small family business selling at local markets, Ridge Estate has earnt itself a fantastic reputation for quality products & good old fashion service.
Our Olive Groves produce some of the finest Extra Virgin Olive Oils available in Australia. They currently supply the general public & a large number of Caterers & fine Restaurants.
Once you have experienced their AWARD WINNING extra virgin olive oil you will never look back!
Jetty Road Brewery
As local boys, with a passion for all things craft beer and a childhood love for the Mornington Peninsula, the team combined their favourite things to create Jetty Road Brewery.
Jetty Road Brewery believe in creating an experience. Their passion for awesome local craft beer and great company has evolved into the dream of finding the best local produce and sharing it with you and all of your friends.
The boys wanted to brew an awesome, hop-driven American Pale Ale, Amber Ale and IPA plus a range of craft beers, combined with industrial brewery surroundings that includes sensational food and wine that is predominantly locally sourced.
Put together with a love of the simple and natural lifestyle, synonymous with life on the coast, Jetty Road is born and the brewery is now open.
Mornington Peninsula Brewery
What began as a discussion between neighbours during the 2008 AFL Grand Final, is now recognised as one of the best craft breweries in Australia. Mornington Peninsula Brewery is nestled in the back streets of Mornington, the Brewery Bar has a casual relaxed atmosphere where you can watch the brewers creating your favourite beer. Complemented by a rustic beer garden and a viewing mezzanine overlooking the industry of the brew house.
Together with a contemporary menu of traditional wood-fired pizzas and Mornington Peninsula wines Mornington Peninsula Brewery makes a welcoming destination for all discerning beer drinkers.
St Andrews Beach Brewery
St Andrews Beach Brewery is situated on a 38 hectare property formerly known as 'Markdel', the Freedman Brother's horse training facility where horse racing greats such as Makybe Diva, Mummify and Miss Andretti were once trained. Long time Mornington Peninsula resident and passionate brewer Darren Purchase saw a unique opportunity for the property and along with co-owner Michael Freedman and a team of business partners set about turning the former stables into a beautiful and truly unique world class brewery. The brewery's stable doors opened in 2017 and what once housed up to 80 thoroughbred horses is now home to 8,000 apple and pear cider trees growing alongside hops and a fully functioning farm and a new breed of champions in the form of some seriously good craft beer.
Dainton Brewery
The story behind Dainton Brewery is a long, but fascinating one, and we recommend you read it here at www.dainton.beer
Suffice it to say this award winning craft brewery located in Carrum Downs on the fringe of the Mornington Peninsula is churning out some incredible limited release beers such as the Maple Bacon Ice Cream cake Pancake Ale and the Mocha Chocca New England Black Rye IPA.
We’ve chosen their Blood Orange New England Rye IPA from their Core Range that was a named No.3 Rye IPA in the World by Ratebeer 2019 and No. 36 in GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beers 2018. It also picked up a Gold Medal at the 2018 Australian International Beer Awards.
Two Bays Brewery
Richard Jeffares loved craft beer until he was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2015.
On a strict gluten free diet, he couldn’t find the quality and variety of craft beer he’d fallen in love with in Australia. He feared he’d never do a tasting paddle with mates again.
On a road trip through America a year ago, Richard discovered brewers making gluten free beer that was just as good, if not better than the beers he remembered. Richard returned home inspired and launched TWØBAYS Brewing Co in 2017.
Their passion is creating modern beer using ancient grains. So everybody can explore a new world of flavour and enjoy a beer with friends – safe in the knowledge it’s always gluten free.
Red Hill Brewery
One of the first independent craft breweries on the Mornington Peninsula, Karen and David Golding established the brewery in 2005 amidst a hop garden on top of Red Hill. It was born out of a passion for amazing full flavoured brews enjoyed overseas, a love all things foodie and the lifestyle that the wonderful Mornington Peninsula offers.
Their philosophy is to brew beers that are sessionable and a pleasure to drink, even the most challenging beers which appeal to the true craft beer lover always feature balance and drinkability.
Their most sessionable beers are crafted all year round, and include Kolsch/Golden Ale, Pilsner, Wheat Beer and Scotch Ale. New from 2018 in cans is the Two Bays Pale and East Coast IPA to the permanent lineup, which is featured in our Craft Beer Sampler Hamper.
