Take a road trip to immerse yourself in the world of one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most creative wineries, situated amongst lush green hills and kissed by a sweet sea breeze. Seated among the barrels, tastings at Quealy Winemakers invite visitors to explore cool climate, single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio as well as lesser-known varieties such as Friulano, Moscato Giallo and Malvasia Istriana.
Founded by Katheen Quealy and Kevin McCarthy in 2006, Quealy Winemakers has swiftly gained a notable reputation for an innovative, thoughtful, and precise approach to winemaking. Tastings are held in a small, unassuming extension to the winery – where all Quealy wines are produced on-site – and offer wine enthusiasts and newcomers alike the opportunity to soak up the family’s deep viticultural history and knowledge, while enjoying gorgeous views over the vineyards. Visit during the week and discover the winemakers at work, ready to take visitors on an insider’s journey of the Quealy home vineyard.
Just like the winemaking process, tastings are not to be rushed. Offered to groups of up to six people, guests are encouraged to explore the entire range in-depth, including the opportunity to sample what Quealy is best known for; single vineyard Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio, as well as a wide range of Skin Contact and Sparkling wines. For those looking for a bite to eat, a selection of cheese plates are on offer to pair perfectly with each tasting. For $36 between two or $72 between four, simply choose your favourite wine from the tasting to enjoy by the glass or bottle and sip away while soaking in the ambience and views over the vineyards.
Leading the team at Quealy is Head Winemaker and son of Kevin and Kathleen, Tom McCarthy. After spending several vintages working abroad in the wine regions of Alsace and Burgundy in France, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy, Tom is now ready to impart his knowledge with guests at Quealy. He brings a belief in viticulture and the quality it brings to wine to every step of the process, making for a seamless connection to winemaking which results in an eclectic range of styles across the portfolio.
“Quealy has a proud history of premium site selection and the privilege of working with these vineyards gives both the viticulture and winemaking an uncompromising focus. No aspect of winemaking is more or less important than the other,” says Tom McCarthy, Quealy Winemakers.
The home vineyard in Balnarring was planted in 1982 and houses the oldest Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Reisling vines on the Mornington Peninsula. Here, you will also find the aromatic varieties of Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Moscato
Giallo, and Malvasia, used to make Quealy’s skin contact wines. In addition to the home site, Quealy also oversee five vineyards in the nearby subregions of Balnarring, Merricks North, Red Hill and Main Ridge.
Quealy’s home vineyard in Balnarring has been proudly certified organic since 2019, eradicating systemic sprays and investing in new machinery; a four year process that has allowed for a closer relationship with the soil in which the vines are planted. With organic comes a heightened concentration in the health of the soil, providing careful consideration to the planting process, biodiversity in the vineyard, and ultimately how the fruit is grown.
The Quealy Cellar Door welcomes guests and wine-enthusiasts alike to be taken on a journey of discovery and exploration. Grounded in quality and history, from vineyard to glass, this destination is a must visit on your next Mornington Peninsula road trip.
Quealy Winemakers Cellar Door
Located at 62 Bittern-Dromana Road, Balnarring, Victoria. Open 7 days, 9am – 5pm.
Book a tasting or purchase Quealy wines online via the website. Walk-ins are also welcome.
