I think I’ve died and gone to heaven and its name is Gigi’s Piazza.
The Arrival
Tucked away on the Mornington Peninsula, a trudge along the dusty cobblestone road, we barely notice the entrance to Red Hil Estate. But once I turn that corner into this charmingly beautiful property, I feel like I’ve been whisked away to an Italian paradise. .The distance from home may be just an hour, yet the experience feels a million miles away.
The Restaurant & Design
Inside Red Hill estate sits a humble yet sophisticated restaurant. A gorgeous rustic farmhouse eatery, effortlessly blends a mix of warmth and cosiness with elegant refinement. Staff are graceful and attentive, and open for a chat. The result makes me so relaxed, Ive surrendered to any external worries before even a sip of wine.
In a true Italian fashion, everything is to share, enjoy and celebrate. The wafty aroma of woodfire bread makes my stomach fluttering with excitement. For starters, think olives, oozy burrata and every type of salumi under the sun (remember the little piggy who went to market and never came home? Clearly they ended up here) .
Venture further forward is a serious piece of slow cooked beef that melts on my fork with just the tiniest slither. aturally, it’s paired with wines from the estate’s cool-climate vineyard. A single-vineyard Pinot Noir is elegant and soft, perfectly complementing each bite. And a quick PSA, it’s cellar-door only. You won’t be spotting this one at Dan’s.
The Menu – Fields of Green
It would be remiss to speak only of the food and wine. The entire venue that captures attention and delights the senses. Acres of lush greenery unfold into a a quietly serene field with rows of blossoming vines. I take the opportunity to wander into the forest, hear the birds chirp, my foot crunching on the crisp leaves and wind softly blowing in my hair.
Pause. Breathe.
This is an experience that not only satisfies my belly, it nourishes my soul.
The Piazza
I head back to the open air-piazza where flowing tables outside soaking up with magnificent sunshine. Gorgeous umbrellas protect from the mid arvo heat while retaining that golden glow. And lucky to choose the right hour, we are fortunate to hear acoustic live music, adding to the atmosphere. All this, coupled with a clear blue sky, is a postcard vsion imprinted in my mind, as if I’m in a different world. It truly is a picture of perfection.
If I die and go to heaven, Red Hill estate would be it.
What We’re Addicted to: Everything! The food, the wine, the view. Hard to pick just one element.
What We need to be more Addicted: The restaurant, piazza and greenery are flawless. Its Melbourne’s notorious inconsistent weather thats the issue.
Red Hill Estate -1208 Mornington-Flinders Road, Main Ridge VIC 3928, Australia
Cellar Door & General Visit: Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 5 pm
Restaurant Lunch: Thursday – Monday, 11:30 am – 3 pm
Saturday Dinner: from 5 pm (kitchen closes ~8 pm)