There’s something simply magical about venues that let their beautiful, natural outdoor settings do the shining and set the scene for everything else. We adore the relaxed elegance of Montalto, and that its restaurant sits in harmony with its surroundings. With its floor to ceiling windows, it really takes advantage of its stunning views over the vines, olive grove, sculptures, lakes and wetlands… oh, and there’s even a little bit of ocean in there! It’s also amongst these landscapes where couples can choose a spot to exchange vows and have their photos taken, while guests relax with a glass of one of the Estate’s wines. Heavenly! Today, we’re chatting to Anna Shergold of Montalto about how special this venue is and why bridal couples love saying ‘I do’ there.

Where is Montalto situated?
In beautiful Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Please describe Montalto – does the Estate include a winery and olive grove?
Montalto Estate includes the vineyards and olives groves.

Is your olive oil produced from your own olive trees?
Yes, the trees are used to produce the olive oil which includes basil, lemon infused and also Limited Edition Extra virgin.

Image: Georgia Verrells

What wines are you known for? How would you describe your favourites of the wines you produce?
Being on the Mornington Peninsula we are a cool climate maritime estate. We are best known for our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. I am definitely a lover of Chardonnay. This is makes me a very lucky girl as Montalto produces at least four Chardonnays. My favourite would have to be ‘The Tuerong’ Chardonnay. Full of zesty citrus with intense flavours that just keep giving.

Are we able to buy these online?
Absolutely! The wines and olive oils are all available on-line via our website.

Your Sculpture Park is a feature of the property. How do the sculptures enhance and showcase the property?
Sculpture is an integral part of life at Montalto and a highlight of any visit to the estate. Our Sculpture trail includes 30+ permanent collections. It winds its way through the property and the beautiful natural gallery provides diverse settings for our pieces. You might find monumental works sited in open spaces through to more intimate pieces amongst the wetlands and vines.

Images: Georgia Verrells

Please describe Montalto restaurant. What do you consider makes it so attractive as a wedding venue?
With floor to ceiling windows throughout, the restaurant is the perfect place to hold your Wedding reception any time of year. It overlooks the estate with breathtaking views that change depending on the season.  Our food and wine offerings are second to none!

Do you offer alternative smaller spaces for small gatherings?
We also have our private dining room in the restaurant which holds up to 30 guests. It’s the perfect space for a more intimate wedding where the connecting deck is the perfect place for your ceremony and pre-dinner drinks and canapés.

You offer a wonderful menu with dishes including duck, spanner crab and much more. Where do you source your produce and how often does the menu change?
Our menu can change weekly, even daily depending on what’s available from Wendy’s kitchen garden. This produce is an integral part of the restaurant and what we offer on a daily basis.

Image: Adrian Tuazon Photography

Does the chef have a dish that he can recommend and that guests keep asking for?
This would definitely be the pork jowl and pickled rhubarb dish that is on at the moment.

If we are booking our reception with you for Winter 2020 for example, how can we be assured of availability of dishes that we love – do you offer menu tastings to the couple?
We do not offer menu tastings but our wedding menus certainly change, depending on the season.

Are you able to advise on wine matching with each course?
We would love to be able to offer guests advice on the best wine match for their chosen menu.

Images: Katie Harmsworth

What attracts couples to Montalto to have their wedding on the Estate?
Guests can’t go past the breathtaking views when they arrive on the estate. No matter where you are, there’s a view. With the opportunity to have both the ceremony and reception in one place it’s not only convenient but a stunning option.


You have a wedding team to assist couples. What are the elements you offer that are unique to your venue?
With several locations to hold your ceremony it’s simply a matter of which one you fall in love with more.

We are happy to arrange meetings with guests as often as required and always available by phone & email. We can recommend the perfect photographer/ celebrant / florist and also assist with arbours and styling if required.

Image: Dan Brannan Photography

A lot of us don’t have a clear idea on how to style our wedding. Are you able to offer fresh ideas to help us with this?
We work with several florists who have made our spaces look amazing dependent on what criteria the guests are after.  We are always happy to see what the guests envisages and help them reach this goal.

Do you coordinate every vendor and detail for the couple?
If couples are happy for us to coordinate the vendors we will.

For out of town wedding guests are you able to recommend accommodation nearby?
We have several properties within a 10-minute radius where we would recommend accommodation.


Images: Adrian Tuazon Photography

What inspires you and the team at Montalto everyday to strive to showcase this lovely venue and all that the Estate has to offer?
With breathtaking views, various ceremony options, stunning food and delectable wine, why wouldn’t you want to get married here?

Any hidden secrets at Red Hill you can recommend?
From to the numerous wineries, breweries, distilleries and the coastal town of Flinders that is only 10 minutes away. There’s so much to do if you have the time. You’ll certainly need to stay in one of the many stunning accommodation options available for both intimate and larger groups.

Image: Adrian Tuazon Photography

Thank you, Anna, for inviting us into the world of Montalto! It’s evident that your venue really cares about its bridal couples and making sure their special days run smoothly. Your food and wine also sounds extremely delicious! No wonder you create such memorable events. To find out more about this superb Red Hill venue, head on over to the Montalto website.

Image in banner: Karon Photography