Local pride pours into Pinot Noir Challenge

Key points

• Mornington Peninsula producers collected five gold, 12 silver and 31 bronze medals at the ninth Australian Pinot Noir Challenge. The competition drew 319 entries from 20 regions across Australia.
• Merli Pinot Noir, made by Jonathan and David Merli, claimed the Mornington Peninsula Regional Trophy. Judging was held in Flinders in late September, led by Tom Carson of Yabby Lake and supported by volunteer stewards from local wineries.
• The Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association organises the event, which also highlights the region's 1,346 tonnes of Pinot Noir grapes crushed in 2025.