The Mornington Peninsula Gets a Little More Italian: Gigi’s Piazza Arrives at Red Hill Estate
If you’ve ever dreamed of whiling away an afternoon in Tuscany but only have time for a drive down the Peninsula, Red Hill Estate might just have your solution. The winery has opened Gigi’s Piazza, a new outdoor dining space designed for the kind of long, lazy lunches that Italy has perfected over centuries.
Forget white tablecloths and stiff service. This is relaxed, sun-dappled dining at its best, spread across the lawn beside the Estate’s glass-walled Conservatory. The team has created something that feels more like a family gathering than a formal meal. Think wooden tables, picnic rugs, clinking glasses, and a gentle breeze rolling in from the vines.
The kitchen in the nearby cottage sends out the kind of Italian comfort food that would make any Nonna nod approvingly. Expect crisp arancini, generous plates of antipasto, bubbling lasagne, focaccia still warm from the oven, open calzones, pastas, salads and the all-important tiramisu. It’s the kind of menu built for sharing, conversation, and second helpings.
Naturally, Red Hill Estate wines take centre stage. The rosé and pinot noir flow freely, the chardonnay is a crowd favourite, and the new sparkling Blanc de Blancs offers an excuse to celebrate anything at all. For those feeling less boozy, there’s a line-up of non-alcoholic spritzes and a Limoncello Spritz by the carafe that practically insists on being ordered.
General Manager Dominic Fabrizio says Gigi’s Piazza was created to channel the Italian philosophy of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. “No one does long lunches better than the Italians,” he explains. “It’s about slowing down, being outdoors, and sharing food with the people you love.”
That sense of ease carries through every detail. QR codes make ordering from your table effortless, and there are lawn games like giant Jenga and Hoopla to keep things light-hearted. Dogs are welcome too, so your four-legged mate can bask in the good life right alongside you.
The space can accommodate up to 120 people and works beautifully for couples, groups or families looking to spend a few unhurried hours in the sunshine. As with all things outdoors, it’s at the mercy of Melbourne's weather rain and high winds will see it temporarily closed but on a fine day, there’s no booking required. Simply turn up, find a spot, and let the day unfold.
Red Hill Estate has long been a favourite for its rolling vineyards and sweeping views across Western Port Bay. Gigi’s Piazza adds another layer of charm. A place to drop in, kick back and pretend, if only for an afternoon, that you’ve been whisked off to Italy.
If you’ve ever dreamed of whiling away an afternoon in Tuscany but only have time for a drive down the Peninsula, Red Hill Estate might just have your solution. The winery has opened Gigi’s Piazza, a new outdoor dining space designed for the kind of long, lazy lunches that Italy has perfected over centuries.
