Merricks North: Wine, Tastings and Sculptures

In Merricks North, wine, tasting experiences and the sculptural landscape of Elgee Park each shape a different aspect of a stay. For your planning, it is important to note the conditions for each: walk-in wine tastings are available alongside an experience that requires a booking, while group requests at Elgee Park are considered individually.

Wine and a Hotel in Merricks North

Since 2018, only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have been grown at the 11-hectare LL Vineyard in Merricks North. Focusing on these two grape varieties gives local wine production a clearly defined emphasis.

Jackalope is a hotel and winery in Merricks North. The property includes 44 rooms, a 30-metre infinity pool, two restaurants and a cocktail bar. Facilities and availability may change; check the current information before booking.

Tastings and Experiences

Jackalope’s Cellar Door offers three wine tastings featuring Single Vineyard and Rare Hare wines. One includes a one-hour walk through the vines and the chance to blend your own wine. The Essential Wine Tasting at the Rare Hare Wines Cellar Door features selected current wines and lasts 15 to 20 minutes; groups of fewer than eight people do not need to book. For planning purposes, the options include a 15-to-20-minute tasting and another that includes a one-hour vineyard walk.

The experience at Jackalope’s LL Vineyard and winery combines a behind-the-scenes look with wine tastings and a subsequent lunch at Rare Hare. It takes place daily at 11 am and requires a booking.

The Rare Hare Wines Cellar Door offers wine tastings without advance booking, seven days a week from 11 am to 5 pm. Times and availability may change, so check the current information before your visit.

Sculptures and Access

More than 60 sculptures by renowned and emerging artists stand on the grounds of Elgee Park in Merricks North, among vines, gardens and buildings. The works are integrated into the property’s landscape and provide a cultural accent alongside its wine offerings.

Access to the grounds is restricted. Community tours and experiences for art and education groups are available by request; each request is considered individually. If you are planning this kind of visit, enquire in advance rather than expecting spontaneous access.

Local Cider Production

Another local product is Seven Oaks Farmhouse Cider. The family business in Merricks North grows English and French apple varieties for cider and makes both single-variety and blended ciders. The business is not open to the public and is therefore not a public visitor destination.

Discover more destinations: Balnarring, Newhaven, Spotswood, Milawa, Humevale, Great Western, Pyalong, Cocamba

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.