Mornington Peninsula
Over the past fifty years, the Mornington Peninsula has become one of Australia’s most exciting and respected wine regions. Today, it stands alongside the great cool-climate areas of the world, crafting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of exceptional quality and character.
At Ocean Eight, we are proud to have played a part in the Peninsula’s success story.
The Beginning
Just half a century ago, the Mornington Peninsula was better known for its apple and cherry orchards than its vineyards. The region’s rich volcanic soils and cool maritime climate made it ideal for farming — but few had yet imagined its potential for fine wine.
Early pioneers like Main Ridge Estate, Stonier, Moorooduc Estate, and Crittenden were among the first to plant vines and test the limits of the region. While bold reds such as Shiraz and Cabernet struggled to ripen, Nat White of Main Ridge Estate discovered something extraordinary: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrived here.
The delicate balance of climate, altitude, and varied soils made the Mornington Peninsula one of the rare places outside of Burgundy where Pinot Noir could reach true elegance and expression. It was the beginning of a new era for the region — and the beginning of our story.
The Aylward Family
In 1995, Chris and Gail Aylward fell in love with the Mornington Peninsula. Drawn by its proximity to Melbourne and its growing reputation for quality wines, they purchased a 50-acre property in Red Hill with three acres of existing vines. The site was incredibly cool and windswept — with red volcanic clay soils and breezes straight off Bass Strait.
The site was too cold for Pinot Noir, so they converted the vines to Pinot Gris, one of the few varieties that could thrive under such conditions. Undeterred, the Aylwards began searching for a site perfectly suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, engaging soil scientists and viticulturist Sandro Mosele to help identify the best terroir on the Peninsula.
Their search led them to a 100-acre property between Merricks and Moorooduc, where sandy loam soils offered ideal conditions for delicate, balanced fruit. Seventy acres were planted, each clone and block carefully chosen to match the landscape. It was one of the most ambitious and forward-thinking vineyard projects in the region at the time.
A New Generation
During this time, Chris and Gail’s son Michael (Mike) Aylward began to show his own interest in wine. While studying Cell Biology and Genetics at Melbourne University, Mike worked part-time at Kooyong, quickly developing a passion for viticulture and winemaking.
Under the guidance of the Kooyong team — and with the mentorship of Melbourne sommelier Grant van Every — Mike honed his palate and deepened his understanding of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The first Kooyong wines, produced in 1999, received national acclaim — with the Chardonnay awarded Best Chardonnay in Australia by critic Huon Hooke. Kooyong became one of the Peninsula’s most respected names, and in 2004, the Aylward family sold the brand to Port Phillip Estate, allowing Mike to pursue his own vision for the future.
The Birth of Ocean Eight
Following the sale, Mike returned to manage the original vineyard at Red Hill, producing small batches of Pinot Gris. Around the same time, Kathleen Quealy and Kevin McCarthy of T’Gallant were finding great success with the same variety, particularly as Australian cuisine evolved to embrace the flavours of ginger, lemongrass, and chilli.
Mike’s Pinot Gris was immediately recognised as one of the best in Australia, quickly growing from just 200 dozen to 3,000 cases. A new brand was born: Ocean Eight.
With growing experience and renewed ambition, the Aylwards purchased a 27-acre vineyard in Tuerong, home to sandy loam soils where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrived. Here, they added Sparkling Wine to their repertoire and began a new chapter in Mornington Peninsula winemaking.
Craft and Collaboration
At this pivotal moment, Mike was joined by Luke O’Connor, a close friend and former colleague from Kooyong, as Head Viticulturist. Together, Mike and Luke built a partnership founded on precision, respect for the land, and an unwavering focus on quality.
Their meticulous approach to vineyard management and small-batch winemaking has allowed Ocean Eight to produce wines of balance, depth, and site expression — wines that truly capture the essence of the Mornington Peninsula.
Today
Now over 21 years on, Ocean Eight stands among the Peninsula’s most respected producers. Mike continues to refine his craft, drawing inspiration from the great domaines of Burgundy and Alsace, while staying true to his own regional vision.
Every bottle of Ocean Eight — from the Aylward Reserve Pinot Noir to the Verve Chardonnay — reflects the land’s unique character, the science of farming, and the art of winemaking.
This is the story of passion, patience, and place — a family legacy that continues to define the next chapter of the Mornington Peninsula.
Visit Ocean Eight
Experience our wines where they’re made.
Cellar Door: Friday & Saturday 12–5pm | Sunday 12–3pm
