History

Mornington Peninsula has long been regarded as Melbourne's holiday playground. Over the past decade it has also developed an international reputation as a cool climate area producing exceptional wines and more recently world class restaurants, reiterating to the national and international tourism market that the Mornington Peninsula is a ''must do'' experience. Max's at Red Hill Estate enjoys an enviable position as the pioneer of winery restaurants, with the added draw card of a premier scenic location. With rolling slopes of precision planted vines, a backdrop of sparkling Westernport Bay and Phillip Island on the horizon, the breathtaking view provides a panoramic vista unique to Max's.

Red Hill Estate's ''winery restaurant'' was opened to the public in 1993 with the offering of light snacks to accompany wine tasting. This proved popular but not sufficient for the tourist population that the Peninsula was beginning to attract, so in 1994 a 100 seat restaurant extension was built to compliment the winery and surroundings. Max Paganoni took over the running of the restaurant giving it an identity and naming it 'Max's at Red Hill Estate', with a vision of building a tourism focused business based on a commitment to providing innovative quality fare that would complement the Red Hill Estate wines, local seasonal produce and the beautiful surrounds. Thus began the first winery restaurant (and still one of the leading winery restaurants) on the Mornington Peninsula. Max's commitment to quality also extends to his staff, some of whom have been with him from the start.

Attracting national and international visitors almost daily, 16 years from when his vision began, Max is now enjoying the fruits of his labour. It is not uncommon to see visitors from interstate, United States, Europe and Asia dining in the restaurant, along with frequent enquiries from people living abroad wishing to make the journey to get married at Max's. Not only are these visitors drawn from such a distance for a first time visit, but Max's also regularly welcomes return visitors from interstate and abroad.

With commitment to service, a total food and wine experience and the most spectacular views on the Mornington Peninsula, Max's at Red Hill Estate, according to our visitors, is a journey worth taking.