POINT LEO ESTATE
UNIQUE CARS HAS arranged photoshoots in some interesting locations over the years and we have to say that Point Leo Estate is definitely one for the record books. Located on the Mornington Peninsula, overlooking Western Port Bay, the estate combines a cellar door, two restaurants and a sculpture park on a truly grand scale.
Ian G, who was kind enough to open up the place for us, provided a little background. “Point Leo Estate is a 135-hectare private estate that opened in October 2017. There are two restaurants, Point Leo Estate Restaurant, which has received in its first year one hat from The Age Good Food Guide. The second, Laura, which offers a tasting menu, received two hats.
"Just recently Point Leo Estate was voted the number one restaurant in Victoria by Delicious magazine. It’s an incredible achievement in such a short period of time. In early 2019, Laura will become a member of the prestigious Relais et Chateaux chain.
“Phil Wood, the Culinary Director, used to work alongside Neil Perry of Rockpool and Eleven Bridge restaurant in Sydney,” says Ian.
“The estate has been featured in multiple art magazines from around the globe and is now recognised as one of the most significant sculpture parks in the world. To be able to see Western Port Bay and Phillip Island beyond the sculptures and vineyards is exceptional.
“There is also a wine terrace where people can sit and enjoy lunch or a snack with a glass of wine, a wine tasting area, and soon there will be a dedicated event space.”
The estate has chosen not to offer accommodation, as
there are many options in the area.
So what’s the story behind the art? “My parents have been collecting sculptures for decades. They absolutely adore the arts, as do my wife and I. The overall development is the culmination of what they hoped to create for many decades, and it is truly exceptional. There are in excess of 50 major sculptures, a mix of predominantly Australian sculptors, with a smattering of renowned overseas sculptors as well, including Jaume Plens from Spain.
“All of the pieces have been selected by my parents, together with park curator Geoffrey Edwards, who has also helped with the landscaping so, whereever you stand, you can actually see almost every sculpture in its entirety. It is a very smart layout.
“The park is ever evolving and they have three new works planned to be installed by the end of the year, which is very exciting.”
And the wines? “The wines that are produced here are exceptional, and all cool climate varieties including Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. You must come and try them!
“This year my parents produced a Rosé for the first time. It’s unlike any Rosé I’ve tasted in Australia. It is done in the French style, so it is very pale and dry. There were only 3000 bottles made and the whole lot has effectively been sold to the Point Leo Estate Wine Club.
“The property was purchased some 24 years ago and the vines were planted shortly after. This incredible project has been in preparation for decades.”