Overview
It's been over 18 months since Main Ridge winery Ten Minutes by Tractor had its fine dining restaurant gutted by a fire, mid-service. But now, the Mornington Peninsula stalwart has thrown open its doors once again.
Months of extensive repairs and revamps have delivered an entirely refreshed space, complete with brand-new open kitchen, private dining room, six-seat chef's table, al fresco terrace and a bar in the original cellar door. All of it has been built within the property's original apple orchard cottage from the 30s. It's a vision of stone, timber and olive green banquette seating by COX Architects, with a new restaurant bar also making its home within the former cellar door space. A new cellar door and wine gallery space will follow suit, to open in early December.
Heading up the reimagined kitchen is Executive Chef Adam Sanderson, who counts stints at the likes of The Fat Duck, Gary Rhodes, Cutler & Co and Noma on his resume. Here, top Mornington Peninsula ingredients have inspired a series of contemporary a la carte menus, along with a five- and eight-course degustation offering. Some of the produce used is sourced from as close as the property's own kitchen garden.
Next time you visit the award-winning restaurant, you'll find yourself sitting down to the likes of slow-cooked Bundarra pork belly and loin teamed with elderflower, smoked eel and green mizuna (Japanese mustard greens), kangaroo in pastry with caramelised cauliflower and a dessert matching fresh peas, compressed cucumber and buttermilk ice cream.
As a winery restaurant, you can be sure the vinous offering is just as exciting, heroing not just homegrown drops, but lots of other leading cool climate wines from around the world. The new cellar door will also host a range of tasting experiences, and vineyard tours will prove the perfect option for anyone needing to walk off a big lunch.
Find Ten Minutes by Tractor at 1333 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Main Ridge.
Images: Jason Loucas