I dusted a few specks of soil from the ripe crimson strawberry and took a bite. Aah, so this is what these luscious fruits are supposed to taste like. In comparison to those anemic bulbs in the supermarket, this berry was about ten notches ahead on the flavour scale. It was rosy, sweet and juicy. It was also freshly picked by my own hand.

I was visiting the Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm in the Mornington Peninsula, an hour's drive from Melbourne. Ambling along the neat rows of strawberry vines, bending down ever so often to pick out a particularly red berry, I was astounded by nature. The kids on the fruit hunt with me were shrieking with glee. It was probably the first time they had discovered that fruit came from the ground rather than from a store shelf.

From the soil to your plate
The Mornington Peninsula is a gourmet farmer's market. It offers one of my favourite foodie trails in the country with seaside wineries and exceptional quality produce. It's not often that you can enjoy vineyards with a view of the beach. Perhaps it's the fresh ocean breezes that give the grapes here a flavourful advantage. This is the home of top-class pinot and chardonnay, with a generous selection of other varietals also on offer.

Follow the Mornington Peninsula Wine trail and you'll stock up with superb quality wines for the next decade. We popped into Crittenden Estate for a taste. This may be the largest winery in the region but with only 11 acres under vine, this is truly a boutique wine label. It's a good idea to grab the bottles at the cellar door as most of the estates only sell to restaurants or independent retail outlets. Crittenden boasts specialty varietals such as its Spanish Los Hermanos range and has an affordable Gepetto blend, produced by Rollo and Zoe, children of the owner.

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Blissful weddings
Crittenden as well as most of the other Mornington wineries are this year's hot wedding venues. With such superb scenery, it's no wonder that the weekend of our visit was packed out with happy couples in white. We giggled at a ute decorated with white bridal ribbon - a local farmer's idea of stylish wedding transport.

Continuing with the romantic theme, one of the more popular proposal spots is the private picnic area at Montalto Cellar Door. Here a silver service feast is set up on the lush green lawns to create a perfect atmosphere for a "yes". Since it was raining when we visited, we snacked on wood fired pizzas and admired the outdoor sculptures from behind the floor-to-ceiling windows.

No supermarket necessary
Mornington Peninsula is big on its fresh-from-the-farm produce. If I lived in the area, there would be no need to go to the grocery store.

Learn how to make cheese
I would start my weekly shop at Red Hill Cheese to choose from over 20 of the creamiest goat and dairy cheeses manufactured on the property. Unlike most cheese found in supermarket fridges, these ones are made from vegetable rather than icky animal rennet. I may even stop a little longer to participate in a workshop so I can learn to make my own cheese. To help your decision process, tastings are available on site at $5 per platter.

I would then stop off at Mornington Peninsula Chocolates where my tastebuds would go into a spin as I sample the delectable treats on offer. There are shiny glazed raspberry ganache and rich dark chocolate truffles. The talented chocolatiers also make astounding animals and other edible sculptures out of chocolate.

Pause for lunch
Veggies direct from the farm and other deli goodies are available at Merricks General Store. Three local wineries took joint ownership of this cosy, old-fashioned eatery. Here, you can taste a variety of wines and enjoy a light lunch.

Even my beers would be locally brewed. Red Hill Brewery is the only micro-brewery in Australia to grow its own hops. They make European style ales rather than lighter lagers, making their beer a more sophisticated mouthful. They have a few styles on tap to taste and you can also buy cases to take home. My favourite was the Belgian Blonde which was far more flavoursome than the local mass manufactured drinks. We had a quick tour of the small but very scientific brewery and then enjoyed some Belgium nibbles in the bustling cafe. Red Hill holds beer appreciation and comparison sessions for hopheads on the first Sunday of each month.

Memorable Manor
My last stop would be a place where I can offload my parcels and relax. There is a multitude of accommodation on offer in the Mornington district. I decided to try the unique Gynt Manor estate. This is an old castle that has been restored into a glorious boutique manor. The owners, flamboyant hairdresser Demetri Sideropoulos and his tranquil wife Lila have already attracted the attention of TV. SBS have filmed a documentary called Demetri's Castle which tracks the property's refurbishment process.

The Manor was built in 1922, changed hands over decades and grew dilapidated over time. Greece-born Demetri rescued the historical villa and bought the castle for over $4-million at the end of 2007. He and his wife have infused the decor with a mish-mash of antiques and over-the-top furnishings that they have collected over the years.

Suites for royalty
Gynt Manor has six suites, all with their own eclectic flavour. I stayed in the Tower suite which has a glass ceiling over the bed with an automatic blind that blocks off the sky. I felt like Rapunzel peering out onto the perfectly manicured gardens from the upper-most windows. My room had an outdoor spa and a view of the ocean. Demetri confided that guests staying in the Tower suite don't come out for days. With the sound of the sea and all the luxurious pampering products, I can understand why.

Passionate Demetri comes with the package. If you're the type who likes anonymous hotel rooms, then this place is not for you. Glynt Manor is overflowing with drama, generous hospitality and comfort. It's priced a little too high in my opinion (ranging from $550 to $900 for the top room per night) but you're paying for a unique experience.

My time in the Mornington Peninsula was nearing a close. There was still so much to see and heaps more fresh food to try. Even though my bags were full of local food and wine, I had only taken a bite of the gourmet pantry. I'll have to keep some space for my next visit.

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PLAN A TRIP TO MORNINGTON PENINSULA HOW TO GET THERE A number of different airlines fly to Melbourne. From Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is a short hour's drive away. There are also trains and buses to the region from central Melbourne. You can hire a car through DriveNow.com.au - your one-stop-shop for the most competitive rates on last minute and year-round car and campervan rental. WHERE TO STAY Glynt Manor A refined yet cosy atmosphere, luxury and opulence in every detail, hosts Demetri and Lila Sideropoulos have captured the essence of European charm and are at your disposal to make your stay unforgettable. For more info, visit Glynt Manor. Lindenderry at Red Hill Lindenderry at Red Hill is one of Victoria's premier country house hotels. Built in the style of the finest European properties, it's like having your own country house (but staffed). Set amongst 30 acres of manicured gardens and vineyard, Lindenderry provides guests with an intimate and relaxed break, with private areas both indoor and out, offering time for reflection and relaxation. For more details, visit the Lindenderry at Red Hill website. MORE INFORMATION Only an hour's drive from Melbourne, this is a place where fine regional cuisine is served up with a sea breeze, where a scenic country walk can be made from one cellar door to the next, and where a challenging day of golf can finish with a soothing massage at an indulgent day spa. At the Mornington Peninsula, you'll also be spoiled for choice with stylish accommodation options ranging from elegant country houses and boutique hotels with-a-view, to rustic retreats and luxurious resorts. For more details, visit the Tourism Victoria website.