Mornington Peninsula’s First Chenin Blanc

Last week in the Australian Financial Review magazine, Max Allen wrote, “The newest white wine from Mornington Peninsula winery Polperro isn’t, as you might expect, a chardonnay or pinot gris, the two white grapes that dominate in this cool Victorian region. It’s a chenin blanc.”

Seeing untapped potential in the Peninsula’s cool coastal vineyards, Founder/Winemaker Sam Coverdale has set out to establish Chenin Blanc — a variety not seen in the region — and in doing so, is helping redefine what Mornington Peninsula wines can be.

As Allen’s article explores, Chenin Blanc has been planted in Australia since the 19th century but was predominantly a “workhorse”, blended in wines from big commercial brands. Over the last decade it’s begun to be championed as a single varietal by “smaller, quality-minded winemakers”. 

The Polperro Chenin Blanc 2024 release is something of a first on the Peninsula. Planted at our Merricks vineyard, 90 metres above sea level. This site comprises two blocks: a north facing block and west facing. The West-facing block, home to the Chenin Blanc, is what Sam has nicknamed our “climate change proofing” block.

As Sam explains of the grape’s resilience, “It does well in the cooler years and in the hotter years. And with the warming climate seeing more hot years on the Peninsula, I feel chenin’s got a good future here.”

WINE CLUB EXCLUSIVE  /

With our first release Chenin Blanc 2024 now almost sold out, the remaining allocation is available exclusively for Polperro Wine Club – Cellar Curator and Vineyard Circle members. Not a member yet? Find out more at the link below.

And stay tuned for the Polperro Chenin Blanc 2025 due for release later in the year.