How to Relax in Winter

There’s a lot to love about Red Hill in the winter*. A time for slowing down and going to ground. Take your lead from the grapevines, in their dormancy. You in your cosy hibernation era.

*And with 30% off stays in the Villas and the Farmhouse Sunday-to-Thursdays in July and August there’s currently even more. Use code WINTER30. Offer only applies to new bookings.

Here’s five ways to relax in Red Hill this winter:

1. Light the fire

There’s something timeless and deeply comforting about enjoying an open fire. The crackle of burning wood, the dancing flames casting flickering shadows.  It’s almost primal, the way we’re drawn in to it. The Vineyard Villas and Farmhouse are all equipped with their own fireplace. With supplies for a fire each night, begs a welcoming evening ritual. A signal to be present, of stillness and a gentle slowing down from the rush of daily life. In that moment, the world feels simpler.

2. Savour winter reds

Although we are firm believers in drinking whatever wine you feel like at any time of the year, there is something extra special about coming in from the cold to a glass of red. Be it savoury or with a little spice it just feels right. Right on cue, we’re excited to have multiple new varietals and regions to explore in the Polperro Cellar Door. Pinot Noirs from Polperro Single Vineyards here on the Mornington Peninsula to a new Tassie Pinot, along with Grenache and Sangiovese from Heathcote. Can’t make it in to the Cellar Door? Let us know which one you’re keen to try and we’ll pop it in your villa for you.

3. Unearth buried treasure

One of the true joys of winter on the Peninsula is the winter black truffle. In season from May to August, these hidden gems are a sought-after culinary ingredient. And for good reason – the heavenly aroma elevates the simplest dishes to a memorable occasion. With multiple producers on the Peninsula we’re spoilt for choice. Flinders Truffles operates truffle hunts on their expansive Flinders property. Guests have the pleasure of joining Lucy and Enzo the truffle dogs in scouring under the rows of French Oak trees. And while weekends see them open up their caravan to serve hot truffled toasties and more, mid-week visitors to the peninsula will find their truffles punctuating the best menus in town.

4. Slow down with yin yoga

Jane Hone from Hut Yoga & Wellness describes how the depths of winter is the perfect time to reacquaint ourselves with the practice of yin yoga.

“In Taoism, the philosophy that underpins traditional Chinese medicine, winter is seen as the most yin time of the year — meaning that it’s a time for greater stillness, softness and introspection. Taoism tells us that wellbeing comes from harmonising ourselves with the seasons: when plants contract and animals hibernate, so too should we slow down (after all, we were never designed to run at full pelt all year) … To practise yin yoga is to give yourself permission to pause and become soft and still. It’s a journey of yielding, surrendering and relinquishing control.”

In other words, the ideal time to indulge in a slower-paced and meditative class, emphasising the use of breath and relaxation.

5. Take a walk on the mild side

Winter is the season for a restorative forest walk. Just a stone’s throw from Polperro’s luxury accommodation is the Red Hill Merricks Rail Trail. Once upon a time this was the old railway line that used to carry fresh apples from Red Hill and Merricks on to Hastings where they were sent on to the markets of Melbourne. Now it’s a pretty trail with views over Western Port to Phillip Island. It’s down hill from Red Hill to Merricks, so be sure to stop by Merricks General Store for coffee and brunch to refuel for the trip back up the hill!