Foxeys Hangout, a humble winery tucked away in Red Hill, is the quintessential spot to pop by on the Mornington Peninsula for a couple of drinks and a casual lunch. Stepping into the rectangular timber and glass building, with spectacular views over the vines, invokes the feelings of warmth and ease that you get when visiting a familiar friend’s house. A friend who generously tops up your wine glass, keeps the fire toasty and offers you a cosy blanket, and who serves simple, satisfying snacks - the combination of which makes it hard to ever want to leave.
While Foxeys Hangout is a winery first, with the cellar door open for wine tastings every day, the open kitchen which takes up a large portion of the otherwise pint sized restaurant, is where the action is every Friday to Monday for lunch service. The large island bench is covered in a chaotic mess of torn bread, vegetables in various receptacles, avocado halves and random bunches of grapes; an abstract still life if you will. It is worth planning your visit to Foxeys to coincide with the kitchen opening hours as not only are there some moreish morsels on offer, it is also bemusing to watch the workings of the laidback chefs as they nonchalantly move between well-used chopping boards and frying pans, while chatting the afternoon away.
It’s a family affair at Foxeys Hangout, where winemaker brothers Michael and Tony Lee are championing sustainable vineyards and biodynamic practices. Foxeys Hangout proudly serves its own wines, and its own wines only. And it would be a shame not to, when Michael and Tony have put decades of dedicated work into practising organic farming and sustainability methods, resulting in Foxeys winery gaining biodynamic certification by Australian Certified Organic.
The most efficient way to get acquainted with Foxeys’ wines, is to go for one (or more) of the wine flights. For just $16, the white wine flight which includes a 50ml pour of each of Foxeys’ 2021 Pinot Gris, 2021 Chardonnay and 2020 Field Blend, is not only great value, but a jovial way to kickstart the day.
The supporting act to the wine, Foxeys’ food is served as share-style plates, from a simple menu. What sets Foxeys apart is the excellent value for money. Each plate is just $14, and the majority of them can be ordered in a half-serve for only $7. It makes us ponder why more restaurants don’t offer half serves, as it’s a genius way to allow guests to try more of the menu. And talking about making the most of the menu, Foxeys’ $38 per person set menu is remarkable value and includes a taste of everything on the menu. Yes, everything (with cheese and desserts able to be added on for extra).
Moving on to the red wine flight, some light lunch is certainly in order, so we show restraint and order a half serve of the bread to start. It arrives as a generous portion of crusty, crumbling ciabatta style bread, served steamy and warm alongside a rich olive oil and pistachio spice. The burrata with cucumber pickle is the obvious choice to enjoy slathered on the bread, dotted with crunchy fried capers which are a satisfyingly salty surprise.
Another highlight of the menu is the Atlantic salmon, which comes thinly sliced and lightly charred. Accompanied by a creamy miso mayonnaise, we can almost guarantee you will consider ordering another portion, and for the reasonable price, we would too.
There are a few slightly more substantive options on the menu such as the barbecue quail and the spiced meatballs with yoghurt dip, and a selection of always intriguing vegetable based dishes. The asparagus with blood orange and feta is heavy on the zing with acidity both from a pomegranate drizzle and citrus segments, however could use a bit of crunch. Perhaps we have Melbourne’s most infamous breaky favourite of avo on toast to blame for our expectations, but the avocado, candied walnuts and pancetta dish was improved when eaten atop the remaining bread (fortunately the portion was so generous there was plenty to go around). We do wish they sold those addictive honey and soy candied walnuts by the bag to snack on during the car ride home.
Throughout our time at Foxeys, delightful waiters politely check in, offering more food, more wine, and always helpful answers to any of our queries. They seem to embody the serene tranquillity of the whole place; perhaps a positive and enviable side effect of getting to look out over those idyllic vine-laced hills all day.
So as not to be disappointed after making the worthwhile trip down the Peninsula, be aware that Foxeys seats a maximum of four guests per table (including children), they do not take bookings, or allow dogs. So choose your three favourite friends or family members, be prepared to wait patiently for a table, and make the journey down to Red Hill for an easy afternoon of excellent wine tasting and simple snacking. Like a wholesome afternoon at a friend’s place (with the bonus of an incredible view), you will leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and well looked after, and ready to tackle whatever the week has in store for you.