The first thing you notice at Rare Hare, the multi-zero reimagining of Willow Creek winery, is the formidable jackalope – a mythical antlered hare from which the accompanying hotel takes its name – which should come with a trigger warning for anyone who’s seen Donnie Darko.
Much later, after a trip to the loos, you’ll spy the most hilariously OTT coat rack in the land.
In between, you’ll see the winery’s barrel and tasting room, cleverly separated from the entry, be taken in by the dramatic vine views beyond the expanse of glass, and likely be impressed by the sheer number of young, keen staff bouncing around the handsome, if loud, space. Welcome to the Mornington Peninsula’s newest and most ambitious cellar door.
There are excellent estate wines by the bottle, glass and half pour, as well as local beers on tap, but the real hero, apart from that view, is the elevated fare from chef Guy Stanaway.