Ten Minutes by Tractor
A boutique Mornington Peninsula estate named for the tractor ride between vineyards, producing benchmark cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Ten Minutes by Tractor is a benchmark cool-climate producer in Main Ridge, the highest subregion of Mornington Peninsula. Founded in 1997 with three family vineyards, the estate now farms six sites and produces wines across three ranges. Its award-winning restaurant holds two hats and is recognized for Australia's best wine list.
- Founded in 1997 with three vineyards: McCutcheon, Judd, and Wallis
- Martin and Karen Spedding acquired the winery in 2003
- Located in Main Ridge, the highest and coolest subregion of Mornington Peninsula
- Name comes from the approximately 10-minute tractor distance between original vineyards
- Now farms six vineyards: McCutcheon, Judd, Wallis, Coolart Road, Spedding, and Gabrielle
- Wines produced across three ranges: 10X, Estate, and Single Vineyard
- A fire in February 2018 destroyed the main storage facility
Location and Setting
Ten Minutes by Tractor sits in Main Ridge, the highest and coolest subregion of the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. The cool-climate maritime conditions and distinctive Main Ridge soils shape the character of every wine produced here. The estate operates across six individual vineyard sites, each contributing distinct expressions to the three-tier range.
- Main Ridge is the highest and coolest subregion of Mornington Peninsula
- Cool-climate maritime climate drives the house style
- Six vineyards: McCutcheon, Judd, Wallis, Coolart Road, Spedding, and Gabrielle
- Hierarchy: Oceania, Australia, Victoria, Mornington Peninsula
History
The estate was established in 1997 around three family-owned vineyards, McCutcheon, Judd, and Wallis, whose proximity to one another gave the winery its memorable name. Early vintages earned immediate acclaim and were highly rated by 2001. Martin Spedding acquired the business in 2003 and expanded its ambitions considerably, opening an acclaimed restaurant in 2006. In February 2018, a fire destroyed the main storage facility, a significant setback for the winery.
- Established 1997 with three founding vineyards
- Highly rated by critics as early as 2001
- Martin Spedding acquired the winery in 2003
- Restaurant opened 2006; fire destroyed main storage in February 2018
Wines and Ranges
Ten Minutes by Tractor produces wines in three tiers: the entry-level 10X range, the Estate range, and the top Single Vineyard range, which draws on individual named sites. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the flagship varieties, reflecting the cool-climate strengths of Main Ridge. The portfolio also includes Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Shiraz, and Fiano, covering still, sparkling, rosé, and sweet wine styles.
- Three ranges: 10X, Estate, and Single Vineyard
- Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the flagship varieties
- Additional varieties include Pinot Gris, Riesling, Fiano, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc
- Styles span still, sparkling, rosé, and sweet wines
Have a bottle from this producer?
Scan the label or type the name. Instant sommelier-level context for any bottle.
Look it up →Restaurant and Cellar Door
The Ten Minutes by Tractor restaurant opened in 2006 and has become a destination in its own right. It holds two hats and brings Michelin-starred kitchen experience to the Mornington Peninsula. The restaurant has been recognized as having Australia's best wine list, cementing the estate's reputation as a complete food and wine destination as well as a serious producer.
- Restaurant opened in 2006
- Holds two hats in Australian dining recognition
- Recognized for Australia's best wine list
- Brings Michelin-starred kitchen experience to the estate
Cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Main Ridge show the restrained, precise character typical of Mornington Peninsula: taut acidity, fine structure, and fruit that leans toward red cherry, strawberry, and earth in the Pinot Noir, and citrus, white stone fruit, and mineral tension in the Chardonnay.
- Ten Minutes by Tractor 10X Pinot Noir$30-40Entry point to the estate, showing cool Main Ridge character in an approachable, food-friendly style.Find →
- Ten Minutes by Tractor Estate Chardonnay$40-55Mid-tier estate Chardonnay demonstrating the restrained, mineral-driven style of Main Ridge.Find →
- Ten Minutes by Tractor McCutcheon Pinot Noir$70-90Single vineyard Pinot Noir from one of the three founding sites; the flagship expression of the estate.Find →
- Ten Minutes by Tractor Judd Chardonnay$70-90Named for a founding vineyard, this single-site Chardonnay showcases the cool-climate precision of Main Ridge.Find →
- Main Ridge is the highest and coolest subregion within Mornington Peninsula
- Founded 1997; Martin Spedding acquired in 2003; restaurant opened 2006
- Three wine ranges in ascending quality: 10X, Estate, Single Vineyard
- Six estate vineyards: McCutcheon, Judd, Wallis, Coolart Road, Spedding, Gabrielle
- Flagship varieties are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; portfolio also includes Fiano, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc