When the leaves turn golden, the air crisps and footy season hits Melbourne, I hold back a tear. Goodbye summer, hello winter.

But a change is as good as a holiday and with a rare weekend at leisure, a mini break is planned in an effort to cheer me up.  All in the name of research for our visitors of course.

Destination – the Mornington Peninsula

Activities – wine, water, friends, food.

Food – mushrooms – it’s the season. Foragers line the side of the winding roads. Heads down, bums up, baskets brimming. Fun but not today.

Instead, we slip into Foxeys Hangout check the menu and order  – mushrooms. Wrapped in vine leaves – plump, fresh, delicious. And perfectly picked.

Wine - newbie on the block  – Port Phillip Estate. By far the most opulent and ambitious vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula – to call it grand would be an understatement.  Rammed earth walls, undulating views across to Western Port Bay and a sleek, glamorous tasting area and restaurant.

We drank the Port Phillip Estate 2008 Chardonnay  and shared a plate of local cheese.

Friends –drop by my old fave (vineyard) Ten Minutes By Tractor

Pick up a bottle of Pinot, pop round  the corner to see the gang, polish off pinot and settle in for the evening of footy.

Water – an early morning surf proposed . For me, the water of Western Port Bay is far too cold, but promise of a good wave much too tempting. Good for the soul they say. Too bloody cold, I say. A hot chocolate at the Merricks General Store helps thaw me out. Meat pies for the boys. Surfing = summer ONLY sport.

And so, the change in season instigated the holiday in my own Victorian backyard – ok, Autumn, you’re not so bad after all.