Just like the finest of red wines, Crittenden Estate gets better with age. With more than 40 years of innovation, this is one of the oldest family-owned and operated wineries on the Mornington Peninsula.
Garry and Margaret Crittenden founded the estate with a vision to create exceptional cool-climate wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyard. Over the years the winery has gained recognition for its commitment to sustainability and the environment and has received numerous awards for its wines worldwide. In recent years these accolades have been not only attributed to the winemaking but to the sustainable practices carried out in the vineyard.
Family past, present and future stand at the forefront of operations. Raised on the vineyard, second-generation siblings Rollo, the general manager and winemaker, and Zoe, the marketing manager, now operate all facets of the business. “We have a genuine respect for each other’s contribution and have both inherited our parents’ great passion for excellence,” Zoe said.
With each vintage, their story evolves, with a strong commitment to sustainability and soil regeneration. “The work we have done in the vineyard to improve soil and vine health has significantly increased the quality of our estate-grown fruit, producing wines that just keep getting better and better,” Rollo said.
The Crittenden Wine Centre takes cellar tastings to a whole new level with a range of exceptional experiences to match the high quality of the wine produced. Visitors are greeted with warmth, whether a seasoned wine enthusiast or a novice. The knowledgeable staff guide guests through a diverse range of wines while seated inside a beautifully designed space overlooking the lake and vineyards.
As well as bookable seated tastings, there may be seasonal experiences on offer. One such example is the weekday guided tasting of current and museum-release wines alongside an exclusive wine-soaked cheese; it’s an informative and delicious experience. For the more inquisitive, the behind-the-scenes barrel room and vineyard tour is a must. Please note that these experiences do not run year-round; check the website for details.
The team’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in everything from the wine in each glass through to the offering of a memorable tasting experience.
Opening hours: daily 10.30am-4.30pm
Crittenden Estate 25 Harrisons Rd, Dromana P: 5987 3800
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