Dromana isn’t just a quiet coastal town—it’s the Mornington Peninsula’s secret pocket of wine innovation and understated luxury. This is where the world-class cool-climate vineyards meet the sweeping azure backdrop of Port Phillip Bay, setting the scene for an exceptional day out. Forget the expected vineyard tour; Dromana’s estates are destinations defined by pioneering spirit, from historical buildings preserving the region’s heritage to cutting-edge, low-intervention practices.
The Dromana Wineries
Dromana’s wineries blend tradition with innovation, offering experiences that range from rustic and quirky to modern and refined. Each has a distinct story, style, and reason to make it part of your visit.
Trofeo Estate
Trofeo Estate sets itself apart with its pioneering use of Terracotta Amphorae for aging wine, a method that dates back over 6,000 years. These imported clay vessels allow the wines to shine with pure fruit expression, creating elegant cool-climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz unlike anything else in the region. As the largest producer of Amphora-aged wines in the Southern Hemisphere, Trofeo winery offers an experience that is both historic and innovative.
The estate is housed in a beautifully restored 1930s passionfruit cannery, which adds to its rustic charm. All wines are vegan-friendly and crafted using organic and biodynamic principles, making sustainability a central part of their identity. Book a guided winery tour and you’ll have the rare chance to taste wines directly from the Amphorae, offering a truly immersive encounter with their craft.
Crittenden Wines
Established in 1982, Crittenden Wines is a family-owned estate that has become an icon on the Mornington Peninsula. Their portfolio consistently earns the coveted Halliday Wine Companion’s Five Red Star rating, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay leading the way. Tastings here are refined, guided by experts who tailor the experience to your preferences.
Beyond wine, the estate offers a full luxury retreat with its Lakeside Villas. These beautifully appointed accommodations sit over the vineyard’s lake, making for a peaceful and indulgent stay. The winery is also deeply committed to sustainability, using biological farming practices that foster a thriving ecosystem across the property.
Hickinbotham of Dromana
Hickinbotham is the rare winery where you can enjoy both handcrafted wines and award-winning craft beers in the same place. Run by a third-generation winemaking family, it’s the ideal spot for groups where not everyone leans toward wine. Pinot Noir and Shiraz headline the wine list, while the onsite HIX Brewery adds pale ales, ciders, and even a decadent double choc porter.
The atmosphere is welcoming and rustic, with live music on weekends adding to the energy. A cozy indoor space with a roaring fire makes winter visits especially inviting, while outdoor spaces capture summer’s relaxed vibe. Hickinbotham is also pet-friendly, so your four-legged friend can join in on the experience.
Rahona Valley
Rahona Valley is best known for its sparkling wines, particularly its delicate sparkling rosé. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay also feature strongly, but it’s the intimate approach to tastings that really sets this place apart. Guests often meet directly with the owners, making it a personal and memorable encounter.
Their new tasting room in the Dromana Industrial Estate delivers an urban chic atmosphere. Tastings are presented in elegant Riedel glassware, and the winery offers a unique chocolate and wine pairing experience with locally made Cuvee chocolate. Add in artisanal cheese platters, and you have one of the most indulgent tasting experiences on the Peninsula.
Rhino Tiger Bear Wines
Rhino Tiger Bear Wines is a family-run winery that embraces a low-intervention, “lo-fi” style of winemaking. Every bottle is a celebration of the Peninsula’s diversity, with wines that are authentic, approachable, and thoughtfully crafted. The husband-and-wife team behind the label bring warmth and passion to every interaction.
Their cellar door is located in the Dromana Industrial Estate, giving it an urban edge that contrasts with the traditional vineyard settings of many other wineries. It’s a relaxed and inviting space where you can taste the wines right where they are made. For those seeking something unpretentious yet full of character, Rhino Tiger Bear delivers.
A Wine Journey to Remember
Dromana wineries and cellar doors offer an incredible mix of tradition, innovation, and personality. Whether you’re tasting sparkling rosé with artisan chocolate, exploring rustic spaces with live music, or discovering Amphora-aged wines, every stop adds a new layer to your Mornington Peninsula experience.
If you’re planning a wine-focused getaway and want the perfect base, contact us. We’ll connect you with the best luxury accommodation options on the Mornington Peninsula, ensuring your stay is as unforgettable as the wines you discover.
