WINE PIONEER

Garry Crittenden is a true pioneer in the Australian wine industry. He was the first vintner to see the potential of the Mornington Peninsula as a thriving wine region.

Inspired by his love for wine, Garry, with a horticultural background, transformed a small five-acre plot into a thriving vineyard on the emerging Mornington Peninsula in 1982. His dedication helped the region gain global acclaim. Garry was also a pioneering figure in introducing Italian grape varieties like barbera, nebbiolo, dolcetto, and sangiovese to Victoria and Australia.

FROM SHED DOOR TO CELLAR DOOR

Our cellar door initially began in a shed with Margaret Crittenden hosting impromptu tastings. In 1992, her culinary vision led to the opening of the cellar door tasting room and winery café, marking a new era for Peninsula wine tourism. The café, known as Stillwater at Crittenden under chef Zac Poulier’s ownership, is now one of the Peninsula’s acclaimed restaurants. The Crittenden Wine Centre is at the heart of our winemaking family, and we eagerly anticipate what the third generation of Crittendens will contribute.

WINEMAKING IS IN OUR DNA…

We’re not sure whether it’s a case of ‘nature or nurture’, but Rollo’s award as the 2010 Australian Young Gun of Wine and Garry’s induction as a Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Legend in 2012 might point to the fact that it’s something our genes.

YOUNG GUNS

Now the second Crittenden generation, siblings Rollo and Zoe, have embraced some enticing Spanish varieties to add to the estate’s pioneering collection. They both grew up among the young vines, watching their father make magic out of grape growing and continue to hone their own viticultural expertise.

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COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

“Not only are we happy that we’re not polluting the environment with chemicals, we’re manifestly reaping the benefit of what we’re doing in dramatically increasing our fruit quality.” ROLLO CRITTENDEN, WINEMAKER.