Crittenden Estate
February 2013
It may be known as one of Australia’s leading small family vineyards but to the Crittenden family their estate is just known as the farm.
The family operation was started by Garry, who continues to oversee the vineyard, while his children, Rollo and Zoe, continue the dynasty in the winemaking and marketing departments.
Garry’s love of wine saw him shift from horticulture to viticulture in the late 70s, spearheading Mornington Peninsula’s wine region movement with Crittenden producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir before becoming one of the first Australian vineyards to embrace Italian and then rural Spanish varieties.
The family still see themselves as farmers with their simple environmental philosophy of looking after the soil and vines to produce even better wines working to great effect.
The Crittenden winemaking mantra is great wines are created in the vineyard, which are then enhanced in vats and barrels. Their respect for the environment means that they minimise the use of chemicals and synthetic products while peas and oats are used as cover crops and for compost. Combined, these practices build natural disease resistance in the vineyard resulting in healthier vines and grapes and, of course, better wine.
Some of Crittenden’s wines include the premium Zumma and Crittenden Estate drops, the classic Spanish style of Los Hermanos and the multi-region Italian influenced Pinocchio.
Crittenden Estate’s industry standing was recognised with Rollo winning the 2010 Australian Young Gun of Wine while Garry was elevated to industry legend at the 2012 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
Crittenden Estate
25 Harrisons Road, Dromana
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