Our Vineyards, Martime cool-climate, Winery & Sustainability Commitment
Mornington Peninsula’s Maritime Cool-Climate Vineyards
Today, Rahona sources fruit from a select group of Mornington Peninsula’s maritime cool-climate vineyards, each chosen for its quality, climate, and terroir. Our current wines are made using grapes from:
- Red Hill South
- Arthurs Seat
- Tuerong
- Merricks
- Merricks North
- Balnarring
- Dromana
In 2019, Rahona expanded its horizons by forming grower relationships with premium vineyards in Northern Tasmania. These cool-climate sites form the foundation of our Abel Series—a unique expression of Tasmanian sparkling and table wines made in the Rahona style.
The Maritime Cool-Climate of Mornington Peninsula Shaped by Three Seas
The Mornington Peninsula is defined by its maritime cool-climate. Bordered by Port Phillip Bay to the west, Western Port to the east and Bass Strait to the south, the region sits at the meeting point of cooling ocean influences and gentle coastal winds. Southerly airflows from the Southern Ocean moderate temperatures across southern Victoria — and importantly, their impact is heightened by the Mornington Peninsula’s exposure to water on three sides.
As a result, the surrounding water bodies act as a natural climate regulator, keeping summer heat in check and reducing temperature extremes. This is one of the defining advantages of the Mornington Peninsula as a maritime cool-climate wine region: slow, steady ripening and beautifully preserved natural acidity.
The Influence of Elevation, Aspect and Sea Breezes
Mornington Peninsula’s maritime cool-climate vineyards sit at elevations ranging from near sea level up to around 300 m, with many premium sites positioned between 40 and 250 m. This variation in height — together with slopes that often lean towards Western Port or the Southern Ocean — adds another layer of complexity to the region’s growing conditions. Furthermore, these changes in elevation influence temperature, airflow and the timing of ripening.
In addition, vineyards positioned close to water on the Mornington Peninsula invite cool sea breezes that drift inland on warm and hot days. This constant maritime airflow shapes the microclimate of each site — maintaining freshness, protecting aromatics, and helping grapes ripen with balance and precision.
Ultimately, it’s this interplay of coast, elevation, climate and topography that gives Mornington Peninsula wines their hallmark vibrancy and coastal energy.
The Winery
Our wines are crafted in Dromana — a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for precision sparkling and cool-climate winemaking. Moreover, the winery is equipped to support both small and large-scale production, ensuring every wine receives the same level of care.
The centre includes:
- Tirage bottling line for traditional-method sparkling
- Multiple gyropalettes for riddling
- Small and large neck freezers for disgorgement
- JU.CLA.S isobaric cross-flow filter
- Temperature-controlled storage
- On-site laboratory and testing facilities
In addition, the facility is also used by other premium wineries across the Mornington Peninsula, making it a true regional hub for sparkling-wine excellence.
Our Sustainability Commitment
At Rahona, sustainability is not a buzzword — it’s our foundation. Our philosophy is simple: produce exceptional wine through sustainable farming, mindful winemaking, and genuine respect for the land. Consequently, we have embedded sustainability across both vineyard and winery operations.
In the Vineyards
We apply best-practice vineyard management techniques focused on:
- Soil health and biodiversity
- Minimal chemical intervention
- Long-term vineyard resilience
Furthermore, we continually review these practices to ensure they remain aligned with changing environmental conditions.
In the Winery
We’re proud to operate a no-drains winery, meaning no wine waste enters sewer or stormwater systems. In addition, our eco-conscious approach includes:
- Recycling and reusing bottles, packaging, and pallets
- Sourcing glass from local suppliers using recycled materials
- Lees recovery and reuse
- Maximising wine extraction and minimising waste
- Providing grape marc to local farmers as animal feed
- Repurposing barrels for extended life
We know sustainability is a journey — not a destination. Therefore, we’re committed to continual improvement across all areas of our vineyard and winery operations.
The facility is also used by other premium wineries across the Mornington Peninsula, making it a true hub for sparkling wine excellence.