MEET THE MAKER:RAHONA VALLEY WINES
Rahona Valley is a boutique sparkling wine producer, combining Peninsula varietals Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to replicate the classic combination made famous in Champagne.
In July 2014, Toby and Dianne discovered Rahona Valley, a secluded valley which soon became one of the smallest commercial vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula.
Now they have expanded production and founded the Australian Cuvée Centre – a specialised sparkling production facility – which works collaboratively with many Victorian wineries to produce world-class sparkling wine. The project was set up with Chief winemaker Natalie Fryar who undertook school work experience with Hardys winery, aged 14, bottled her first vintage at the age of 16 and is now known as Australia’s Queen of sparkling rose.
Sharing vast amounts of expert knowledge – best practice vineyard management, sustainable farming principles and excellence in winemaking – the couple are supporting others in producing technically difficult wines (which require significant investment in specialist equipment and knowledge), using traditional methods – alongside provenance, precision and patience.
MAKER DOOR:
48 Collins Rd
TRADE:
Sparkling Wine
LOCALS LOVE:
Sorrento Moon Cuvée Spritz
HOURS:
12–5pm Sat–Sun
ENCOUNTERS:
Tastings, Masterclasses & New Label Launches
“WE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO WORK WITH WINERIES FROM MORNINGTON PENINSULA, BELLARINE, YARRA VALLEY, TASMANIA AND BEYOND – THE DROMANA HABITAT IS A FANTASTIC COMMUNITY OF MAKERS AND THE COMMUNITY ADDS TO THE FLAVOUR OF EVERYTHING WE DO!”
Owner and Chief Maker Toby Pieters – who has been a craftsman in his own businesses from aged 16.
