Hickinbotham Winery

Hickinbotham Location and History

The Hickinbotham Family have been at the forefront of Australian wine production for three generations dating back to the early 1920s when grandfather ‘Hick’ initiated Australia’s first scientific winemaking course at Roseworthy College. The use of the pH meter in Australian winemaking has been attributed to his foresight and expertise and helped Australian wines gain international recognition.

Second generation lan Hickinbotham was the first winemaker at Kaiser Stuhl in the Barossa valley where he oversaw the production of many famous Aussie icons.
Ian and his son, Stephen leased the Mt Anakie vineyard in the early 1980s. They made wines from all over the country and launched many of today’s famous labels. Andrew Hickinbotham began his own winemaking journey in 1988 with the purchase of the Dromana property at Mornington Peninsula. In true Hickinbotham tradition, Andrew has made his mark in cool climate grape production, planting as many as 26 small vineyards across the Peninsula. The first Dromana vintage of just 50 dozen was bottled in 1991. It was hand labeled, with each bottle sporting its own individual signature in silver pen. Since then, production has increased and the Hickinbotham of Dromana label was born.

Hickinbotham Wine Making and Philosophy

Hickinbotham of Dromana is an independent family wine business. They have a commitment to responsible and sustainable business practice which includes manufacturing and selling superior wines at fair prices, taking responsibility for the environment and supporting the local community. Hickinbotham of Dromana makes regular donations, organises fundraising events and supports health, welfare and educational activities in the community. They aim to make quality wines with minimal environmental impact and re-use or recycle over 90% of waste generated from winemaking activities. Hickinbotham of Dromana is a registered Land for Wildlife property and a habitat for many species of native birds and animals. Grapes are grown according to organic principles and the wine range is preservative free. The Dromana vineyards are planted with chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, merlot, aligote and taminga.