A tour of the world’s first non-alcoholic cellar door reveals complex flavours hidden behind a nondescript building in suburban Melbourne, as Jo Stewart discovers.
April 6, 2019 is a date that is very close to the heart of Aaron Trotman. As founder of non-alcoholic wine alternative NON, it was the day his vision finally hit pay dirt with his very first sale to Beaconsfield fine dining restaurant O.MY. Since then, the NON juggernaut has rolled on, with the zero-alcohol tipple now stocked in restaurants and bars across Australia, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, USA and beyond. There have also been other highlights, including hosting a fine dining experience at New York’s three Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park and more recently, the opening of the NONHQ cellar door for tours and tastings.
NON is a sophisticated wine alternative. (Image: Glen Wilkie)
The location
Located in suburban south-east Melbourne on a street mostly populated by industrial manufacturing businesses, the NONHQ cellar door is a surprise package. The ultra-modern, clean and sleek interiors signal to visitors that we’re in for an out-of-the-ordinary cellar door experience.
The tasting room has sleek interiors. (Image: Nic Stephens)
The tour tasting experience
Stepping into the state-of-the-art kitchen, I’m introduced to the methods, techniques and ingredients the team use to perfect the balance of tannin, salinity, acidity and fruit that end up in each bottle of NON.
The NON ingredients create a depth of flavour.
From hand-steeping Egyptian chamomile to roasting batches of fresh cherries in the oven, much time and care is dedicated to creating a depth of flavour that lingers on the palate.
NON 3 Toasted Cinnamon & Yuzu is the perfect accompaniment to a summer picnic.
In the moody, intimate tasting room, I’m treated to a sensory journey as each glass is paired to cheese and charcuterie, with Aaron sharing tasting notes and some stories of what went on behind the scenes to create each variety.
Treat yourself to a sensory journey at NONHQ. (Image: Nic Stephens)
The tart and slightly savoury NON3 Toasted Cinnamon & Yuzu screams summer picnic while a bottle of NON7 Stewed Cherry & Coffee would be a great addition to a cosy winter dinner by an open fireplace.
The team balances the tannin, salinity, and acidity of fruit in each bottle of NON. (Image: Annika Kafcaloudis)
Aaron explains that NON is “a solution to an empty wine glass" by giving both drinkers and non-drinkers a sophisticated wine alternative that pairs well with food. NON drinks are also vegan, gluten-free and halal-certified, meaning people from all walks of life have embraced the brand.
NON beverages draw upon flavours like salted raspberry, toasted cinnamon and coffee. (Image: Nic Stephens)
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
Elevating the wine-tasting experience
The road to creating an innovative alt-wine product from scratch hasn’t been easy. Tenacity and grit were required to get the brand up and running, but with the cellar door tours experiencing strong bookings, Aaron feels he’s onto a winner, despite running mostly on blind faith.
“I literally jumped off a cliff and built a plane on the way down. And I still am," says Aaron.
Meet NON founder Aaron Trotman. (Image: Glen Wilkie)
The NONHQ Tour details
The NONHQ Tour experience includes a meet the makers and experts behind NON, a flavour workshop in the NON kitchen, an intimate behind-the-scenes tour of the production process, a tasting experience of the range paired with cheese and charcuterie, and a complimentary bottle of NON to take home (RRP $30).
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.
Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.
Exploring the Murray River
1. The Crossing Place Trail
Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.
Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.
Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
2. Canoe The Murray
Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.
What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray, then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.
Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.
3. Noreuil Park Foreshore
Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.
4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works
Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)
Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve. Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.
It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.
Adventuring on Lake Hume
1. Walk the dam wall
Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)
The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.
A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.
A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.
2. The High Country Rail Trail
This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.
3. Water sports
Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.
Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.
Sip and Savour
1. Dux Albury
Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.
Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.
2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.
Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.
Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co. has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.
3. Temperance and General
Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General. Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.
4. BeanStation Cafe
Dine on a modern Australian menu.
Dine on a modern Australian menu, inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.
5. River Deck Cafe
Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.
Museums, murals and more
1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail
Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.
2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)
Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)
MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.
3. HotHouse Theatre
Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.
