Ancient Techniques, Modern Sustainability: The Trofeo Estate Journey"

CHAT SESSION 148 with Jim Manolios Trofeo Estate

Topic- Jim and Kathy Manolios: Crafting Sustainable Wine with a Passion for Innovation.

Monday 30th March 2026 1pm https://rppfm.com.au

Trofeo Estate: A Passion for Wine, Innovation, and Sustainability

Nestled on the Mornington Peninsula, Trofeo Estate is more than just a vineyard—it’s a labour of love, history, and innovation driven by Jim Manolios and his wife of 32 years, Kathy. Together, they have crafted a unique story that intertwines family heritage, scientific expertise, and a commitment to sustainable winemaking.

A Heritage Rooted in Tradition

Jim Manolios’s journey into winemaking began with his deep family roots. His parents hail from the Greek island of Samos, renowned for its sweet wines (renowned as Cleopatra’s favourite) and distinctive olive oil. Long-standing family traditions of viticulture and olive oil production have been passed down through generations, fostering a gene memory that Jim credits for awakening his passion for winemaking at the age of 50. It was during a postgraduate course in Viticulture at Melbourne University’s Dookie campus that Jim’s newfound obsession with wine took flight.

Where the journey began: Terracotta making facility, Impruneta, Italy

Oil from Family Trees In Samos: Exclusively used at Trofeo Estate

The Birth of Trofeo Estate

In 2011, Jim and Kathy purchased what was once the 5 Sons Estate at 85 Harrisons Rd, Dromana. The property’s vines had been neglected for approximately three years, and the main building—originally constructed in the early 1930s as a Passionfruit cannery—stood in a weathered but functional state. This historic brick building was part of the expansive Passiflora Passionfruit operation, which once spanned over 400 acres.

Undeterred, Jim and Kathy set about restoring their estate. They cleared tangled canes and overgrown grass, using sheep as natural, eco-friendly mowers—an environmentally conscious move that turned the grass into nutrient-rich compost and builds the biomass vineyard. Since purchase there have been no herbicides, pesticides, or inorganic fertilizers used on the property. Their organic approach extended to using organic weed hormones and of course sulphur sprays to keep mildew at bay, while producing their own organic compost supplemented with micronutrients to nourish the vines.

Renovation and Innovation

The passion for preservation and innovation is visible throughout Trofeo Estate. Kathy and Jim transformed the old brick Passionfruit cannery into a modern restaurant with large, airy windows, a cellar door bar, and contemporary fittings. Upstairs, they created dedicated offices and amenities. Over the years, the estate has expanded to include a wine garden, an outdoor bar, and a kitchenette, offering visitors a truly immersive experience.

1 day, 21 Tradie Vehicles: The Restoration of Trofeo Estate

The Amphora Room and Ancient Techniques

One of the estate’s most captivating features is the Amphora room, home to nearly 100 terracotta Amphorae of various sizes. Jim’s fascination with terracotta amphorae, (sparked during a viticulture course project), grew into a serious pursuit—propelling Trofeo Estate into becoming the largest maker of terracotta wine in the Southern Hemisphere.

Jim’s background in biochemistry and bioengineering has played a pivotal role in refining their winemaking process. Unlike traditional oak barrels, Amphorae breathe and micro-oxygenate the wine in a controlled, ultra-low humidity environment, enhancing flavour and complexity. Amphorae are inert, reusable, and environmentally friendly. They are cleaned only with warm water, making this method highly sustainable with low carbon emissions.

Jim Manolios: Wine Thief! 🍷🤭

Why Choose Amphorae? The Benefits of a Natural Process

Jim explains that oak barrels, while traditional, often mask the quality of grapes with their strong flavours. Furthermore, oak releases furfurals—chemical compounds that can cause headaches, adverse reactions, and, in high doses, are classified as carcinogenic by the WHO. These compounds are indigestible, and their accumulation can lead to toxicity, deterring many consumers from oaked wines.

Trofeo’s Amphora winemaking approach aims to produce natural, high-quality wines free from these negatives. The result is a modern, sustainable, and health-conscious way to enjoy fine wine—embracing ancient techniques while leveraging modern science.

Jim’s Professional Journey and Passions

Beyond his vineyard, Jim Manolios has spent 40 years in diagnostic pathology, specializing in blood group identification and crossmatching. His career has included involvement in seven companies worldwide. He has been involved in pioneering innovations from test tubes to fully automated diagnostic instruments capable of processing hundreds of samples per hour. Currently, Jim is an Associate Professor (Research) at Monash University’s Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, leading projects to replace plastics in diagnostics with bio-active paper and develop self-interpretive, self-composting diagnostic tests.

Jim’s personal passions extend to skiing and motorsport. Over the past 25 years, he has raced GT cars, including GT3 versions of Maserati, Corvette Z06, Ferrari 458, and Lamborghini Huracan. His highlights include several appearances at the Bathurst 12 Hour, where he achieved a third in class and an eighth overall finish, as well as podiums in national GT events and the Victorian Sports Car Series. An F1 enthusiast, Jim has attended over 30 races at the Melbourne GP and now shares a weekly F1 segment on RPP FM’s “Scrambled Eggs” morning show. He and Kathy also spent nearly two years since married in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, immersing themselves in “Champagne Powder” skiing.

 Steamboat Springs, CO USA:  Jim Relaxing at his favourite Ski Mountain

Jim and Stig!

Lamborghini Huracan GT3: Shakedown at Winton Raceway

AABB American Association of Blood Banks: Trade Display with Australain Developed Products being showcased (not the Lamborghini)

The Green Machine: (Lamborghini Super Trofeo In action at the Melbourne F1 GP

 Endurance Race, New Zealand:  Jim with one of his closest friends, ex F1 Driver Ivan Capelli

A Life of Passion, Innovation, and Sustainability

Jim and Kathy’s journey with Trofeo Estate exemplifies how tradition and science can come together to create something truly special. Their commitment to sustainable, natural winemaking, combined with Jim’s scientific expertise and adventurous spirit, continues to produce wines that honour the past while innovating for the future.

Stay connected and learn more about  trofeoestate.com.au, their winemaking philosophy, tours, and offerings. Plan your visit today and experience a truly authentic and sustainable wine journey!

Website: trofeoestate.com.au

Facebook: Trofeo Estate

Instagram: @trofeoestate

My hope is that when you’re looking at yourself in the

‘The Daily Mirror’

YOU SMILE

EMBRACE BEING YOU

AND FIND 10 MINUTES IN YOUR DAY TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL!

To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com 

'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.