Giant Steps of Victoria's Yarra Vallet was founded in 1997 by wine industry pioneer Phil Sexton. Sexton relocated to the cool-climate region with a focused ambition: to produce pristine, terroir-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir capable of competing with the world’s best.
In late 2021, Melanie Chester took over as Head of Winemaking and Viticulture (and now General Manager), taking the reins from longtime winemaker Steve Flamsteed. Prior to Giant Steps, Chester established herself as one of Australia’s most talented modern winemakers, having held chief winemaking roles at Sutton Grange Winery and Seppelt Great Western.
Under her direction, Giant Steps has maintained its trajectory, even being named Winery of the Year by the Halliday Wine Companion in 2024. Her philosophy centers on minimalist intervention, wild fermentations, gentle oak handling, and tight, transparent winemaking that allows individual vineyard sites to speak clearly.
Giant Steps is widely regarded as one of Australia’s benchmark producers of cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. While their Yarra Valley regional blends serve as accessible entry points, it is their Single Vineyard range that commands global acclaim and a cult following. By treating each distinct sub-region and elevation separately, these wines showcases the remarkable diversity of the Yarra Valley.
