1969
The Visionary
Wine was grown in Victoria’s Yarra Valley from the mid 1800’s through to the 1920’s and was a principal export of the new colony. Wine production by the wineries of the Yarra Valley came to a halt in the 1920’s due to the economics of the day, changing tastes and the high price of wool. It would need a visionary to re-establish winemaking in the Yarra Valley and in 1969 one came along.
1969 saw man step foot on the moon, the Concorde and Boeing 747 jumbo jet make their debut, the first Woodstock music festival, Rain Lover win the Melbourne Cup for the second successive year and visionary Dr Bailey Carrodus established Yarra Yering.
Dr Bailey Carrodus
Dr Bailey Carrodus was an extremely private person. Born in Sydney in 1930 the family later moved to New Zealand where he studied science, achieving Bachelor and Masters degrees. After working for New Zealand Government Wine Research he studied and taught oenology at South Australia's Roseworthy Agricultural College.
In 1962 he embarked on new research in the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at Oxford University attaining a Ph.D. in Botany specialising in plant physiology, and also awarded a Doctor of Philosophy.
Late in 1965 after a stint of study in Europe he returned to Melbourne where he worked first at the Forestry School at Melbourne University and later for the C.S.I.R.O, maintaining his research in the first few years of establishing Yarra Yering before retiring in 1979.
1969
The Visionary
Wine was grown in Victoria’s Yarra Valley from the mid 1800’s through to the 1920’s and was a principal export of the new colony. Wine production by the wineries of the Yarra Valley came to a halt in the 1920’s due to the economics of the day, changing tastes and the high price of wool. It would need a visionary to re-establish winemaking in the Yarra Valley and in 1969 one came along.
1969 saw man step foot on the moon, the Concorde and Boeing 747 jumbo jet make their debut, the first Woodstock music festival, Rain Lover win the Melbourne Cup for the second successive year and visionary Dr Bailey Carrodus established Yarra Yering.
Dr Bailey Carrodus
Dr Bailey Carrodus was an extremely private person. Born in Sydney in 1930 the family later moved to New Zealand where he studied science, achieving Bachelor and Masters degrees. After working for New Zealand Government Wine Research he studied and taught oenology at South Australia's Roseworthy Agricultural College.
In 1962 he embarked on new research in the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at Oxford University attaining a Ph.D. in Botany specialising in plant physiology, and also awarded a Doctor of Philosophy.
Late in 1965 after a stint of study in Europe he returned to Melbourne where he worked first at the Forestry School at Melbourne University and later for the C.S.I.R.O, maintaining his research in the first few years of establishing Yarra Yering before retiring in 1979.
1973
First Vintage
Bailey Carrodus was one of the leading viticulture experts in Australia. A winemaking pioneer of the Yarra Valley, Bailey chose the Yarra Yering site as it met all the requirements – grey silty clay loam with bands of gravel for good drainage, on a north-facing slope high enough out of the valley to avoid late spring frosts.
Most of the original 12-hectare unirrigated plot was planted in 1969 and the 1973 vintage was the first commercial wine produced in the Valley since 1921.
Yarra Yering wines have a simple black and white label. Bailey’s philosophy was to let the wines speak for themselves so there was no back label with fancy prose. The laurel leaves depicted on the label honoured his long term partner Laurel.
Always wearing his trademark workwear bucket hat Bailey came across as a rather serious man but he had a wicked
sense of humour.
The winery is surrounded by impressive plantings of edibles including numerous varieties of persimmons, an array of citrus, quinces, mulberry, pears, apples along with interesting vegetables and ornamentals.
Bailey was a generous and gracious host and also a great cook. Along with cardoons with a butter sauce or his homemade shortbread and preserves he was also famous for his authentic ‘four and twenty’ pies containing the most local of ingredients.
1973
First Vintage
Bailey Carrodus was one of the leading viticulture experts in Australia. A winemaking pioneer of the Yarra Valley, Bailey chose the Yarra Yering site as it met all the requirements – grey silty clay loam with bands of gravel for good drainage, on a north-facing slope high enough out of the valley to avoid late spring frosts.
Most of the original 12-hectare unirrigated plot was planted in 1969 and the 1973 vintage was the first commercial wine produced in the Valley since 1921.
Yarra Yering wines have a simple black and white label. Bailey’s philosophy was to let the wines speak for themselves so there was no back label with fancy prose. The laurel leaves depicted on the label honoured his long term partner Laurel.
Always wearing his trademark workwear bucket hat Bailey came across as a rather serious man but he had a wicked
sense of humour.
The winery is surrounded by impressive plantings of edibles including numerous varieties of persimmons, an array of citrus, quinces, mulberry, pears, apples along with interesting vegetables and ornamentals.
Bailey was a generous and gracious host and also a great cook. Along with cardoons with a butter sauce or his homemade shortbread and preserves he was also famous for his authentic ‘four and twenty’ pies containing the most local of ingredients.
2008
Passing of an Icon
In 1991 and 1992 Bailey made a sparkling blanc de blanc with fruit from Nick Chlebnikowski’s Winchelsea Estate which was released under the New Vineyard banner. He also made three Blanc de Noir Sparkling Wines from Yarra Yering sourced fruit in 1994, ’95 and ’96 which were wonderful complex wines as they had spent extended time on lees and were not released until after his passing in 2008.
Also in 1992 Yarra Yering released its first merlot, which was possibly the first $100 wine in Australia – more expensive than Grange at the time. At the launch a journalist asked Bailey, if he could play God was there anything he would change about this wine, to which Bailey very straight-facedly answered, ‘You mean I’m not!’
Bailey loved his cats who doubled as winery workers keeping any mice and birds at bay. There was tortoiseshell Yasmin, the rarely seen sleek black Saddam with gold almond eyes, and later, ginger Hutu. Hutu lived on until last year at around 25 years of age. Today, Bailey’s namesake, a striking black and white feline, and tabby Condaleeza oversee operations at Yarra Yering.
Bailey died at home in September 2008 and his ashes were scattered by the pond on his beloved property.
The vineyard was subsequently sold to two businessmen, both passionate Yarra Yering fans. They have continued to operate this iconic vineyard with the same philosophy.
2008
Passing of an Icon
In 1991 and 1992 Bailey made a sparkling blanc de blanc with fruit from Nick Chlebnikowski’s Winchelsea Estate which was released under the New Vineyard banner. He also made three Blanc de Noir Sparkling Wines from Yarra Yering sourced fruit in 1994, ’95 and ’96 which were wonderful complex wines as they had spent extended time on lees and were not released until after his passing in 2008.
Also in 1992 Yarra Yering released its first merlot, which was possibly the first $100 wine in Australia – more expensive than Grange at the time. At the launch a journalist asked Bailey, if he could play God was there anything he would change about this wine, to which Bailey very straight-facedly answered, ‘You mean I’m not!’
Bailey loved his cats who doubled as winery workers keeping any mice and birds at bay. There was tortoiseshell Yasmin, the rarely seen sleek black Saddam with gold almond eyes, and later, ginger Hutu. Hutu lived on until last year at around 25 years of age. Today, Bailey’s namesake, a striking black and white feline, and tabby Condaleeza oversee operations at Yarra Yering.
Bailey died at home in September 2008 and his ashes were scattered by the pond on his beloved property.
The vineyard was subsequently sold to two businessmen, both passionate Yarra Yering fans. They have continued to operate this iconic vineyard with the same philosophy.
2012
Andrew George
Andrew George is a seasoned grape grower with over 23 years of experience. Yarra Valley born and bred, he started his journey in the outdoors by pursuing an interest in horticulture, attending Dookie College where he studied Production Horticulture. During this time, Andrew’s parents’ love for wine influenced him to pursue a career in grape-growing.
Andrew’s career began as a casual worker for a contractor team picking grapes, and after his first vintage, was offered
a job at Yeringberg, where he worked for over ten years before moving to Yarra Yering in 2012.
For Andrew, the most challenging part of his job is dealing with the weather, which is why he has an unhealthy amount of weather apps on his phone. Despite the challenges, Andrew loves seeing the finished wine from the grapes he cultivates.
In particular, Andrew enjoys growing two grape varietals. Cabernet Sauvignon, because he feels lucky to work with some of the oldest and most exceptional vines in the Yarra Valley, and Pinot Noir. Although it presents a challenge to grow, the end result is highly rewarding.
2012
Andrew George
Andrew George is a seasoned grape grower with over 23 years of experience. Yarra Valley born and bred, he started his journey in the outdoors by pursuing an interest in horticulture, attending Dookie College where he studied Production Horticulture. During this time, Andrew’s parents’ love for wine influenced him to pursue a career in grape-growing.
Andrew’s career began as a casual worker for a contractor team picking grapes, and after his first vintage, was offered
a job at Yeringberg, where he worked for over ten years before moving to Yarra Yering in 2012.
For Andrew, the most challenging part of his job is dealing with the weather, which is why he has an unhealthy amount of weather apps on his phone. Despite the challenges, Andrew loves seeing the finished wine from the grapes he cultivates.
In particular, Andrew enjoys growing two grape varietals. Cabernet Sauvignon, because he feels lucky to work with some of the oldest and most exceptional vines in the Yarra Valley, and Pinot Noir. Although it presents a challenge to grow, the end result is highly rewarding.
2017
Sarah Crowe
Sarah began her wine career in 2001 at Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley, initially working in the vineyard. She enrolled in a B.A. of Science in Viticulture, 2002 and completed her first Hunter Valley vintage. As Assistant Winemaker in 2004,
Sarah began to oversee the processing of Brokenwood’s Victorian fruit from the Indigo Vineyard in Beechworth.
Sarah started exploring the world of wine via harvests in Oregon in 2004 and 2006 focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at Adelsheim and Ponzi Family Vineyards. In 2008, she worked with Paul Jaboulet Aîné in the Rhone Valley to understand Viognier, Marsanne, Roussane and Shiraz.
Sarah joined the team at Yarra Yering in 2013 as Winemaker and is excited to be focusing on a single iconic vineyard site, giving the individual blocks and varieties the time and attention they deserve.
Producing both single varietal wines that express the unique site and recognised blends of Dry Red Wine No.1 and No.2. Recent accolades include being named James Halliday 2017 Winemaker of the Year from her first Yarra Yering vintage in 2014. Halliday awarded Sarah 99 pts for two wines, from the small production Carrodus range honouring founder Dr Bailey Carrodus. Again in 2018 receiving 99 pts for Yarra Yering’s flagship wine, the 2015 Dry Red Wine No.1.
Her second ‘Winemaker of the Year” accolade was in 2021, presented by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine. The same year Yarra Yering won the 2022 James Halliday Winery of the Year & Wine of The Year – the first time a winery has ever won 2 major accolades in the one year.
2017
Sarah Crowe
Sarah began her wine career in 2001 at Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley, initially working in the vineyard. She enrolled in a B.A. of Science in Viticulture, 2002 and completed her first Hunter Valley vintage. As Assistant Winemaker in 2004,
Sarah began to oversee the processing of Brokenwood’s Victorian fruit from the Indigo Vineyard in Beechworth.
Sarah started exploring the world of wine via harvests in Oregon in 2004 and 2006 focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at Adelsheim and Ponzi Family Vineyards. In 2008, she worked with Paul Jaboulet Aîné in the Rhone Valley to understand Viognier, Marsanne, Roussane and Shiraz.
Sarah joined the team at Yarra Yering in 2013 as Winemaker and is excited to be focusing on a single iconic vineyard site, giving the individual blocks and varieties the time and attention they deserve.
Producing both single varietal wines that express the unique site and recognised blends of Dry Red Wine No.1 and No.2. Recent accolades include being named James Halliday 2017 Winemaker of the Year from her first Yarra Yering vintage in 2014. Halliday awarded Sarah 99 pts for two wines, from the small production Carrodus range honouring founder Dr Bailey Carrodus. Again in 2018 receiving 99 pts for Yarra Yering’s flagship wine, the 2015 Dry Red Wine No.1.
Her second ‘Winemaker of the Year” accolade was in 2021, presented by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine. The same year Yarra Yering won the 2022 James Halliday Winery of the Year & Wine of The Year – the first time a winery has ever won 2 major accolades in the one year.
2023
Premium Vineyard Sites
Our original 30 acres of historically significant vineyard has increased since being established in 1969 and we now farm 90 acres of continuous vineyard in Gruyere.
Nestled upon a warm northerly slope in the Warramate foothills, our vineyard boasts ancient soils with impeccable drainage, elevated just enough above the valley floor to evade the delicate touch of spring frosts. These exceptional conditions yield wines that epitomise refinement, precision and elegance.
Looking To The Future:
Our vision is to cement ourselves as one of Australia’s iconic wine producers, renown for creating highly-collectible wines of exceptional quality.
We are dedicated to consistently creating wines of the highest calibre that appear effortless, yet are inherently balanced, precise and seamless.
We honour our rich history, navigating the delicate balance between tradition and modern techniques, valuing both equally.
We respect the land, whilst placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship, preserving a legacy for tomorrow.
2023
Premium Vineyard Sites
Our original 30 acres of historically significant vineyard has increased since being established in 1969 and we now farm 90 acres of continuous vineyard in Gruyere.
Nestled upon a warm northerly slope in the Warramate foothills, our vineyard boasts ancient soils with impeccable drainage, elevated just enough above the valley floor to evade the delicate touch of spring frosts. These exceptional conditions yield wines that epitomise refinement, precision and elegance.
Looking To The Future:
Our vision is to cement ourselves as one of Australia’s iconic wine producers, renown for creating highly-collectible wines of exceptional quality.
We are dedicated to consistently creating wines of the highest calibre that appear effortless, yet are inherently balanced, precise and seamless.
We honour our rich history, navigating the delicate balance between tradition and modern techniques, valuing both equally.
We respect the land, whilst placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship, preserving a legacy for tomorrow.
“
“
Through the years at Yarra Yering, it’s been a slow and constant evolution of learning and understanding…..this can
be tasted through the wines and piecing together the stories over time.
—Sarah Crowe
Through the years at Yarra Yering, it’s been a slow and constant evolution of learning and understanding…..this can be tasted through the wines and piecing together the stories over time.
—Sarah Crowe
“
Through the years at Yarra Yering, it’s been a slow and constant evolution of learning and understanding…..this can be tasted through the wines and piecing together the stories over time.
—Sarah Crowe
visit us
Driving times are as follows:
20 Minutes from Healesville
95 Minutes from melb. Airport
Yarra Yering Vineyards
Wurundjeri Country
4 Briarty Road Gruyere
Victoria 3770
©
Yarra Yering. All Rights Reserved.
Yarra Yering Vineyards
Wurundjeri Country
4 Briarty Road Gruyere
Victoria 3770
Visit Us
Driving times are as follows:
20 Minutes from Healesville
95 Minutes from Melbourne Airport
visit us
Driving times are as follows:
20 Minutes from Healesville
95 Minutes from melb. Airport
Yarra Yering Vineyards
Wurundjeri Country
4 Briarty Road Gruyere
Victoria 3770
©
Yarra Yering. All Rights Reserved.