Yarra YeringVictoria, Australia

Yarra Yering: The Pioneer of Yarra Valley’s Modern Revival

Yarra Yering – A Trailblazer in Australian Fine Wine

Yarra Yering holds a revered place in Australian wine history as the estate that spearheaded the revival of Yarra Valley winemaking after decades of neglect. Founded in 1969 by Dr Bailey Carrodus, a botanist and viticulturist with a deep appreciation for terroir and European winemaking traditions, Yarra Yering has become one of the most respected and influential wineries in the country. From the very beginning, Carrodus set out to craft wines of restraint, precision, and longevity, qualities that continue to define the estate today.

The first vintage in 1973 marked an extraordinary debut with the release of Dry Red Wine No. 1 and Dry Red Wine No. 2 — wines that immediately captured critical acclaim and laid the foundation for Yarra Yering’s enduring reputation for elegance and complexity. Following Carrodus’ death in 2008, the estate’s core philosophy has been faithfully preserved and refined, ensuring his legacy endures through each meticulously crafted bottle.

The Vineyards of Yarra Yering: Terroir of Character and Restraint

At the heart of Yarra Yering’s success is its exceptional vineyard site: 70 acres of north-facing slopes nestled in the Warramate Hills near Coldstream, one of the Yarra Valley’s most prized locations. These vineyards are characterised by silty loam soils with gravel, offering excellent drainage and natural low vigour, essential for producing concentrated, flavourful fruit. The combination of elevation, cool climate, and aspect allows for the slow, even ripening needed to achieve wines of balance and finesse.

Yarra Yering’s approach to viticulture is one of meticulous care: hand-pruned, hand-harvested, no irrigation, and always low yielding. This sustainable philosophy aims to express purity of fruit, minerality, and natural acidity — the hallmarks of wines built for longevity and evolution. The vineyard is home to a diverse selection of varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Viognier, Mataro, and rare Portuguese varieties. Each plot is farmed with precision to highlight its unique contribution to the estate’s wines.

Winemaking at Yarra Yering: Tradition with a Modern Hand

Since 2013, Sarah Crowe has led the winemaking at Yarra Yering, bringing both fresh perspective and deep respect for the estate’s traditions. Awarded James Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year in 2017, Crowe champions a style rooted in minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard to shine through. The approach centres on small-batch ferments, basket pressing, and ageing in fine French oak, striking a delicate balance between structure and elegance.

Drawing inspiration from European traditions, Crowe crafts wines with restrained alcohol and refined structure, focusing on purity, texture, and site expression. Under her guidance, Yarra Yering continues to honour the vision of Dr Carrodus while evolving with contemporary precision and care.

Yarra Yering’s Reputation: Cult Status and Global Acclaim

Yarra Yering enjoys a cult following both in Australia and internationally, renowned for its unwavering commitment to elegance, purity, and longevity. These are wines that age gracefully, evolving complexity and nuance over decades. Production remains intentionally limited, and access is tightly controlled: the cellar door famously opens only two days per year, adding to the estate’s allure.

With accolades including Winery of the Year 2013 and Winemaker of the Year 2017, Yarra Yering continues to set benchmarks for cool-climate Australian wine. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, these wines represent the pinnacle of Yarra Valley terroir interpreted through a lens of timeless craftsmanship.

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The Wines of Yarra Yering: 

Yarra Yering Dry Red Wine No. 1

A Bordeaux-style blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Red Wine No. 1 is the estate’s flagship wine, celebrated for its structure, complexity, and age-worthiness. With layers of blackcurrant, tobacco, and graphite wrapped in fine tannins and bright acidity, this wine offers remarkable cellaring potential over 15 to 20 years.

Yarra Yering Dry Red Wine No. 2

A Rhône-inspired blend, Dry Red Wine No. 2 centres on Shiraz with additions of Mataro, Viognier, and others, creating a wine of floral lift, supple texture, and spice. Less structured than No. 1 but equally complex, it offers a more immediate charm while rewarding medium-term ageing.