Earlier this year By Farr was named Winery of Year in Australia by Australian wine writer Huon Hooke of the wine publication, The Real Review. An exceptional achievement for a small producer from one of the lesser known regions in Victoria.

In 1978, Gary Farr began his career as winemaker at Bannockburn Vineyards in the Moorabool Valley, northwest of Geelong in Victoria, Australia. His insatiable desire to make the best wines possible led to his travelling to Burgundy and working at the legendary Domaine Dujac, ultimately working 10 vintages there.

Gary founded By Farr after buying land in Geelong and planting grapes in the early 1990s. From the outset, the style of wines has been linked to the techniques he learned in Burgundy, and specifically at Dujac, including significant use of whole cluters, native yeast fermenation, and organic viticulture. In the last 10 years, the estate has been managed by Gary’s son Nick, who has been taking By Farr to new heights, and was recently named the 2020 Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveller.

Now encompassing 16 hectares, the viticultural practices are organic with native grasses allowed to grow between the vines and no tilling. All of the wines come from single vineyards, see native yeast fermentations, and the winery is gravity fed. The whites are whole cluster pressed and see long cool fermentation in barrel. The reds are fermented with whole clusters adding lift to the aromas, only pigeage is employed, and are aged in barrel for 18 months.

These are exceptional wines, beautifully balanced, and displaying the elegance and beguiling characteristics that make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay such stirring wines. 

https://byfarr.com.au