By Farr, Côte Vineyard 'GC' Geelong Chardonnay 2020

The Farr estate is located in the Moorabool Valley; a picturesque locale dotted with farms, dairies and vineyards, situated between Geelong and Ballarat, 100km southwest of Melbourne. Swiss settlers first planted vines in the area in the early 1800s, which were then destroyed by the Phylloxera virus. Gary Farr has worked all over the globe as a winemaker, starting at Bannockburn Winery in 1978, before heading over to Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, the Rhȏne Valley, and Oregon and California.

A return to the Moorabool Valley saw Gary purchase land in 1994, on which he planted pinot noir chardonnay, spurred on by his experiences in Burgundy and seeing what incredible wines they could make there. Gary quickly gained a reputation as a superb winemaker, due to his desire to create elegant, perfumed wines that are earthy and savoury.

Old and New World Practices

In 2009, Gary’s son Nick took over as chief winemaker, having also worked at wineries in Burgundy, Oregon and California, and closer to home at Rosemount in the Hunter Valley. Nick’s journey as a winemaker is grounded in Old World and New World practices, which he uses to great effect in his wines.

By Farr Wine

While other wineries may have different ranges from the cheap and easy-drinking to more expensive bottles, By Farr is in the premium bracket, with an assortment of wines made from estate vineyards of viognier, chardonnay, pinot noir, gamay and shiraz. By Farr’s flagship wines are: the Tout Pres Pinot Noir, a blend of six clones over three slopes; the RP Pinot Noir, named in honour of Gary’s wife, Robyn; and the GC Chardonnay, named after Gary. Farr Rising is Nick’s own label, offering a rosé, chardonnay, pinot noir, gamay and shiraz.

By Farr aren’t open to the public and don’t have a cellar door, so gaining access to their wines can be tricky. Thankfully you can purchase them here.