Winery of the Year drops its brand new range | Melanie Chester of Giant Steps

Update: 2025-07-15

Description

In the first episode of the new and improved Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Halliday editor and host Anna Webster speaks with Melanie Chester, head winemaker at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley. We celebrate Giant Steps being named the 2025 Winery of the Year, discuss the importance of terroir, and the inspiration behind the new Circle of Fifths range. Mel also shares insights into wine judging, the art of blending, and how music plays a role in their winemaking process. The episode closes with a look at quality control, future plans for Giant Steps, and a rapid-fire segment on Mel’s personal wine preferences.

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Key Takeaways

Melanie Chester’s journey from South Australia to the Yarra Valley
Giant Steps winning Winery of the Year 2025
Judging experience as a tool for refining winemaking skills
The role of terroir in shaping Yarra Valley wines
Circle of Fifths as a celebration of single vineyard wines
Blending as both a creative and technical process
Music as a unique part of Giant Steps' winemaking philosophy
The difference between single-vineyard wines and blends
The importance of quality control at every stage of production
Giant Steps’ plans for vineyard expansion and future growth

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast
00:52 – Melanie Chester's Journey in Winemaking
02:21 – Winning Winery of the Year: Giant Steps' Achievement
05:10 – The Role of Judging Experience in Winemaking
07:00 – Understanding Terroir: The Unique Vineyards of Yarra Valley
10:09 – The Circle of Fifths: A New Wine Range
13:59 – The Art of Blending Wines
18:21 – The Influence of Music in Winemaking
20:09 – Single Vineyard vs Blended Wines
23:02 – Tasting and Quality Control in Winemaking
26:24 – Future Aspirations for Giant Steps
32:15 – Quickfire Questions with Melanie Chester