Established by the Farr family, this boutique winery has etched its name in the annals of Australian viticulture, producing wines that marry tradition with innovation, and terroir with technique.
A Tale of Heritage
The story of Wines by Farr is one steeped in familial passion and dedication to the land. It begins with the Farr family's arrival in the Geelong region over a century ago. Gary Farr, a true pioneer in the Australian wine industry, inherited this legacy and set out to redefine winemaking in the region. With an unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and a deep respect for the land, he laid the foundation for what would become Wines by Farr.
Crafting Excellence: The Art of Winemaking
At Wines by Farr, winemaking is not merely a profession; it is an art form, meticulously honed over generations. The estate's vineyards, located in the famed Bannockburn region, boast ancient soils and a cool maritime climate, ideal for the cultivation of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. These grapes, nurtured by the gentle ocean breezes and the rich earth, imbue Wines by Farr's wines with a distinct sense of place.
From vine to bottle, every step of the winemaking process at Wines by Farr is guided by a philosophy of minimal intervention. Gary Farr, along with his son Nick, who now leads the winemaking team, believes in allowing the grapes to express their true character, harnessing the nuances of the terroir with precision and finesse. Hand-harvested fruit, natural fermentation, and judicious oak aging are just some of the hallmarks of their winemaking approach, resulting in wines of exceptional complexity and elegance.
Acclaim and Accolades
The wines of Wines by Farr have garnered acclaim both domestically and internationally, earning the admiration of critics and enthusiasts alike. With each vintage, the estate continues to push the boundaries of quality, setting new standards for excellence in Australian winemaking.
Among their most celebrated offerings is the Farrside Pinot Noir, a wine that epitomizes the finesse and complexity for which Wines by Farr is renowned. Crafted from grapes grown on the Farr family's original vineyard, Farrside showcases the unique characteristics of the Bannockburn terroir, with layers of dark fruit, earthy undertones, and a lingering finish that speaks to its pedigree.
Equally lauded is the Sangreal Pinot Noir, named after the mythical Holy Grail, a testament to its status as the pinnacle of Pinot Noir production. With its ethereal aromatics, vibrant acidity, and seamless integration of fruit and spice, Sangreal exemplifies the heights to which Australian Pinot Noir can aspire.
Not to be overshadowed, Wines by Farr's Chardonnays have also earned their fair share of accolades. The GC Chardonnay, sourced from a single vineyard planted with the revered Gin Gin clone, showcases the inherent richness and purity of Geelong's Chardonnay fruit, with a balance and complexity that rival the finest examples from Burgundy.
Winemaker Gary Farr
By Farr, the brainchild of Robyn and Gary Farr, was established in 1994 on a sun-kissed north facing slope in Bannockburn, Moorabool Valley. Initially offering Chardonnay by Farr, Viognier by Farr, Shiraz by Farr, and Pinot Noir by Farr (now known as Sangreal by Farr), the brand has evolved over the years with the invaluable contributions of Cassie and Nick.
Expanding their vineyards across adjoining properties, they have unlocked greater expression of single-site wines, driven by their profound connection to the land they cherish. By Farr wines are revered for their intricate complexity, structured layers, and enduring finish, earning admiration from consumers and critics alike for their exceptional drinkability and age-worthiness.
With Gary Farr's extensive winemaking experience, cultivated through global ventures from Burgundy's Domaine Dujac to Oregon's Cristom and California's Calera, By Farr epitomizes a fusion of international expertise with Australian terroir, particularly in the enchanting realm of Pinot Noir.