Melanie Chester: Crafting Elegance at Giant Steps

Explore the journey of Melanie Chester, Head Winemaker at Giant Steps, and how her minimalist approach has shaped some of Australia’s most elegant Pinot Noir.

Melanie Chester: Crafting Elegance at Giant Steps

When you open a bottle of Giant Steps Pinot Noir 2024, you’re not just tasting Yarra Valley fruit—you’re tasting the work of one of Australia’s most exciting winemaking talents, Melanie Chester.

Appointed as Head Winemaker at Giant Steps in 2021, Melanie brought her sharp focus, hands-on approach, and unwavering respect for site-driven wines to a label already well known for its precision. Under her guidance, Giant Steps continues to express the very best of the Yarra Valley.

Minimal Intervention, Maximum Impact

Melanie’s approach is grounded in minimal intervention. That means hand-picked fruit, wild fermentation, gravity-flow winemaking, and no fining or filtration. Her philosophy? Let the vineyard speak. And the results are stunning—elegant wines with purity, texture, and energy.

The 2024 vintage of Giant Steps Pinot Noir is a perfect example: bright cherry, rhubarb, pink peppercorn and savoury spice, all wrapped in a silky frame. It’s a wine that’s both delicious now and capable of aging beautifully. No wonder Giant Steps was named Halliday Winery of the Year in 2025.

A Winemaker to Watch

Melanie’s star continues to rise. She’s already won the Young Gun of Wine ‘People’s Choice’ award and was the youngest ever winemaker to be appointed to the Wine Victoria Board. Her role at Giant Steps has taken the winery to new heights, earning consistent 95+ scores from Halliday and praise from critics across the country.

Whether you're deep into Pinot or just exploring, Melanie Chester’s wines offer a masterclass in cool-climate finesse.

Explore Giant Steps Wines

At Wine Simple, we’re proud to stock the 2024 Giant Steps Pinot Noir. It’s wines like this that remind us why the Yarra Valley is such a special place—and why winemakers like Melanie Chester are ones to watch.

FAQs

Who is Melanie Chester?

Melanie Chester is the Head Winemaker at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley. She’s known for her minimalist winemaking style and award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Where can I buy Giant Steps Pinot Noir online?

You can buy the 2024 Giant Steps Pinot Noir directly from our store at Wine Simple, with delivery Australia-wide.

Why is Giant Steps Pinot Noir so highly rated?

Thanks to pristine Yarra Valley fruit, whole-bunch fermentation, and gentle oak handling, Giant Steps Pinot Noir is known for its balance, elegance, and ageing potential.

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