Sarah Crowe
MADE IN THE VINEYARD
At the top of her game, Yarra Valley winemaker Sarah Crowe is blurring the line between vineyard and winery.
Growing up in the coastal town of Wollongong, south of Sydney, Sarah had no ambitions to be a winemaker. She realised early on that office life wasn’t for her, so she studied horticulture and accidentally ended up in vines and wine. As Winemaker and General Manager at the iconic Yarra Yering, Sarah has been named James Halliday Winemaker of the Year and asked to judge at more wine shows than she can say yes to. She makes elegant, acclaimed wines, but sees the vineyard as the real hero.
Continuing a legacy of innovation
On a trip to Europe in her early 20s, Sarah was struck by the beauty of a French vineyard, and it inspired her to get a job several years later pruning vines at the renowned Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley. Sarah stayed for nine years, learning to make wine, completing a viticulture degree and winning a Rising Star of the Year award.
After more than a decade in the Hunter, she scored the coveted job as winemaker at Yarra Yering, and headed south to the Yarra Valley wine region. Founded by Dr Bailey Carrodus, Yarra Yering is one of the region’s oldest and most respected wineries.
“Dr Carrodus was a botanist, so the vineyard has always been the central focus of Yarra Yering,” says Sarah. “We’ve always had more staff in the vineyard than anywhere else.”
That focus aligns with Sarah’s passion and origins in viticulture. Since joining the team, she’s worked with viticulturist Andrew George to revitalise the picturesque vineyard and has evolved the wine styles, all while honouring Yarra Yering’s past.
“Over 50 years the vineyard has gone through an evolution of wines and varieties, and that continues today – it’s how we learn and grow,” says Sarah. “We’re always thinking and trialling new ideas.”
Sarah’s approach is all about capturing the unique characteristics of the vineyard and climate, letting the winemaking take a backseat.
“My motivation is to make the best wine each year that represents that season,” says Sarah. “Each year is different. And so capturing that in a bottle is what I enjoy the most.
“Every year we’re trying to understand and express the vineyard more, and that comes from a lot of thinking and attention to detail. The best wines do not come easily, but they should look effortless.”
“My motivation is to make the best wine each year that represents that season. The best wines do not come easily, but they should look effortless.” – Sarah Crowe
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