All change at Tarrawarra in the Yarra

The recent appointment of Sarah Fagan as chief winemaker at Yarra Valley stalwart Tarrawarra Estate has been followed by two more additions to the team. 

Viticulturalist Chris Beard (above) and the Swallowfield Vineyard in Gembrook are the latest to join the Tarrawarra squad. 

Tarrawarra has been at the forefront of the Yarra Valley chardonnay and pinot noir production for almost four decades after being started by Eva and Marc Besen, with the first wines made by David Wollan. 

Over the last 40 years, the total area of vines planted on the estate has expanded to almost 28 acres - and the 12 acres at the Swallowfield Vineyard in Gembrook in the Upper Yarra will provide more quality fruit. 

Beard will work with vineyard manager Stuart Sissins and brings 20 years of experience from his role managing the vineyards at Seville Estate and long tenures at Mount Mary and Yarra Yering.

"I have long admired Tarrawarra's commitment to quality and community, whether it be their excellent wines or superb restaurant," Beard said. "I am thrilled to continue that pursuit of quality in the vineyards as I join the team on one of the Yarra's most spectacular properties.

"The Swallowfield vineyard in the upper Yarra Valley is one of the greatest sites in the region. This property is a hidden gem, farmed by the same owner since 1990. 

"With Sarah Fagan's focus and talent and my experience working with some of Australia's greatest vineyards, I believe this will be some of the finest pinot noir and chardonnay anywhere. I can't wait for people to taste these wines."

See tarrawarra.com.au