Meet Sutton Grange winemaker Mel Chester!

Having won Gourmet Traveller Wine’s 2015 Australian Young Winemaker of the Year at the age of 26 and with the Young Gun of Wine People's Choice 2018 award already to her name, life has been pretty busy so far for Mel.

After completing her viticulture and oenology studies in Adelaide and work experience with d’Arenberg and Charles Melton, it was her travels to Europe which ignited a passion for the varietals such as Fiano, Aglianico and Sangiovese, which she now crafts for Sutton Grange.

Established in 1998, Sutton Grange grew its reputation for sustainable and organic farming practices, and their modus operandi “the best interest of the farm” under previous winemaker Gilles Lapalus.

Mel took the reins in 2015 and her wines have been earning plenty of accolades for this winery nestled 30km south of Bendigo in Central Victoria ever since. With Shiraz and Cabernet alongside the Italian varietals Sutton Grange champions, Mel and her small team produce the fresh, bright and vibrant Fairbank wines alongside the Estate collection, which includes some lesser known varietals that showcase the best of Central Victoria’s terroir.

Taste and dine with Mel at Henry Sugar, Carlton North for lunch on Saturday 27th June to hear more. She will be bringing along her handpicked wine selection and lots of insights into the highs and lows of a small wine business, especially in the crazy year that is 2020! Last few seats available - tickets here.