Winery of the Year drops its brand new range | Melanie Chester of Giant Steps

In the first episode of the new and improved Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Halliday editor and host Anna Webster speaks with Melanie Chester, head winemaker at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley. We celebrate Giant Steps being named the 2025 Winery of the Year, discuss the importance of terroir, and the inspiration behind the new Circle of Fifths range. Mel also shares insights into wine judging, the art of blending, and how music plays a role in their winemaking process. The episode closes with a look at quality control, future plans for Giant Steps, and a rapid-fire segment on Mel’s personal wine preferences. Connect with us: Giant Steps Halliday Wine Companion Awards Circle of Fifths Wine Range Giant Steps on Instagram LANGTONS Wine Companion on Instagram Halliday Wine Companion

Key Takeaways Melanie Chester’s journey from South Australia to the Yarra Valley Giant Steps winning Winery of the Year 2025 Judging experience as a tool for refining winemaking skills The role of terroir in shaping Yarra Valley wines Circle of Fifths as a celebration of single vineyard wines Blending as both a creative and technical process Music as a unique part of Giant Steps' winemaking philosophy The difference between single-vineyard wines and blends The importance of quality control at every stage of production Giant Steps’ plans for vineyard expansion and future growth

Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast 00:52 – Melanie Chester's Journey in Winemaking 02:21 – Winning Winery of the Year: Giant Steps' Achievement 05:10 – The Role of Judging Experience in Winemaking 07:00 – Understanding Terroir: The Unique Vineyards of Yarra Valley 10:09 – The Circle of Fifths: A New Wine Range 13:59 – The Art of Blending Wines 18:21 – The Influence of Music in Winemaking 20:09 – Single Vineyard vs Blended Wines 23:02 – Tasting and Quality Control in Winemaking 26:24 – Future Aspirations for Giant Steps 32:15 – Quickfire Questions with Melanie Chester If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, leave a review, and share it with fellow wine enthusiasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.