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.

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&rsquo;s personal wine preferences.
Connect with us:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.giantstepswine.com.au">Giant Steps</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/resources/awards/halliday-wine-companion-award-winners/winery-of-the-year">Halliday Wine Companion Awards</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.giantstepswine.com.au/circleoffifths/">Circle of Fifths Wine Range</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/giantstepswine">Giant Steps on Instagram</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.langtons.com.au/">LANGTONS</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/winecompanion/">Wine Companion on Instagram</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/">Halliday Wine Companion </a></li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Melanie Chester&rsquo;s journey from South Australia to the Yarra Valley</li>
<li aria-level="1">Giant Steps winning Winery of the Year 2025</li>
<li aria-level="1">Judging experience as a tool for refining winemaking skills</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role of terroir in shaping Yarra Valley wines</li>
<li aria-level="1">Circle of Fifths as a celebration of single vineyard wines</li>
<li aria-level="1">Blending as both a creative and technical process</li>
<li aria-level="1">Music as a unique part of Giant Steps' winemaking philosophy</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between single-vineyard wines and blends</li>
<li aria-level="1">The importance of quality control at every stage of production</li>
<li aria-level="1">Giant Steps&rsquo; plans for vineyard expansion and future growth </li>
</ul>
Episode Chapters
00:00 &ndash; Introduction to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast 00:52 &ndash; Melanie Chester's Journey in Winemaking 02:21 &ndash; Winning Winery of the Year: Giant Steps' Achievement 05:10 &ndash; The Role of Judging Experience in Winemaking 07:00 &ndash; Understanding Terroir: The Unique Vineyards of Yarra Valley 10:09 &ndash; The Circle of Fifths: A New Wine Range 13:59 &ndash; The Art of Blending Wines 18:21 &ndash; The Influence of Music in Winemaking 20:09 &ndash; Single Vineyard vs Blended Wines 23:02 &ndash; Tasting and Quality Control in Winemaking 26:24 &ndash; Future Aspirations for Giant Steps 32:15 &ndash; 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.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

 Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.

From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.

So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.
&nbsp;Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts &ndash; including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more &ndash; to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.
From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.
So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

Halliday Wine Companion

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.

From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.

So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.
Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts &ndash; including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more &ndash; to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.
From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.
So, pour a glass and settle in.

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