Wine By Farr

Gary and Robyn Farr purchased the original property in 1994 and the second section in 1998, the latter having been untouched for almost 40 years. The final piece of the puzzle, which links the two blocks of land, was purchased by Nick and Cassie Farr in 2011, making a total of 130 acres, of which 36 acres are under vine and the remainder is maintained as grazing and cropping for cattle and horses. 

Gary Farr has been making wine in the Moorabool Valley, Bannockburn since 1978, and while the landscape has undergone many changes in the past decades, Gary’s approach to wine has not strayed from tradition as he kept his fastidious attention to detail that has inspired a whole generation of vignerons. His experience as a hands-on winemaker was shaped by time spent at Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, Cristom in Oregon and Calera in California. Gary developed an appreciation for the beauty of shiraz and viognier from his many journeys to France’s Rhone Valley, where he also learned techniques for incorporating these wonderful varieties into his winemaking. To this day he still continues to visit Domaine Dujac regularly, as he has done for the past two decades.

The new generation, Nick Farr, acknowledges the influence his father has had on the winemaking industry in Australia, and from this builds upon these learnings to significantly enhance results alongside his own vast experience. While he was growing up, Nick often worked alongside his father on the family estate before a stint at Rosemount in the Hunter Valley in the late 90s. This was followed by more vintages at the family estate as well as at Innisfail Vineyards in the Bannockburn area, where Nick commenced his label Farr Rising. Similar to his father, Nick has experience at international vineyards, including Cristom in Oregon, Au Bon Climate in California, and Domaine Dujac in Burgundy. Nick’s enthusiasm and passion for wine is captivating, and he hosts an excellent grounding in both the new and old schools of winemaking.

Located in the Moorabool Valley between Geelong and Ballarat, 100 km southwest of Melbourne, the rich volcanic soil and continental climate at the estate produces premium fruit with a flavour, bouquet and colour that is unique to the surrounding area. The microclimate of the Moorabool Valley is influenced by winds from the western plains and bracing sea breezes, which regulate the temperature on long, sunny days and cool the air overnight. This climate is key to producing naturally balanced, low-yield fruit that is rich in flavour.

The By Farr vineyards are all based on ancient river deposits within the Moorabool Valley. Thousands of years later, they are reaping the rewards of these complex and mineral-rich soils, which lend their unique characteristics to the grapes. There are six different soils spread across the Farr property, with the two main types being rich, friable red and black volcanic loam, and limestone, which dominates the loam in some areas. The other soils are quartz gravel through a red volcanic soil, ironstone (called buckshot) in grey sandy loam with a heavy clay base, sandstone base, and volcanic lava rock. The soil’s good drainage and low fertility have been crucial in ensuring small yields of intensely flavoured fruit.

A combination of different clones and rootstocks, the grape varieties grown on this terroir include Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay and Shiraz.

By Farr is the original brand of the Farr Family, first produced in 1994 by Robyn and Gary on a north facing slope. Overtime with the help of Cassie and Nick the vineyards have expanded to adjoining neighbouring properties and eventually greater expression of the single site wines. The wines of By Farr are built around complexity, layered structure and undeniable length that places them in the highest regard by both consumers for their drinkability and age worthiness or critics around the world for their individuality.

Farr Rising - Nick and Cassie started the Farr Rising brand in a small winery known locally in the Moorabool Valley of Geelong called Innisfail in 2001. The sink or swim guidance that Gary provided in Nick’s first years was not lost on him and has shaped the vigneron into who he is today. The label first sourced fruit from the Innisfail vineyards while planting new sites on the family farm where the fruit is now sourced for the wines we see today. The Farr Rising wines are built for deliciousness and a higher than expected consistency from every vintage. A fantastic prelude to the By Farr wines yet a stand alone brand of quality.

Irrewarra - The Irrewarra brand is a relatively young brand but with a now mature vineyard site planted in 2001 by the Calvert family of famed Irrewarra Sourdough Bakery. Inspired by time spent in Burgundy during the 1992 vintage Bronwyn and John decided to plant a dry farmed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir site. The Farr Family decided to make the site their own with the help of the Calvert's from 2012, farming the land with the level of detail that is expected of the Farr Rising and By Farr sites.

Clos Cachet is honoured to distribute Wine By Farr across Victoria and Tasmania. They represent beautifully what the Geelong/Bannockburn region is all about.