Giant Steps was founded by Margaret River native Phil Sexton in 1997. With the help of winemaker Steve Flamsteed, Giant Steps forged a reputation as one of the Yarra Valley’s most exciting producers, crafting cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from single sites. Since Mel Chester joined as Head of Winemaking and Viticulture in 2021, the winery has reached even greater heights and was named ‘Winery of the Year’ in the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion. In the words of Campbell Mattinson in the Halliday Wine Companion, “It’s been an outstanding winery for a long time, but the combination of energy and expertise – and no doubt plenty more besides – that winemaker Melanie Chester has brought since she arrived at the winery in November 2021 has frankly been breathtaking.
The Applejack Vineyard, in the upper Yarra Valley, was planted by respected viticulturist Ray Guerin in 1997 and today is managed by his son Mark. It was purchased by Phil Sexton in 2013. The 12.5 hectare plot boasts grey clay loam soils over a black (basalt) volcanic base on east-facing slopes. The higher altitude of 300 metres results in a cooler, extended growing season, ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
