warramate-launches-five-new-wines-2026

Warramate has had a glow-up. The Yarra Valley winery has released five new wines and overhauled its branding to distinguish it from its slightly older sibling, Yarra Yering.

While both wineries began independently – Yarra Yering was established by Dr Bailey Carrodus in 1969; Warramate by Jack and June Church in 1970 – they’ve been under the same ownership since 2011, with Sarah Crowe making wines for both since she was appointed by the former in ’13. 

Because the neighbouring vineyards share such similar DNA, Warramate is often thought of as ‘declassified’ Yarra Yering, rather than its own distinct label. The new five-wine collection leans in to and celebrates the differences, with drinkability (and affordability) at the fore.

“There is serious history and intent behind these wines, but we didn’t want the range itself to feel too serious,” Sarah says. “They’re bright, fresh and full of character – the sort of wines you want to open, pour and share.”

Joining the 2025 Pinot Noir, 2025 Chardonnay and 2024 Syrah is the 2019 Sparkling – a first for Warramate. The 2024 Cabernets, which includes the vineyard’s first crop of cabernet franc, fermented in amphora, rounds out the range.

On the labels is an original painting by Australian artist Marina Strocchi depicting both Warramate and Yarra Yering vineyards. “I wanted to capture the energy of the landscape – the rhythm of the rows of vines and the cultivated land sitting alongside the wilder landscape,” Marina says.