Melanie Chester

Melanie Chester, the Head of Winemaking and Viticulture at Giant Steps, joined the esteemed winery in 2021. Her arrival marked a new era for Giant Steps, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the winemaking process. Melanie’s impressive career in the wine industry, combined with her passion for viticulture, has made her a pivotal figure at Giant Steps.

Before joining Giant Steps, Melanie honed her skills at several renowned wineries. She played a significant role at Sutton Grange Winery in Central Victoria, where her innovative approach to winemaking and viticulture led to the creation of multi-trophy-winning wines. Melanie’s journey also included a stint at the historic Seppelt Great Western in the Grampians, where she worked with fruit from diverse climates across Victoria. From the cool regions of Henty, known for its Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot, to the warmer continental climates of Heathcote, Melanie’s expertise grew and diversified.

Melanie’s academic background is as impressive as her professional experience. She completed her studies in Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Adelaide, where she was awarded the prestigious Wolf Blass Prize for Excellence in Winemaking in 2011 and the David Bradley Memorial Prize in 2012. These accolades highlighted her potential for making significant contributions to the wine industry.

Her career path has seen her work at notable estates such as d’Arenberg in McLaren Vale, Charles Melton in the Barossa, and Quinta do Crasto in Portugal’s Douro Valley. Each of these experiences has contributed to Melanie’s deep understanding of winemaking and viticulture, shaping her into the accomplished winemaker she is today.

In 2014, Melanie made history by becoming the youngest scholar ever selected for The Len Evans Tutorial, a prestigious accolade that underscores her expertise and potential. The following year, she was named Young Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine. Her achievements continued to pile up, and in 2018, she was recognized by Young Gun of Wine with the People’s Choice award. Melanie is also a sought-after wine judge and currently serves as the Chair of Judges at the prestigious Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, home of the Jimmy Watson trophy.

Melanie’s connection with Giant Steps began long before she took on the role of Head of Winemaking and Viticulture. She had been an avid collector of wines from Giant Steps’ iconic vineyards for her personal cellar for many years. Her deep admiration for the winery instilled in her a sense of responsibility to honor the unique qualities of each vineyard site. For Melanie, this means keeping the winemaking process tight and transparent, allowing the diversity of the terroir to shine through in every glass.

As the General Manager of Giant Steps, Melanie brings an intense passion for wine, particularly great Burgundy, to her role. Her commitment to excellence and her innovative approach are driving forces behind the winery’s continued success. Outside of her professional life, Melanie is an avid cook who enjoys the simple pleasures of life. She loves a good margarita, a bowl of handmade pasta, and homegrown herbs. Her leisure activities include loud music, filter coffee, ocean swims, fishing, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Melanie Chester’s journey in the wine industry is a testament to her dedication, skill, and passion. Her influence at Giant Steps is undeniable, and her commitment to honoring the individual personalities and qualities of the winery’s sites ensures that each bottle of wine produced is a true reflection of the vineyard’s unique character. Under her guidance, Giant Steps continues to thrive, producing wines that are celebrated both locally and internationally. Melanie’s story is one of passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of winemaking.