Yabby Lake Vineyard is owned by Robert and Mem Kirby who have been intimately involved in the Mornington Peninsula region for decades. The Kirbys are joined by two outstanding and renowned winemakers: Group Winemaker Tod Dexter and Consulting Winemaker Larry McKenna. Tod and Larry are known for their relaxed and unassuming personalities, and they apply the same approach to their winemaking: they work with the grapes to develop beautiful and distinctly superior wines that are truly expressive of Yabby Lake Vineyard. The first vintage from Yabby Lake Vineyard was produced in 2002.
Significant resources have been devoted to developing Yabby Lake's vineyard to the highest possible standard. Regional and national experts were consulted on every aspect of the vineyard's establishment from soil mapping to climate analysis to vine layout. Careful selection of plant clones has meant that the winemakers at Yabby Lake Vineyard now have a diversity of grapes to work with. Yabby Lake Vineyard is owned by the Kirby family and they are supported by a remarkable team who are equally passionate about the vineyard, the grapes, and their long-term goal of producing the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Australia.
The stunning Mornington Peninsula is a patchwork of small premium wineries and vineyards. Located 60 kilometres southeast of Melbourne, the region is virtually surrounded by sea and enjoys a cool maritime climate. Established in 1998, Yabby Lake Vineyard is planted on one of the regions premier vineyard sites.
Inspired by the classic wines of Burgundy, Yabby Lake Vineyard wines are a tribute to the unique Mornington Peninsula terroir, and the skills and experience of winemakers Larry McKenna and Tod Dexter. Their collaborative approach to winemaking, combined with Yabby Lake Vineyard's long-term commitment to producing the finest of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, have resulted in the creation of two remarkable wines.
The combination of a warm site in a cool region means the Yabby Lake Vineyard grapes ripen early to produce wines of outstanding quality.