Wantirna Estate

Reg and Tina Egan were among the early movers in the rebirth of the Yarra Valley. The vineyard surrounds the house they live in, which also incorporates the winery. These days Reg describes himself as the interfering winemaker but in the early years he did everything, dashing from his legal practice to the winery to check on the ferments. Today much of the winemaking responsibility has been transferred to daughter Maryann, who has a degree in wine science from CSU. Both have honed their practical skills among the small domaines and châteaux of Burgundy and Bordeaux, inspired by single-vineyard, terroir-driven wines. Maryann was also winemaker for many years in Domaine Chandon’s infancy. -JAMES HALLIDAY