Journey Wines

The name chosen by Damian North for his brand is particularly appropriate given the winding path he has taken before starting (with his wife and three youngish children) his own label. Originally a sommelier at Tetsuya's, he was inspired to enrol in the oenology course at CSU, gaining his first practical winemaking experience as assistant winemaker at Tarrawarra Estate. Then, with family in tow, he moved to Oregon's Benton-Lane Winery to make pinot noir, before returning to become winemaker at Leeuwin Estate for five years. The wheel has turned full circle as the family has returned to the Yarra Valley, securing 2ha of chardonnay, 2.5ha of pinot noir and 2ha of shiraz under contract arrangements, and making the wines at Medhurst. JAMES HALLIDAY