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The Journey Begins


OUR STORY
The story of Journey begins with a passion for wine and a long-held dream to craft wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Yarra Valley.

In its early days, Journey was founded by Damian North, a winemaker whose journey into the world of wine began in an unexpected place: working as a sommelier at some of Sydney’s most iconic restaurants, including the original Tetsuya’s in Rozelle and Pier at Rose Bay. It was here, surrounded by exceptional wines, that Damian’s fascination with the craft of winemaking grew, sparking a desire to understand the wine’s journey from vine to bottle.

Determined to pursue his passion, Damian studied winemaking at Charles Sturt University and, soon after, made the move to the Yarra Valley, where he spent several years as assistant winemaker at TarraWarra Estate. There, he gained invaluable experience in cool-climate viticulture and winemaking, learning firsthand the unique challenges and rewards of crafting wines in this exceptional region.

A Passion for Pinot Noir
and Chardonnay

OUR STORY

Like many winemakers, Damian developed a deep obsession with Pinot Noir, a variety that thrives in the cool conditions of the Yarra Valley. This passion led him to Oregon, USA, where he spent three years working exclusively with Pinot Noir at Benton-Lane Winery. His time in Oregon cemented his love for the variety, but Damian knew that there was another varietal he was equally drawn to, Chardonnay.

When the opportunity arose to work as the head winemaker at Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River, one of Australia’s most internationally renowned wineries, Damian embraced it fully. His five years at Leeuwin Estate deepened his winemaking knowledge and pushed his craft to new heights, as he refined his ability to produce wines that were both complex and expressive, with a clear focus on elegance and balance.

The Birth of Journey Wines




After years of honing his skills, Damian's dream of starting his own winery became a reality. The journey came full circle when he returned to the Yarra Valley, now with a growing family, to create a label that was grounded in the region’s exceptional terroir. It was here that Journey was born, with a focus on two of the Yarra Valley’s most iconic varietals: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

By focusing exclusively on these two varieties, Journey has been able to refine the art of winemaking to perfection. The Yarra Valley’s cool climate and diverse soils provide the perfect environment for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, allowing these varietals to express their true character. Damian’s belief that the best wines are made when you focus on what you do best has shaped the winery’s philosophy, and today, Journey continues to produce wines that reflect the unique essence of the Yarra Valley.

A New Chapter

Although Damian is no longer involved with the brand, Journey continues to carry forward his vision and dedication to crafting wines that honor the beauty of the Yarra Valley. The winery now focuses exclusively on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, refining each vintage to produce wines of exceptional quality, elegance, and balance.

As we look to the future, Journey remains committed to creating wines that reflect the land, the craftsmanship, and the passion behind them. With an ongoing focus on sustainability and innovation, we continue to craft wines that are true to their origins, offering a sensory journey that embodies the very best of the Yarra Valley.

Vineyards & Terroir



YARRA VALLEY TERROIR

The Yarra Valley’s cool climate and diverse soils create the perfect environment for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—two varieties that thrive in this region. The valley’s ability to produce wines with incredible finesse and complexity is the result of its unique terroir, where the combination of elevation, soil, and weather conditions creates ideal growing conditions for these grapes.

At Journey, we source all our fruit from exceptional vineyard sites in the Yarra Valley. The focused nature of our winemaking allows us to select only the very best parcels of fruit, ensuring each wine is a true reflection of the region’s distinctive character.

OUR WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY

The Craft of Winemaking

Our philosophy at Journey is simple: by focusing exclusively on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, we’re able to devote ourselves to perfecting every aspect of their cultivation and vinification. We take a minimal-intervention approach, allowing the natural flavors of the grapes to shine. Through thoughtful and sustainable practices, we bring out the best in these two varieties, creating wines that speak to the heart of the Yarra Valley.

From vineyard to bottle, every decision is made with a respect for tradition and a commitment to quality. Our wines are crafted to express the purity and elegance of their varietals, with a focus on balance, freshness, and long-term aging potential.

The Art of Journey Wines


The artwork featured on our labels reflects the beauty and artistry of winemaking. Drawing inspiration from traditional printmaking styles, the label designs aim to capture the essence of the Yarra Valley and the careful craftsmanship behind each bottle. Every label tells a story—a visual representation of the journey from vineyard to glass.

Explore Our Wine Collection

Discover Wines

Sign Up For Allocation

Access to Journey wines is offered exclusively by allocation. With each release, a limited number of curated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay selections are made available to those on our private waitlist. Allocations are reserved in priority order, reflecting the scarcity of our small-batch production. Joining the list is the first step toward receiving an invitation.

Journey Wines

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