Winemaking
Since 2015 our vintages have been made in small batches: picked, pressed, shoveled and plunged by hand. There is no formula here — just what our winemaker Caroline Mooney sees, smells, and tastes, intuiting what each wine needs in the process.
Every harvest is different, so our wines are, too. We’re not here to make the same tasting wines each year; we make wines of interest that exemplify the land they come from.
Caroline Mooney, Winemaker
Raised in Yarra Valley (on a farm next to Zonzo Estate no less), Caroline’s wine journey has seen her travel all over Australia, to France and back again — picking up a degree in wine science along the way.
Her understanding of terroir is instinctive and her respect for the land and traditional winemaking processes helps to create expressive wines. Joining us in 2015 with more than 20 years experience, Caroline brings a breadth of knowledge and wonderful sense of humour to the winemaking team.
She is now focused on the future of our vineyard, having already designed our urban winery and created Scoperta — a new range of small batch Zonzo wines.
Phil Chapman, Viticulturist
After working a short time in vineyards, Phil realised he wanted to do it forever. The connection of land with seasons, fresh air, sunlight and being hands on — all of it called to him.
Since completing a degree in viticulture, Phil oversaw 25 vintages in Yarra Valley and joined Zonzo in 2020. His approach to vineyard regeneration complements Caroline’s instinctive winemaking: improving soil health by increasing biodiversity and aiding a balanced ecosystem, reducing the need for chemical intervention (and encouraging natural pest predators). In plain terms, Phil works with nature to create deliciousness.
He’s excited to transform and expand Zonzo’s vineyard, helping us produce outstanding and distinctive wine far into the future.
