Caleb Wearne and Jessica Caruso will take over running the business in 2025. Photo: Ishita Moghe.
Yarrh Wines will have new custodians from 1 January as longtime owners Fiona Wholohan and Neil McGregor hand over operations to couple Caleb Wearne and Jessica Caruso.
With 10 years of winemaking experience and a background in agricultural engineering, Caleb is looking forward to continuing the sustainable winemaking ethos that Fiona and Neil have embodied at Yarrh for the past 27 years.
“Neil, Fiona and myself share a very similar approach to grape growing and winemaking,” said Caleb.
“I’m excited to become the new custodian of the Yarrh brand along with my wife Jessica. Neil and Fiona have done incredible work establishing Yarrh Wines, and we’re looking forward to continuing that work in the future,” he adds.
Fiona Wholohan and Neil McGregor will pass on operations to Caleb Wearne and Jessica Caruso. Photo: Ishita Moghe.
Just 10 minutes from Murrumbatemen, Yarrh is well known for regenerative farming practices and low-intervention, single-vineyard wines.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure making Yarrh Wines over the years, learning my craft and seeing the joy the wines bring to all of our customers, some of whom are now cherished friends,” said Fiona.
“Neil and I will remain guardians of the vineyard and will assist Caleb as he transitions Yarrh into this new era, providing support when needed, including the 2025 vintage.”
Neil and Fiona will now turn their attention to bush regeneration projects on the broader property around the vineyard. They also recently launched two tiny houses on the site in collaboration with local business Cubby & Co.
Caleb Wearne will bring his love of Italian wines and a passion for sustainable viticulture to the new role. Photo: Ishita Moghe.
Caleb previously managed the vineyard at Nick O’Leary Wines and also makes wines under his own label, Whitton Farm. He is passionate about Italian varietals, having worked on a vintage in the Chianti region of Italy in 2017. The Yarrh label will continue to be made solely from grapes grown on-site, and Caleb will buy grapes to make his Whitton Farm wines at the same facility.
The two couples are optimistic about the future of Yarrh Wines and are looking forward to seeing (and tasting!) the results.
“We’ve known Caleb for many years now and have every confidence that Yarrh Wines will be in good hands, with an added injection of youthful energy and innovation. We hope that not only will our current supporters stick with Caleb and Jessica as they continue the Yarrh journey, but that the duo is also able to introduce the wine to a whole new audience.”
Fiona and Neil will provide support during the transition and then focus on bush regeneration projects. Photo: Ishita Moghe.
Yarrh Wines is located 45 minutes from Canberra at 440 Greenwood Road, Murrumbateman, NSW.
Visit their website and follow Yarrh Wines on Facebook or Instagram.
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