Story

In 2021, Steffi Yayoi Snook launched Yayoi Wines; her first collection of independent white wines made with her favourite variety of grape: the Chenin Blanc.

Using alternative white varietals, Steffi is able to produce wines reminiscent of the textural and aromatic old-world wines she enjoyed on her various visits to France. Sourcing her fruit has sent Steffi on many an adventure, as there is little to no Chenin Blanc grown in Victoria. Her most recent haul came from South Australia.

Steffi grew up in the award-winning wine region of Central Otago, New Zealand. In year nine, she went on a school trip to a local vineyard where she was shown the practice of viticulture for the first time. This trip sparked the curiosity, fascination, and passion for winemaking she would carry with her into the future.

At nineteen, Steffi packed her bags and moved to Melbourne, Australia where she discovered a city devoted to art, culture, food, and wine. Working the Melbourne hospitality scene for several years at Rockpool, Vue De Monde, and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Steffi was introduced to some of the greatest wines of the world, and her enthusiasm for the craft of winemaking flourished.

After moving to the surf coast of Victoria, Steffi had her first taste of production working the vintage at Bannockburn Vineyard in Geelong. Hooked on the process of winemaking, Steffi started her Diploma in Wine Technology in 2020. 

At Lethbridge Wines on the Bellarine Peninsula, Steffi has been supported and encouraged by her mentors Ray Nadeson and Maree Collis to make her own wines, further fostering her delight in winemaking.

Yayoi is Steffi’s Japanese given name meaning ‘new life.’ Steffi wants to create wines, that like memories, can transport you back to a day on the beach surfing with friends, or a candlelit dinner in the Loire Valley, France. Yayoi Wines is about bringing ‘new life’ to an old craft, the result being the creation of expressive wines with personality, texture, and fruit purity to complement your day or night.

Steffi’s dream is to one day have her own vineyard growing Chenin Blanc in Victoria.