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First Foot Forward was launched in 2013 with a focus on making small batches of textural, thought provoking Yarra Valley wines with minimal intervention. Martin works with strong vineyards and experienced growers from across the Yarra Valley to make complex, balanced and most importantly interesting wines with a modest price tag.
The wines are fermented with wild yeasts before elevage in oak and terracotta eggs. Small batch wines result in small quantities. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are at the core of FFF with an occasional dabble in other varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc when Martin gets too excited to say no.
Martin’s day job since 2012 has been winemaker and vineyard manager for Tokar Estate where he introduced sustainable vineyard practices and a culture of putting the wine quality at the forefront. Prior to Tokar Estate, he learnt the art of winemaking working with Benjamin Leroux, Pegasus Bay in Canterbury N.Z. and Yarra Yering amongst others.
The three current releases are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Sauvignon Blanc. All are hand-picked & wild yeast fermented with some skin contact & all are absolutely delicious.

The grapes for this Chardonnay were hand picked from a mature vineyard in Yarra Junction (Upper Yarra Valley) when in the citrus to stone fruit flavour spectrum. After hand picking it was pressed to barrel (around 30 % new French oak) for wild ferment. No malolactic fermentation was encouraged with this wine to accentuate the acidic drive this part of the Yarra is known for. Made with a light hand and wild yeasts to deliver a full flavoured yet crisp modern Chardonnay. Delicious lip-smacking drinking.