Celebrating International Women’s Day with Winemaker, Amanda Flynn

Published on: 6th March 2024

Amanda Flynn | Winemaker

This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on Amanda Flynn – one of our esteemed winemakers here at Yering Station. Join us in honouring her remarkable journey and invaluable contributions to our winemaking. Amanda’s dedication and expertise are extraordinary; she exemplifies strength, passion and sincerity in all that she does.

Introduction

Studying oenology at CSU and working alongside winemakers at Dominique Portet and Peter Mackey, she honed her craft. Amanda has also spent time winemaking and managing viticulture on an 8-acre property in West Gippsland. Completing AWRI AWAC and judging Australian wine shows further enriched her expertise. As a winemaker at Yering Station, Amanda strives to embody the purest expression of our cool climate fruit. Day to day, Amanda is responsible for quality control in the winery, along with contributing toward blending decision-making, management of workflow and staff development.

On being a woman in wine 

Amanda describes the experience as “fantastic. It is such an exciting and engaging industry to be a part of. We are seeing more and more women in higher management levels across both the winery and viticultural sectors. Pushing and changing the old way of doing things. Bringing a different perspective to the table.”

“Build connections. Keep investing in yourself to continue to learn, there are many great opportunities available. And most importantly… Have fun!”

Family values

“Harvest is difficult on all families across all agricultural sectors, but trying to fulfil your role as mum as well as a winemaker can be particularly difficult. I’m very lucky that I have support during the harvest period.

Both of my children have grown up in the winery. They have been in the vineyards, racking barrels, helping on the bottling line. The pandemic meant that my daughter had her science classes performing enzymatic testing for me. They both learn a lot during a day at work with mum, and they love being a part of ‘the crew’.”

Amanda’s inspiration

“I have three women who have been a great help and inspiration over the course of my career.

The first was Sandra de Pury of Yeringberg. Sandra was the first person to employ me as a cellar hand for the 2014 harvest. Since then, she has continued to be a great support of mine in both career and personal life.

The second is Janine Miller – I worked with Janine at a large contract facility in the Yarra Valley and she has taught me some of the best cellar craft I know. I would hands down say she is the most competent and professional cellar master I’ve worked with.

The third is Sam Connew from Stargazer – Sam was my mentor as part of the Wine Industry Mentor Program. She has given me some invaluable advice and has been a great sounding board. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of the wonderful women who contribute to the success of Yering Station – across our vineyards, winery, administration, hospitality and corporate operations. Today and every day, we recognize your contributions to our team and industry. Thank you for your inspiring presence.”

To the women of Yering Station

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of the wonderful women who contribute to the success of Yering Station – across our vineyards, winery, administration, hospitality and corporate operations. Today and every day, we recognize your contributions to our team and industry. Thank you for your inspiring presence.