Mac Forbes Wines
Yarra Valley, Victoria
Intrepid exploration, cool-climate precision, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity define the wines of Mac Forbes.
A Pioneer in the Yarra
Mac Forbes Wines was founded in 2004 by Mac Forbes, a Yarra Valley native who challenged convention and forged his own path. From the outset, Mac sought to understand and express the nuances of the Yarra Valley’s lesser-known subregions, striving to capture the character of each site in his wines. His vision has helped shape the conversation around Australian terroir, showing that the Yarra Valley can produce wines of elegance, tension, and distinctiveness.
The Person Behind the Wines
Mac grew up in the Yarra Valley, the child of parents who picked grapes for Mount Mary. His first vintage experience was at 18 in the south of France, where he fell in love with the energy and camaraderie of harvest. After returning to Australia, he pursued a degree in Enology and gained diverse international experience, including winemaking in the UK, consulting in Austria, and working at Mount Mary. These experiences informed his philosophy of wine as a reflection of place, vintage, and vineyard.
The Vineyards & Winemaking Philosophy
Mac searches for cooler vineyard sites across the Yarra Valley, experimenting with microclimates and soils to bring out regional nuances. His EB (Experimental Batches) label reflects a willingness to explore, innovate, and occasionally fail in pursuit of unique, site-expressive wines. Mac practices minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery, aiming to preserve the identity of each block and bottle.
Signature Wines
Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs – From Woori Yallock, Hoddles Creek, and other subregions, showcasing tension, lifted red fruit, and elegant tannins.
Chardonnay – Cool-climate expressions with finesse, structure, and subtle oak influence.
EB Series – Experimental releases highlighting different varietals, sites, and winemaking techniques, revealing the diversity of the Yarra Valley.
Aesthetic & Identity
Mac Forbes Wines embodies curiosity, boldness, and integrity. The wines focus on transparency, letting the vineyard speak through the bottle. Each release is a reflection of place and season, a thoughtful exploration of Yarra Valley terroir with elegance, tension, and honesty.