In a region where the wine scene often feels synonymous with luxury, Barney Flanders of Garagiste has built a reputation as Mornington Peninsula’s value-driven purist. We've championed Barney's wines for over a decade now and, in all honesty, they've never looked (or tasted) better.
Known for his humility and no-fuss approach, Barney has eschewed premium price tags and flashy cellar doors in favour of authentic, small-batch wines that offer an extraordinary glimpse into Mornington’s diverse terrain. His focus on elegance and balance in both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay has made Garagiste a quiet powerhouse—a winery producing some of the Peninsula’s most compelling wines without the pretense.
Garagiste’s name, and its ethos, were inspired by a trip to France where Barney first encountered small winemakers operating out of humble sheds, yet producing extraordinary wines. The simplicity of this setup resonated with him, forming the foundation for Garagiste’s ethos: quality above all else, without the need for lavish infrastructure. As he puts it,
“To be traveling around and going, okay, there's this term of winemakers that were making wine in their sheds. They were making high quality wine, very small production, and I went, yeah, that probably rings true.”
In line with this philosophy, Barney keeps his setup refreshingly modest. There’s no cellar door, no restaurant, and no website loaded with marketing—it’s just Barney and his wines. His straightforward approach is about letting the bottles speak for themselves, and that's the approach that has built him a loyal, devoted following.
The heart of Garagiste’s quality lies in the vineyards, where Barney has embraced sustainable practices to encourage a healthier ecosystem. He’s banished herbicides and pesticides, nurturing biodiversity in the soil and promoting positive microbes that translate into a nuanced, natural expression in the wines. These efforts have not only improved the vineyard's health but have also resulted in wines of striking purity and finesse.
“Totally moving away from herbicides…we don’t use pesticides…we’re trying to promote positive flora and fauna, positive microbes within the vineyard rather than take them away.”
This mindful approach has led to a softening and refinement in Garagiste wines over time. Barney’s Pinot Noir, for example, once bold and structured, has evolved into a more sophisticated, elegant wine, while his Chardonnays continue to deliver layers of coastal influence with seamless balance.
While Mornington Peninsula has become a premium destination for these varieties, Barney’s commitment to accessible pricing has set Garagiste apart. He’s quick to point out that “value” doesn’t mean “cheap”—it’s about over-delivering at every price point. Each vintage from Garagiste, whether at entry-level or premium, consistently offers flavour, balance, and character well beyond its cost.
“Best value doesn’t mean cheap. It just means whether it’s the $35 wines, the $50 wines, the $75 wines, they all over deliver.”
His Pinot Noir in particular has seen a remarkable evolution. Working with whole-bunch fermentation, Barney crafts wines that embrace the complex textures and subtle tannins of this method without tipping into overt spiciness. The result is a Pinot Noir that’s delicate yet structured, red-fruited and layered with a savoury edge—distinctly Mornington, yet timelessly drinkable.
"People think… just by nature, it's going to make the wine stalky and spicy… but it doesn't, if it's done well, right? Like, it should just be more about the structure of the wine or the mouthfeel."
For all of his achievements, Barney’s laid-back, modest nature keeps Garagiste grounded. He remains candid about the challenges of winemaking, from seasonal extremes to the lean, grey-hair-inducing grind of running a family business. Yet he relishes the simple pleasure of watching his wines evolve in the glass and knowing that his efforts contribute to a deeper appreciation of the land.
"I’m very proud of the wines that we’re able to create. And I hope other people enjoy them too. Ultimately, I want people to enjoy the wines that we make. Yeah. Like wine is there to be delicious."
With Garagiste, Barney has distilled his philosophy into wines that are quietly powerful, delivering a pure sense of place without artifice. By focusing on honest, accessible expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, he has created a range that stands as an invitation to experience Mornington Peninsula without the glitz—just an exceptional wine in every bottle.
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