Charm of northern Italy, provenance of Yarra Valley
Nestled down a quiet country lane in the prestigious
Warramate foothills of Gruyere, SOUMAH of Yarra Valley has established
itself as an enigmatic and awarded winery in the Australian wine landscape.
Founded by 5-star hospitality veteran Brett Butcher and his family, the
winery’s name is an acronym for its geographic coordinates "South of
Maroondah Highway". However, the true intrigue of SOUMAH lies in its bold,
dual-identity philosophy. While firmly rooted in the pristine, cool-climate
terroir of Victoria known for crisp Chardonnay and savoury Pinot noir, the
estate also functions as a visionary portal to northern Italy. Rather than
merely replicating local standards, SOUMAH has chosen a path of relentless
experimentation, successfully pioneering a slice of old-world northern Italy within
the new.
The pursuit of excellence at SOUMAH is defined by a
meticulous commitment to its unique home vineyard site – Hexham Vineyard.
Situated 100-130 metres above sea level, the Hexham Vineyard benefits from
ancient, grey sandy-clay loams and sandstone soils that naturally limit grape
yields while concentrating flavour and structural detail. Under the watchful
eye of chief winemaker Scott McCarthy and Director of viticulture Paul Viggers,
the estate balances the Yarra Valley's signature strengths with an avant-garde
approach to viticultural pursuit.
While we craft internationally acclaimed, linear Chardonnays
and elegant Pinot Noirs, our passion has evolved into the challenging northern
Italian varietals. Varieties such as Nebbiolo, Barbera, Brachetto, Marzemino, Pinot
Nero, Arneis, and Savarro (Traminer). We endeavour to capture the ethereal
aromatics and savory elegance typically reserved for the sub-Alpine regions of
northern Italy. To put it in simple terms Brett Butcher says, “we are waiting
each autumn for our Italian varieties to drop acid rather than picking fruit
that has dropped acid and maybe has too much sugar. This allows us to have
strong, non-interventional ferments and is so pleasingly natural. We think it is
one of the futures of the Yarra Valley.”
Central to our pursuit is the philosophy of lutte
raisonnée, or "reasoned fight". This framework drives a
sustainable, low-intervention approach to the land, replacing harsh synthetic
chemicals with organic mulching, under-vine tilling and natural elemental
sprays to foster deep soil health. By encouraging the vines to struggle
naturally, the winegrowing team ensures that every bottle is a pure,
undistorted reflection of its provenance. The ultimate expression of this
boundary-pushing ethos is captured in complex, mysterious creations like
Wild Savagnin, a white wine full of depth and unusually crafted via a
traditional Solero method.
Join us for a tasting of our classic lineup, explore our northern
Italian varieties, or indulge in the Premium Wine Experience. Afterward,
linger for a delicious lunch in Ai Fiori Trattoria or extend your stay
overnight in one of our luxury cottages overlooking the vines. There is so much
to experience at this must-visit winery.
Meet Our Team
VIGNERON & FOUNDER
Overseeing the family investment, Brett has been involved in the wine business all his life. Initially in the domestic and international five-star hotel, on-premise business and then onto his role in helping set up Soumah as a premium wine producer. “We focused on the Yarra for its acclaim in producing cool climate, clear varietal wines with savoury elegance. The Soumah raison d’etre is to support this fame with the definitive vineyard site, nurturing viticulture and a focus on quality over quantity.
CHIEF WINEMAKER
Scott was born into viticulture, growing up on a family vineyard in Mildura. He began his career in 1989 with Yalumba, then went on to gain worldwide experience in the Napa Valley at Oakville Ranch, Loire Valley at Jacques Lurton and over to Malborough at Rapaura. In 2005, Scott designed a new winery which formed a base to produce super premium wines.
GENERAL MANAGER
TJ was born and bred on the terra rossa soil of Coonawarra, wine is in her blood. She completed an oenology degree at the University of Adelaide and has produced some great wines over 10 years of winemaking in Coonawarra. TJ and her husband moved to the Yarra Valley to become involved in its innovative wine and food culture and to nurture a love of Pinot Noir. Outside of work she keeps busy with her two children.
DIRECTOR OF VITICULTURE
Paul is loving being back in the Yarra Valley. He has personally managed numerous beautiful vineyards throughout Australia and New Zealand. From vineyards surrounded by snow-capped mountains, where the vines hovered over perfect blue rivers running at the vineyards edge in ‘Central Otago’ NZ, to the just-as-beautiful, treed mountains of the Yarra Valley. Paul has also managed vineyards in warmer climate of ‘Central Victoria’ (Heathcote) where the vineyards live in harmony with the stunning local wildlife. These wine growing areas all have one thing in common: the ability to grow
exceptional world-class fruit (from Shiraz in Heathcote to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Central Otago and Yarra Valley); and yes ‘Beauty’.
DIRECTOR | SALES, MARKETING, & LOGISTICS
Being a second-generation winemaker, Dmitri has been around a winery his entire life. Over the last 10 years he has gone from vineyards, cellars, barrel storages, anywhere where he could get his hands dirty with this glorious product we call wine to sales and marketing. At Soumah, Dmitri oversees national and global sales and distribution, promoting Soumah of Yarra Valley to the world.
SALES MANAGER
Scott has been managing bars and restaurants for the last 14 years throughout Tasmania and Melbourne. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the team and is currently studying every aspect of wine he can.
SALES MANAGER
Born and raised in the U.S, Mark has been a baker, a chef, a restaurant manager, and beverage director for several restaurants. His passion for wine lead him into selling and representing several international portfolio’s for more than 10 years. Mark owned his own wine education business in Colorado teaching people about wines from around the world. He studied winemaking in Napa, California while working in the cellars of several prestigious wineries. Mark moved to Melbourne 9 years ago with his family and loves cooking, eating, and drinking wines with balance and complexity.
FINANCE
With over 30 years of experience in bookkeeping and business management, spanning hospitality, health and wellness, and agriculture, she brings a practical and grounded approach to business. Growing up in country Victoria instilled a strong appreciation for hard work, community, and building something meaningful. After a decade in Melbourne’s inner east, she and her family relocated closer to the Yarra Valley in 2024, embracing a lifestyle that felt like coming home. Alongside her professional career, she successfully operated a family farm and retail business, earning recognition through a business award, while maintaining strong ties to her Italian heritage and culture.
VIGNERON & FOUNDER
Overseeing the family investment, Brett has been involved in the wine business all his life. Initially in the domestic and international five-star hotel, on-premise business and then onto his role in helping set up Soumah as a premium wine producer. “We focused on the Yarra for its acclaim in producing cool climate, clear varietal wines with savoury elegance. The Soumah raison d’etre is to support this fame with the definitive vineyard site, nurturing viticulture and a focus on quality over quantity.
CHIEF WINEMAKER
Scott was born into viticulture, growing up on a family vineyard in Mildura. He began his career in 1989 with Yalumba, then went on to gain worldwide experience in the Napa Valley at Oakville Ranch, Loire Valley at Jacques Lurton and over to Malborough at Rapaura. In 2005, Scott designed a new winery which formed a base to produce super premium wines.
GENERAL MANAGER
TJ was born and bred on the terra rossa soil of Coonawarra, wine is in her blood. She completed an oenology degree at the University of Adelaide and has produced some great wines over 10 years of winemaking in Coonawarra. TJ and her husband moved to the Yarra Valley to become involved in its innovative wine and food culture and to nurture a love of Pinot Noir. Outside of work she keeps busy with her two children.
DIRECTOR OF VITICULTURE
Paul is loving being back in the Yarra Valley. He has personally managed numerous beautiful vineyards throughout Australia and New Zealand. From vineyards surrounded by snow-capped mountains, where the vines hovered over perfect blue rivers running at the vineyards edge in ‘Central Otago’ NZ, to the just-as-beautiful, treed mountains of the Yarra Valley. Paul has also managed vineyards in warmer climate of ‘Central Victoria’ (Heathcote) where the vineyards live in harmony with the stunning local wildlife. These wine growing areas all have one thing in common: the ability to grow
exceptional world-class fruit (from Shiraz in Heathcote to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Central Otago and Yarra Valley); and yes ‘Beauty’.
DIRECTOR | SALES, MARKETING, & LOGISTICS
Being a second-generation winemaker, Dmitri has been around a winery his entire life. Over the last 10 years he has gone from vineyards, cellars, barrel storages, anywhere where he could get his hands dirty with this glorious product we call wine to sales and marketing. At Soumah, Dmitri oversees national and global sales and distribution, promoting Soumah of Yarra Valley to the world.
SALES MANAGER
Scott has been managing bars and restaurants for the last 14 years throughout Tasmania and Melbourne. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the team and is currently studying every aspect of wine he can.
SALES MANAGER
Born and raised in the U.S, Mark has been a baker, a chef, a restaurant manager, and beverage director for several restaurants. His passion for wine lead him into selling and representing several international portfolio’s for more than 10 years. Mark owned his own wine education business in Colorado teaching people about wines from around the world. He studied winemaking in Napa, California while working in the cellars of several prestigious wineries. Mark moved to Melbourne 9 years ago with his family and loves cooking, eating, and drinking wines with balance and complexity.
FINANCE
With over 30 years of experience in bookkeeping and business management, spanning hospitality, health and wellness, and agriculture, she brings a practical and grounded approach to business. Growing up in country Victoria instilled a strong appreciation for hard work, community, and building something meaningful. After a decade in Melbourne’s inner east, she and her family relocated closer to the Yarra Valley in 2024, embracing a lifestyle that felt like coming home. Alongside her professional career, she successfully operated a family farm and retail business, earning recognition through a business award, while maintaining strong ties to her Italian heritage and culture.
DIRECTOR OF HOSPITALITY
Born on the edge of the Yarra Valley, Lucy has worked in the hospitality industry, locally and overseas. Working in restaurants, hotels and bars, she has cultivated a passion for food and wine. Settling into Healesville ten years ago with her family, Lucy has immersed herself into everything the Yarra Valley has to offer. She loves nothing more than sharing her knowledge with everyone she meets.
HEAD CHEF
Ai Fiori’s Chef Jak has been serving up delicious plates to Melbourne foodies for the past 30-plus years. He has worked at the RACV Club, Myer, the Rialto, Arts Centre Melbourne as well as patisserie and Melbourne bakery institution The French Lettuce — just to name a few!
His plates are generous (just like a true Italian) and his desserts are to-die-for!
CELLAR DOOR & RESTAURANT MANAGER
Originally from South Africa, with a slight detour through New Zealand, Monique has finally settled in the Yarra Valley. Mon has been a part of almost every aspect in the hospitality industry, in the Yarra Valley as well as in Melbourne. From cool-climate wines and the diversity in the Yarra, to the customers we meet from all over the world, Mon has made wine and people her passion.
GROUNDSKEEPER
Bill and his family moved to the Yarra Valley over 20 years ago after a decade living and working in remote Northern Territory. He has worked primarily in orchards and market gardens and has a keen interest in alternative farming methods. With his trusty helper “Ernie’, Bill plays a varied role at SOUMAH ensuring a smooth operation and keeping the property looking good!
DIRECTOR OF HOSPITALITY
Born on the edge of the Yarra Valley, Lucy has worked in the hospitality industry, locally and overseas. Working in restaurants, hotels and bars, she has cultivated a passion for food and wine. Settling into Healesville ten years ago with her family, Lucy has immersed herself into everything the Yarra Valley has to offer. She loves nothing more than sharing her knowledge with everyone she meets.
HEAD CHEF
Ai Fiori’s Chef Jak has been serving up delicious plates to Melbourne foodies for the past 30-plus years. He has worked at the RACV Club, Myer, the Rialto, Arts Centre Melbourne as well as patisserie and Melbourne bakery institution The French Lettuce — just to name a few!
His plates are generous (just like a true Italian) and his desserts are to-die-for!
CELLAR DOOR & RESTAURANT MANAGER
Originally from South Africa, with a slight detour through New Zealand, Monique has finally settled in the Yarra Valley. Mon has been a part of almost every aspect in the hospitality industry, in the Yarra Valley as well as in Melbourne. From cool-climate wines and the diversity in the Yarra, to the customers we meet from all over the world, Mon has made wine and people her passion.
GROUNDSKEEPER
Bill and his family moved to the Yarra Valley over 20 years ago after a decade living and working in remote Northern Territory. He has worked primarily in orchards and market gardens and has a keen interest in alternative farming methods. With his trusty helper “Ernie’, Bill plays a varied role at SOUMAH ensuring a smooth operation and keeping the property looking good!
Our Vineyards
Our Growing Values
