Innocent Bystander is a privately owned, estate based wine grower and winemaker based in Australia’s Yarra Valley. Proprietor Phil Sexton, head winemaker Steve Flamsteed and viticulturist Stuart Marshall work together to produce estate wine from their vineyards which include: Sexton Vineyard (Central Yarra, Parish of Gruyere), Tarraford Vineyard (Central Yarra, Parish of Tarrawarra), Arthurs Creek Vineyard (Western Yarra, Arthurs Creek (via Cottlesbridge)) and Applejack (Upper Yarra, Gladysdale).

First released in 2003, Innocent Bystander’s still wines are an expression of pure regional varietal character, which reflect the soil, climate and topography of the Yarra Valley. Innocent Bystander seeks to be the leading brand of cool climate table wine in the $25 to $30 shelf price category in the domestic market, while achieving that same relative position for an Australian wine, in its export markets. Giant Steps wines are all single vineyard wines that are made to reflect the uniqueness of each vineyard and vintage.

A natural and simple approach to winemaking with a focus on hand-picked vineyards, fermentation using natural yeasts and avoiding the use of fining or filtration, mean that each Giant Steps wine is a pure expression of each individual vineyard. Moscato is also produced by Innocent Bystander. Made using old vine Muscat grapes (including a high proportion of Black Muscat which gives the wine its distinct pink colour), the Moscato is a delicious balance of natural fizz, natural sweetness and crisp acidity.