Tash Webster is the founder and winemaker of the Moorabool Valley based label Empire wines (previously Empire of dirt wines). She gained experience working in many wineries and vineyards across Geelong's three sub-regions (as well as her hometown of Orange, NSW) while completing her CSU winemaking degree as Dux and with distinction. Having failed with her first business attempt (always a good life lesson) she now makes boutique wines that represent the Geelong region. Tash was a finalist in the 2020 Young guns of wine awards, and has experience judging in both regional, state, and national Wine shows. The name of Tash Webster’s Empire of Dirt label is part homage to the distinctive territory of the Geelong region and part reminder of tough times past. Shiraz fruit taken from two vineyards in the Moorabool Valley. Cold soaked for 4 days before allowing indigenous yeast to ferment. !00% French oak (20% new) maturation for 9 months.