Yarrh Wines Introduces Two Sustainable Tiny Houses for Vineyard Stays

Yarrh Wines enhances the winery experience with the addition of two custom-built tiny houses, offering guests a unique, sustainable way to enjoy the natural beauty of Murrumbateman.

Yarrh Wines, nestled in the picturesque Murrumbateman region, has unveiled two new tiny houses, designed by local business Cubby and Co., to elevate the winery’s guest experience. These tiny homes, named Kira and Mawson, provide an intimate and sustainable way to experience the winery’s beautiful surroundings, all while offering a cozy place to stay.

The winery, known for its commitment to sustainability, produces wines on-site using grapes grown in the vineyard surrounding the rammed earth and straw bale winery. Winemaker Fiona Wholohan employs a low-intervention approach, ensuring that the grapes’ natural characteristics shine through. Vineyard manager Neil McGregor has implemented an environmentally conscious approach to viticulture, focusing on composting, mulching, and minimizing artificial inputs.

The two tiny houses reflect this sustainable philosophy. Cubby and Co founders Erin Wilson and Daniel Discipio collaborated with architect Bridget McShane of McShane Studio to create homes that integrate seamlessly into the landscape. “It’s been a super collaborative process,” Erin said, noting the importance of working closely with Fiona and Neil to choose the right location for the houses. “It’s a working vineyard, so it was important to balance the needs of the guests with the work of the vineyard.”

The tiny homes are named after significant figures in the winery’s history: Kira, the first farm dog, and Mawson, in honor of Neil’s father. Kira’s design includes a cozy bed nook with vineyard views, framed by recycled timber sliding screens for privacy. The exterior is clad in rose gum, a wood that will naturally change color to blend with the surrounding gum trees over time. Mawson, which echoes the eucalypt hues of the surrounding bushlands, is made from blackbutt timber and features a high-ceilinged design that connects to the outdoors, including an open-air shower leading to the deck.

Erin describes the design as “modern Australian bush style,” emphasizing that the color palettes and materials were chosen to harmonize with the landscape. This attention to detail creates a peaceful, immersive experience for guests, allowing them to feel at one with nature.

Guests staying in the tiny houses can enjoy Yarrh Wines’ unique range of wild-fermented wines, crafted to authentically express the vineyard’s terroir. They can enjoy these wines right next to the vines where the grapes were grown. Between May and September, guests can enjoy fire pits, and meals can be prepared in the on-site kitchenettes or enjoyed at local eateries.

The collaboration between Erin, Daniel, and the Yarrh Wines team has led to a genuine friendship and mutual appreciation. Erin and Daniel have helped renovate the winery’s cellar door and participated in the harvest, while Fiona and Neil have been instrumental in creating an experience that balances the needs of the winery with the comfort of the guests.

Cubby and Co, who have also created tiny houses and bell tents at Mount Majura Vineyard, are pausing their vineyard collaborations to savor the success of their work with Yarrh Wines. As their projects continue to inspire, they hope to expand their vision of sustainable, immersive stays for guests in vineyards across the region.