In need of funds for a surf trip in 1999, Shaun Crinion got his first taste of winemaking at his uncle's winery in California. He went on to work at acclaimed wineries in Australia, California and France before founding Dappled in the Yarra Valley in 2009.

Dappled crafts unadulterated wines from special patches of dirt throughout the Yarra Valley, both its cooler upper reaches and warmer valley floor. Dappled's specialties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but their Syrah is not far behind. Shaun Crinion's winemaking philosophy is one of minimal intervention, maximizing vineyard expression and minimizing the need for additions, along with traditional winemaking techniques.

Dappled's highlights include the Fin de la Terre Syrah, Appellation Pinot Noir and Appellation Chardonnay. Each year they also produce a selection of special single vineyard wines.