Behind the vine

Livia Maiorana & Mijan Patterson - South by South West - Margaret River, Western Australia

When do you think you fell in love with wine, enough to make a career of it?

Now that is an easy question and we can relate it back to a road trip in 2015 when we finished vintage in Napa Valley and were heading to Lake Tahoe for a holiday. In that car trip, we decided that we were ready to come back to Australia and start our own label (after doing a number of vintages overseas, meeting some inspiring winemakers, and drinking some amazing wines). We even came up with the name on that road trip!

What story does your wine tell?

Probably one of growth. Our wines and our style have changed with us and changes with vintages and we aren’t afraid to show that or let that happen. We want people to see vintage variation and variations due to the different techniques we employ in the vineyard or styles we are trying to achieve.

We don’t want each vintage to taste the same. We will always want to grow the best fruit possible to make the best wines we can so our wines will always be evolving.

What misconceptions about wine do you think people should forget?

Wow, there are some many! Every person is different and that is what makes the world a special place. We think the same about wine. There are so many different styles and different wines, made in different countries, for different markets, and under different philosophies. There is no right or wrong and it should be all about drinkability and enjoyment.

What great things about wine do you think people should remember?

That the wine was tended to and grown in a vineyard, – not particularly made in a winery.

What is a piece of advice you would give to a woman interested in breaking into the wine world?

Do it. Don’t wait. Don’t hold back and don’t compromise. Make mistakes, own and embrace them and learn from them to keep upping the ante!

Who is a woman in wine you think everyone should know about?

That is an awfully tough question to finish on as there are so many great and inspiring female winemakers out there! In particular, in Margaret River we are so fortunate to have so many encouraging and exciting female winemakers leading the charge – both in larger wineries and small batch production. All with different passions, styles and personalities, and all admirable. So, instead of going with one which is impossible we have done a top five, because lets face it, who doesn’t like a top five!

Virginia Willcock (Vasse Felix). ‘Ginny’ is the chief winemaking behind Margaret Rivers founding wine estate and some of Australia’s most critically acclaimed wines. Apart from being super fun and someone we love sharing a wine with, listening to her speak about her passion for microbiology or wild yeast fermentation and producing ‘environmentally expressive wines’ is truly inspirational.
Vanya Cullen (Cullen Wines). I’m sure this lady needs no introduction. Vanya, daughter of the founders, has been winemaking at her family’s estate since the 80s and now runs the show. Apart from producing superb wines, what we admire most is the focused viticulture that lies at the heart of her wines and the passion that has been put in to becoming certified biodynamic, carbon positive and a naturally powered estate.
Josephine Perry (Dormilona). Another local legend, Jo has championed the concept of lofi wines, alternative vessels, and fun wines in Margaret River – a traditionally focussed wine region most would argue. As an owner and vintner she has built a very strong and very recognisable brand from the ground up. Her focused marketing strategies have matched her winemaking and natural farming ethos which all combine to something fun and yum!
Cathy Corison (Corison Wines). Arguably one of the iconic women winemakers in Napa Valley. We were fortunate enough to meet her in 2015 during a Napa vintage. As an owner, vintner and viticulturalist she is truly inspiring. She’s stuck to her guns for decades and really made us aware of embracing organics, vintage variability and being able to show that sense of place in each wine.
Arianna Occhipinti (Occhipinti). Having a Sicilian background and past vintage experience in Sicily it is hard not to include this cult wine producer in our list. Another champion of natural organic farming and adoption of natural winemaking techniques. Her wines have an earthy, almost raw quality about them and highlight finesse over power and also focus on sense of place.

Where can women find your wine?

Our current release wine can be purchased direct off our website – southbysouthwest.com.au . Any museum stock we have can be accessed through our wine club. Alternatively, our wines can be found on premise at all good bars, restaurants and boutique retail outlets.