Behind the vine

Rebecca Santolin - Santolin Wines - Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia

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

My first vintage. That’s when I saw all the components come together and it all started making sense. It was certainly a ‘wow’ moment for me.

What story does your wine tell?

I think our wines show a love and respect for place and terroir, but also an inquisitive, creative nature. Our single vineyard wines are all crafted with minimal winemaking intervention, to retain the unique site and varietal characteristics. We also produce a separate range of wines that allow us to experiment with interesting and alternate grape varietals and blends, which we also love doing.

What misconceptions about wine do you think people should forget?

That winemaking is a glamorous profession. It’s anything but. It’s hard, dirty and physically exhausting work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, and I love all of it.

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

I think wine has garnered quite a snobbish reputation over time and many people seem to be quite intimidated by it, and they needn’t be. 

Wine is personal.  Wine is an experience.  Wine is something to be enjoyed.  Don’t be intimidated by it.  Taste as many different wines are you can.  Some you will like, some you won’t – and that’s ok, but the more you taste, the more you’ll start to understand what styles you love, and what you don’t, and that will make you a more confident wine drinker.  

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

For a long time, the wine industry has perhaps been seen as a more male dominated industry. But that’s definitely changing, particularly in Australia. There are many opportunities for women to be involved in many different aspects, whether it’s winemaking, viticulture, design, sales, marketing or management. There’s opportunity for everyone, as long as you’re prepared to work hard. The wine industry is not as glamorous as the imagery makes out, but my advice is not to give up. It’s an incredibly rewarding community to be a part of, with a single, common passion shared by all.

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

Joanne Nash. She is the chief winemaker at McPherson Wines and a good friend. She’s level headed, hardworking and highly organised, but incredibly approachable and a great winemaker. She’s also a mum of four and her husband is a winemaker also. During vintage they both work 12+ hour days, 7 days, yet she still manages to find a way to be there for her kids - make school lunches, get them to school and after school activities. She’s a very inspirational person to work with.

Where can women find your wine?

In Australia, you’ll find us in small, independent bottle shops and restaurants in Victoria, NSW and ACT. You can also purchase from our online store.

In the UK you can find our Santolin and Costa Nostra ranges in most Oddbins.

We also make some exclusive wines for our Angel friends in Australia and the UK.