Behind the vine
Sarah Burvill - Bird In Hand Winery - Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Photography by John Montessi
When do you think you fell in love with wine, enough to make a career of it?
I was exposed to wine industry at a very young age through my families involvement with a winery/vineyards in McLaren Vale SA. Right from the beginning I remember been fascinated that grapes could be turned into wine and that wine seemed to bring so much comfort and joy! I love that Mother Nature plays a starring role every vintage and that as a winemaker, you never stop learning.
What story does your wine tell?
Each wine is a unique representation of a moment in time. I avoid formulaic winemaking and instead find my inspiration as I walk the rows of the vineyard, always focusing on capturing and highlighting the unique nuances in each parcel of fruit. The quality of our wines is a direct reflection on our strong commitment to sustainable and chemical free practices in the vineyard and winery.
“I put just as much energy into ensuring our vineyard soils are healthy (to ensure the quality of our grapes), as I do when making the wines.”
- Sarah Burvill
What misconceptions about wine do you think people should forget?
Wine, like food, is incredibly subjective. You do not have to like a wine because it is covered in shiny gold stickers or because it has been hyped up on social media, but you should learn to understand and appreciate the wine style, variety and region. I always tell people that they can choose to drink the same wine ten times or they can step outside their comfort zone and buy ten different wines once. Tasting any wine should be seen as an opportunity to expand your wine knowledge and liberate your palate.
What great things about wine do you think people should remember?
Drinking wine, like viewing art and listening to music is an experience best enjoyed with fabulous company!
What is a piece of advice you would give to a woman interested in breaking into the wine world?
The world of wine right now is a vibrant and creative wonderland and the female community is both strong and celebrated.
Who is a woman in wine you think everyone should know about?
Anna Flowerday from Te Whare Ra (Marlbourough NZ) for her incredible persistence in taking her label to the world stage, her commitment to quality and for being so future conscious when it comes to sustainability.
Where can women find your wine?
Our wine is available in Australia and in U.K.. You will also see our wine listed in some beautiful restaurants in the U.K. such as Harry’s Bar, Scott’s, George and Bistrotheque, to name a few.