KATHERINE BROWN
Brown Brothers, King Valley, Victoria
Katherine grew up among the Milawa vineyards that her great-grandfather planted in 1885. Now the fourth generation of Browns to become a winemaker in the valley, Katherine joined the family business in 2015.
Where did you grow up? I was raised in Oxley, a small town in Victoria, just five minutes from the home of Brown Brothers, Milawa.
What do you like about working in a rural area? Are there any downsides? The sense of community is huge here at Milawa. We’re a family-owned business, and we also work with our colleagues as if we’re one big family. It’s the culture that I feel my grandmother instilled in the business and her legacy continues. There aren’t many downsides! We have great wine and wonderful food in the King Valley region, and to my mind, that’s all you need for a great lifestyle.
Do you feel connected to the land through your winemaking? The connection with land is important to us as a family business. We have been working on this same land for over five generations and we want to ensure that we leave this land in even better condition for the generations to come. We’re working on a number of sustainability programs, even looking at new grape varieties that require less water, and looking at ways our winemaking waste materials can be used as vineyard compost.
How do you spend Christmas? I love spending Christmas with my two sisters, their partners, and Mum and Dad. We normally go to the beach. We have a little house there, and we go fishing with the hope of getting a catch for a Christmas Day feast.
Are there any traditions that you follow every year? My dad loves pinot noir, so on Christmas Eve he hosts a family duck-and-pinot night. Mum cooks duck confit, and we all bring a bottle of wine to share and talk about. Last year, we ended up with over 14 wines and were still drinking and laughing till past midnight.
Where will you be for Christmas this year? This year will be a bit different. Both my sisters are pregnant and due to have their babies in the lead-up to the festive period, so we’re holding back on our typical big family get-together by the beach. We will have our Christmas celebration at home with my husband, kids and a small family group.
What do you like to eat and drink on Christmas Day? We really love seafood – prawns with Champagne is my perfect wine and food match, closely followed by chardonnay and smoked salmon.
What is your must-have wine or spirit for a special Christmas celebration? Bollinger Champagne.
Do you have a dish you like to cook? In our warm summer Christmas, I try not to cook too much. Fresh mango and raspberries for dessert is always a winner.
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