IT’S A WOMAN’S WORLD
“My passion for winemaking started while studying at Otago University in New Zealand. I would spend holidays helping out in neighbouring vineyards and later completed my first vintage with Church Road Winery in Hawke’s Bay. This spurred me on to becoming a winemaker.” Amy Hickling, Croser Sparkling Winemaker
“While travelling in South America, I met an Aussie winemaker who had just completed a vintage in Argentina. Her lifestyle and love for wine inspired me, so naturally, when I returned home, I enrolled in a winemaking degree and never looked back.” Narelle King, Tar & Roses founder and winemaker
There are now so many talented women at the helm of wineries across Australia and around the world. So with International Women’s Day just around the corner on March 8, it’s timely to take a look at two very inspirational women in the local wine industry.
One of Australia’s leading sparkling winemakers, Amy Hickling of Croser and Petaluma, tells us what her work day entails.
My job varies a lot, says Hickling, dependent on the time of year, at the moment my days start early … 4.30am The alarm goes off and I get ready for the day.
5am Head down to check all the wines and see if they are ready to be bottled.
6.30am Sneak off to fuel myself. My go-to breakfast usually consists of some fresh fruit, whatever is in season!
7am My colleagues and I prepare the wine for the next day’s tirage [part of the tasting process]. 8.30am Off to the vineyard to check the fruit. Due to the recent bushfires, checking the vineyards takes longer than usual as we need to ensure the fruit quality hasn’t been comprised by the smoke.
12pm Lunch on the run from one of the great local bakeries.
2pm Afternoon team meeting to share updates on fruit conditions in the vineyard, discuss harvest dates and what techniques can be implemented to ensure the 2020 vintage meets our uncompromising standards in light of the recent bushfires.
4.30pm When I’m not working in the winery, I love getting outdoors and exploring, so at least a few times a week I go for a walk and take in the beautiful scenery of Adelaide Hills.
6pm Home time! Have a home-cooked meal, often accompanied by a glass of my favourite vintage Croser.
Central Victoria-based Tar & Roses was founded by former accountant Narelle King and award-winning winemaker Don Lewis. With their Mediterranean-inspired, Australian-grown wines they created a style uniquely their own.
After Lewis’ death in 2017, King continued their legacy by rebuilding, growing and enriching the Tar & Roses story. So much so that one of King’s first solo vintages claimed the title of best pinot grigio at the 2019 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards.
In an industry dominated by men, King’s determination to challenge the status quo and take Tar & Roses in a new direction is testament to the tenacity and resilience of women in wine.
In 2020, King is drawing inspiration from the women in her life and has created two new wines to explore the next chapter for Tar & Roses. The new labels are a subtle nod to the strength of family, and showcase wine inspired and made by women.