Meet the Winemakers Part II

The second winemaker in our Series is David Lowe of Lowe Wine. David is a Mudgee local and is one of Australia's leading wine industry figures. His family settled in Mudgee in 1829 and he is sixth generation of Lowe to graze and develop the land known as Tinja. Maritza and I had the pleasure to work for David in his cellar door and we learnt so much about wine and the industry and organic/biodynamic farming from him. He is charismatic, hard working and a dedicated man and there is rarely a day you won't find David at the cellar door meeting and greeting his customers.

Lowe Wine - David Lowe

Lowe Wine is an organic and biodynamic winery in Mudgee. Photo courtesy Lowe Wine.

Lowe Wine is a 5 minute drive out of Mudgee town up on Tinja Lane. It is known for small batch organic wines where the vines are unirrigated and untrellised. David's philosophy: " put simply this is about doing things by hand to ensure the quality of the product. We start by growing the best possible grapes using organic & biodynamic practices. Then combine traditional winemaking techniques like open fermenters and amphoras, with innovative design such as preservative free wines.

David Lowe - Winemaker at Lowe Wine. Photo courtesy Lowe Wine.

What made you decide to become a winemaker?

Had to make a career decision when I was 15.

What year did you become a winemaker?

1978.

Which grape varietals do you grow at Lowe?

Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot, Svagnin, Vermentino.

What is the most interesting part of your job?

Planning the new season.

David in the vineyard in Mudgee. Photo courtesy Lowe Wine.

What is your favourite season in the winemaking process?

September when final wine assessments are made.

Has your job changed over the last 10 years?

Yes I now just do the things I enjoy, not the things I am bad at.

Enjoying the lake at Lowe Wine after a wine tasting.

What is your biggest challenge you have met along the way?

Articulating and communicating, being trusted.

What is the best wine you have ever drunk and why?

1921 Y’Quem. Commonly thought of as the greatest wine ever made.

What do you think is the biggest myth about drinking wine?

That you need to be experienced.

Regardless of cost, what do you think makes a good wine?

Attention to detail, care.

What is your favourite varietal or blend you enjoy drinking the most?

Shiraz.

Outside of Mudgee, what is your favourite wine region in the world?

Languedoc, France.

When you look into the mirror, what do you see?

Grumpy Bastard!

Wine is available to buy from their Online Shop.

To purchase Lowe Wine head to their online shop here . They currently have a "Lowe at Home" 6 pack with great savings on offer and they also ship Australia wide.