Accidental Vignerons
We “accidentally” bought a winery and found ourselves suddenly thrust into the amazing world of vineyard management, winemaking and running a Cellar Door in Mudgee. And what a ride it has been.
We have always enjoyed wine and have been incredibly lucky to have experienced wine tasting in many regions throughout the world. Our appetite to learn about the Mudgee Region, its many varietals and the whole local wine making process has been a very natural and fast progression and we love it!
We’re passionate, driven and we have already learned a lot along the way. We have developed many new skills, tricks and loads of stories to share and we want to give our Cellar Door visitors and Mudgee Wine School participants a glimpse into Mudgee wine and the winery/vineyard life through our fresh eyes. We’d love you to come and join us for a tasting, picnic or a fun wine school class.
About owners Paula and David
Paula has a great passion for all things wine. She and her husband David and their three beautiful children started out as novice vignerons (grape growers) after buying a lifestyle block that just happened to have an existing vineyard on it.
With no original intention of joining the industry – the couple have found themselves five years later, fully immersed in running the vineyard, producing their own award-winning wines and being active participants in the Mudgee Region.
In addition to running the Lazy Oak Cellar Door and Mudgee Wine School, Paula is an Executive Member of the Mudgee Wine Association and sits on various wine association sub-committees, assisting with event promotion, wine show sponsorship and anything else she’s asked to do really.
Paula is also currently studying further, to advance her knowledge of all things wine ensuring that everything she imparts to Wine School participants is the most up to date and relevant.
David released his debut wine, a Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, in 2019. It was well regarded and awarded a Bronze Medal at both the NSW Small Wine Makers Show 2019 and the Mudgee Wine Show 2019. David is excited to get back in the winery in 2021 after missing a vintage in 2020 due to the effects of the bush fire season of 2019/2020 and we are eagerly awaiting the release of his 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon.
David currently divides himself between his main day job as a diesel mechanic, (which brings valuable skills to a working winery), and that of a budding wine maker. He is thoroughly enjoying gaining a fabulous insight into the winemaking trade from renowned wine maker Ian MacRae, owner of Miramar Wines and looks forward to honing this amazing winemaking craft for many years to come.
