A long stint travelling the world, making and learning as much as he could about wine was a vital piece of the puzzle that led Margaret River local Nic Peterkin to be named the 2016 Gourmet Traveller Young Winemaker of the Year this month.
“I came home with no money, no vineyard and no winery but a burning desire to create wines that were a little different,” Peterkin said.
The winemaker was born and raised in the region and boasts and impressive wine heritage that runs through his veins, thanks to parents Dr. Mike Peterkin (Pierro Wines) and Shelley Cullen (Cullen Wines).
The younger Peterkin said over ten years of experience in wineries and vineyards around the world gave him the skills and incentive to experiment with his own products.
After spending his youth surfing and working in family vineyards, he moved to Adelaide to study his Masters of Oenology.
In 2013 armed with studies and experience, he established his own winery in Margaret River, L.A.S. Vino – named for the young producer’s Luck – Art – Science approach.
“I sought to create wines that are intriguing, weird and wonderful yet still approachable and delicious,” Mr Peterkin said.
The effort paid off earlier this month when Peterkin’s quirky wines and meteoric success helped him achieve the title of Young Winemaker of the Year.
Chairman of judges Peter Forrestal said Peterkin’s deft handling of the business while maintaining startling creativity in his wines earned him the top nod.
“It’s Nic Peterkin’s drive, thoughtful winemaking, ability to blend a scientific approach with a sense of fun, determination to forge his own path, and the joy he takes in tackling the diverse chores that face a small winery which makes him the ideal recipient of this year’s Young Winemaker Medal,” Mr Forrestal said.
Peterkin himself acknowledges the effort needed to establish the business while balancing his attention to the end product.
“It’s been a crazy few years, we started with nothing and within three years we have wines being shipped to London, Tokyo and Shanghai and being poured in some of the best restaurants in Australia” said Peterkin.
“I am really happy that the focus on creativity and quality has paid off.”
For more information visit www.lasvino.com
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
