Celebrating Kate Goodman, Penley Estate
We probably don’t need to tell you that Kate Goodman is making waves in the wine industry. She’s got a CV that packs a punch, featuring the likes of Yarra Valley’s Punt Road Wines (Chief Winemaker), founding her own wine brand Goodman Wines as Director and Winemaker, and of course Winemaker at Coonawarra’s Penley Estate. When people talk about Kate they say she’s one of Australia’s best contemporary winemakers - and she's just been named Halliday's Winemaker of the Year for 2024. Here's what makes her tick.
“Winemaking is the opportunity to create something beautiful and to tell a story. The tales of a place, a season, or a plant, each unique but totally intertwined.”
What I wanted to be as a kid: “Architecture and design were in my sights , Beautiful buildings and outdoor spaces.”
When I first realised winemaking could be a job: “When architecture fell through, I studied Biomedical Science, majoring in Microbiology studying fermentation and mycology before they were cool. I very quickly realised that the inside of a laboratory was too structured for me and discovered winemaking, I’ve never looked back.”
The reason I chose to make wine here: “Coonawarra has a history steeped in Cabernet Sauvignon, a global and noble variety. I was curious to see what could be made beyond the traditional styles. The opportunity to work with Penley has demonstrated that this variety has many personalities.”
What winemaking means to me: “Winemaking is the opportunity to create something beautiful and to tell a story. The tales of a place, a season, or a plant, each unique but totally intertwined.”
“One day I would like to see so many women in the wine biz that we are no longer referred to as female winemakers rather the generic winemaker.”
The biggest barrier for women entering the wine industry: “There is a misconception that women are not suited to production roles. This is a fallacy. It's about being smarter not stronger. For those women that become mothers, harvest can be a challenge due to the all consuming time pressures; however this shouldn't be considered a gender problem rather than a parenting problem.”
What I would like to see happen next for Women in Wine: “One day I would like to see so many women in the wine biz that we are no longer referred to as female winemakers rather the generic winemaker.”
Advice I would give to women wanting to enter the wine industry: “Just do it, it’s awesome. Find your crowd, a supportive mentor, taste widely and trust your gut.”
My wine of choice to relax on a Friday: “Probably Chardonnay, either a still version or in its Champagne state.”
My current music jam: “This is tough as I listen to a wide variety of music; Khruangbin, Ondara, Amyl and the Sniffers.”
We're committed to ALWAYS having wines available that are made by women. In an industry that’s still dominated by men, we believe in celebrating the incredible work women are doing. Here’s to our Women in Wine!
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