Mudgee's Women Wine

The Mudgee Region is home to some of Australia’s oldest vineyards and has a rich viticultural history that stretches back to 1858. Today it has over 35 cellar doors offering a choice of 44 grape varietals grown in the region. 

Meet three incredibly inspirational winemakers and winery owners from Mudgee who are smashing glass ceilings, producing award-winning wines and shaking up the industry.

Kate Rose
Slowfox Wines

Kate Rose traded the fast-paced life of a film technician in Bondi Beach for the serene vineyards of Mudgee. Alongside her husband Rob, Kate embarked on a journey to learn the intricacies of grape growing and winemaking, transforming their dream into a reality.

With no prior experience, Kate relied on determination, the support of the Mudgee wine community, and countless hours of YouTube tutorials to master the craft.

Since opening in 2016, Slowfox Wines has grown from its humble beginnings of just one tonne of grapes to a beloved small-batch winery. Known for its unique offerings, including Malbec, Viognier, and Shiraz Viognier, each bottle is crafted with meticulous care on-site. The Malbec, in particular, stands out as a rare and cherished variety in the region, celebrated for its soft, fruit-forward flavor.

Kate’s approach to winemaking is as hands-on as it is passionate, with every step of the process done by her and Rob, from growing and harvesting to bottling and selling in their cozy cellar door Though Slowfox Wines has garnered silver and bronze medals in local wine shows, Kate finds her greatest reward in the loyal customers who return year after year to enjoy their wines.

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@slowfoxwines
slowfoxwines.com
196 Black Springs Rd, Mudgee

Lisa Bray
LMB Wines

Lisa Bray is a distinguished figure in the Mudgee wine community, having been named Mudgee Winemaker of the Year not once, but twice, in both 2022 and 2023. As the creative force behind LMB Wines, her boutique, small-batch wine brand, Lisa is committed to producing premium quality wines that reflect her lifetime of experience and passion.

Every bottle of LMB Wines is a culmination of years of experience and careful consideration. Lisa’s attention to detail and her deep connection to the craft ensure that each wine is crafted with precision and passion, resulting in a truly unique product.

Lisa’s journey into winemaking was sparked by her love of wine, which was fueled by her extensive travels, both domestically and internationally. This passion led her to make a bold career change from reinsurance to oenology, where she found her true calling. Her dedication to the craft has not only earned her prestigious awards but has also solidified her reputation as one of Mudgee’s most talented winemakers.

Beyond her winemaking achievements, Lisa is also deeply committed to giving back to the industry. She hopes to serve as a mentor to the next generation of female winemakers, sharing her knowledge and experience to inspire and support others as they embark on their own winemaking journeys.

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@lmbwinesmudgee
lmbwines.com

Fiona Foote
791 Estate

‘Fiona the Owner’, as she’s affectionately known, brings her passion for great wine & exceptional customer experiences to every visitor at the cellar door, ensuring that each guest feels like a part of the 791 Estate family. 

Her journey into winemaking was as unexpected as it was fortunate. Originally, Fiona and her family bought their vineyard with plans to remove it, but a family friend, who had managed vineyards for years, convinced them otherwise. He saw the potential of the land, situated within Mudgee’s famed golden triangle, and persuaded them to grow grapes instead. What started as a small experiment with a few batches of wine soon became a full-fledged passion, as people fell in love with their wines, and the Foote family never looked back.

Crafted with what she proudly calls a “feminine hand,” 791 Estate wines are known for their complexity and soft, easy-drinking finish - a signature that sets them apart in the region.

As a fifth-generation Mudgee local, Fiona’s deep roots in the community are reflected in her commitment to creating something truly unique and special at 791 Estate, and this dedication has not gone unnoticed. The estate has already garnered several awards for their wines, and  Fiona’s husband, Brendan, was honoured as Viticulturist of the Year just three years into their venture  - a testament to their hard work and expertise.

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@791estate
791estate.com.au
791 Ulan Rd, Budgee Budgee