Lauren Hutton - Assistant Winemaker

Lauren Hutton grew up amongst the vines of the Barossa Valley, where she was introduced young to the world of wine, and quickly excelled in agriculture. After getting a taste for winemaking during high school agriculture class, she was determined to complete a vintage after graduating. Lauren enjoyed the fast-paced, high-pressure, and fun environment of the vintage, leading her to decide that a Winemaking career was for her, and enrolled in a Winemaking degree. Lauren resides locally with her husband and is involved with community groups and local sports, specifically netball.

During her studies, Lauren garnered extensive work experience, specifically in the Barossa Valley, including vintage jobs at Yalumba, Peterson Winery and Gibson Wines, and Cellar Door Wine Ambassador role at Bethany Wines. She has also held an Assistant Winemaker role at Elderton Wines, James Estate Wines and Chateau Tanunda.

Lauren joins Peter Lehmann Wines from Kendall Jackson in California, where she has been completing an international harvest as a Vintage Winemaker. Having successfully completed a Bachelor in Viticulture and Oenology at Adelaide University with an Academic Excellence Award, Lauren demonstrates a passion for winemaking and wine industry culture.

Lauren’s expert knowledge in maintaining winery operations, laboratory software, fermentation and laboratory analysis has even led her to be named a finalist in the 2019 Australian Women in Wine Awards. She is passionate about winemaking and advancing her career in the Barossa Valley, making her an excellent addition to Peter Lehmann Wines following her return from the US!

 

5 Minutes with Lauren

Q. Who is the greatest influence in your winemaking life?
All the great mentors I have had, past and present.

Q. What is your approach to winemaking?
I am a big believer that it all starts in the vineyard, winemakers are here to guide good fruit into great wines!

Q. What winemaking philosophy do you live by?
It takes a lot of beer to make great wine.

Q. What is your favourite part of the winemaking process?
Vintage. I love the fast paced and intense nature of this time of year, as well as the after-work drinks.

Q. If you could invite one person to share a bottle of your wine with, who would it be?
Dwayne Johnson.

Q. What is your favourite Peter Lehmann wine and why?
You cannot go past the Hill & Valley range, I love seeing some contemporary wine styles come out of the Barossa and this range does them justice. I also really enjoy the Margaret Semillon, especially the 2015 Vintage, which is showing such grace in its ageing.

Q. What is your favourite wine and food match and why?
You cannot go past a Barossa Shiraz and good steak!

Q. When you are not making wine, what do you enjoy doing?
Anything outside – sometimes at the river, playing netball, gardening or horse riding, but usually just outside having a glass of wine!

Q. What’s your favourite wine region in the world - other than your own?
I am a Barossa girl through and through, but Oregon USA is a spectacular region that make some stellar wines.

Q. What would people be surprised to know about you?
My only interesting fact is that I am tall. 6’1!

Q. If you weren’t making wine for a living, what would you be doing?
I would either be a paramedic – the original plan – or doing a trade!

Q. What do you love most about the Barossa?
Everything, it’s home.

Q. Favourite book?
Atomic Habits!

Q. Favourite movie?
Anything with Dwayne Johnson.