Jodie Opie
This lady creates some of the best wines in Margaret River and we are lucky enough to work with her
- You may not have heard of Margaret River before. That would be because it is Australia's best kept secret. Most of the wines made there are never exported and all drunk by the Aussies
- We looked for ages to find a Margaret River producer we liked at a price we could pay...we got lucky! Jock Harvery who is one of our most popular winemakers put us in touch with her and we were blown away by the wines she makes. As if that wasn't enough she is lovely as well!
- After being head winemaker for Xanadu, one of Western Australias most established vineyards she finally gets the chance to be her own boss. All because of your support
Jodie Opie's Story
Jodie Opie's Story
" It all began when I was about 15 years old and one of my best friends parents owned a bottle shop. I gained an appreciation of red wine at quite a young age…
Whilst at university studying to enter into medical research I had to undertake a practical and I arranged to go to a winery in Margaret River (arguing that winemaking does involve chemistry and microbiology!) whilst all my fellow students were sent to hospitals. From that moment on there was no looking back.
Being a winemaker would have to be the best job in the world! I love getting up each morning to head to work. There’s nothing better than pulling on my overalls and heading to the vineyard or the winery.There is a great balance between practical/physical work and then the necessary administrative “stuff”. You get to work out your body and brain at the same time.
The single craziest thing I have ever done in my winemaking career was competing in the Wilyabrup Descent! Sadly the event no longer exists, but it was a great post vintage competition. Teams of four from wineries all over Margaret River had to travel a course across land and water (the Wilyabrup creek) along with a barrique. It had a few rules such as not being able to use your hands to guide the barrel while in the water. There was a blind wine tasting half way through before a final swim against the current before a run to the finish line with the barrique being flipped along too! I still have scars 12 years later…..
My favourite helper in the vineyard is my faithful partner – Billy the dog. I drag him around everywhere with me. The long hours don’t bother him and he’s always happy. He also does a great job chasing the roos and birds out of the vineyard. I really hope you enjoy drinking my wines, made with heart from what I think of as 'the best place in the whole of Australia'!
Cheers,
Jodie"
