Winemaker Vanessa Carson of Lenton Brae Wines spent years traveling the world to work in Italy, France, Spain and Germany and now calls Bunbury, Western Australia home. Since joining the Lenton Brae Wine family, her focus is on creating wine diversity – championing newer varietals while also maintaining the hero wines that have built the brand.
Vanessa Carson spoke to The Write Drop for our At the Bar series.
Lenton Brae Wine is also showcasing at the Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show on May 30 to June 2 at Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre in the CBD.
MY CITY
Bunbury, WA – gateway to the south west. Weather is delightful, beaches plentiful, long Indian summers. It’s a hop skip and a jump to Margaret River, and only 2 hours from the Great Southern Wine region or Perth – depending what direction you want to go in.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Tetsuya’s for confit ocean trout; we visited many moons ago. The whole experience was delightful and memorable and have never forgotten the texture of that trout, nor the kombu that sat atop it. Those kind dining experiences always stay with you.
FAVOURITE BAR
Whiskey Sour – Lawson’s Flats. Best Whiskey Sour Ever.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Riesling – can sometimes appear to be simple, but is in fact more complex than initially thought.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Beer and Ramen or dumplings. Have spent many a year researching this.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Gerald’s Bar, Carlton Victoria. Feels like a coming home – comfortable, relaxing, great music.
OVERSEAS BAR
Hide Restaurant, London – phenomenal wine selection, amazing food, incredible experience. Can also access any wines from the bottle shop – Hedonism Wines – one of the best bottleshops in the world.
FAVOURITE WINE
Frankland Estate’s Alter Weg Riesling. I adore this wine. It’s such a good food wine, but is equally smash-able on its own.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Head up the Swan Valley – Kosovich Wines – amazing history, no pretence, impeccable wines with passion. Beautiful salt of the earth family. A real treat to be able to taste there.
NEXT DESTINATION
South Vietnam.
