Choosing the wine life

Rowlee vineyard nestles in the foothills of Mount Canobolas, an extinct volcano that provides a stunning backdrop to the Orange wine region. Beneath the earth is ancient volcanic soil, perfect for growing grapes.

Nicole’s parents planted the small vineyard in 2000, and Nicole split her time between her full-time corporate career in the city and helping to care for the vines. In 2013, she released her first wines under her label Rowlee Wines and four years later left her job to run Rowlee full time. She works alongside her partner, James Manny, and keeps her plate full as President of the Orange Region Vignerons Association.

Nicole loves the region for its cool climate, which means she can grow her favourite varieties – including Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – and turn them into elegant, aromatic wines. Grapes are hand-picked and wines are made in small batches, and it’s all underpinned by a philosophy of sustainability and minimal intervention.  

“We’re very fastidious,” says Nicole. “We like to look after the vineyard like it’s a little child, which means we’re always in there, hands-on, looking after the crop.”

Two varieties Nicole gets especially excited about are Arneis and Nebbiolo, originally from Italy.

“We have ventured back to the spiritual heartland of those grapes on a number of occasions and love looking at the different techniques employed, and bringing some of those ideas back,” says Nicole. “But we also love having the ability to play around and try our own ideas.”

Nicole’s creativity shines through in every aspect of Rowlee – from the sustainably run vineyard and boutique wines, to the award-winning cellar door and variety of visitor experiences.

“Being in a younger wine region, we’re not hampered by traditions,” says Nicole. “And that’s something we’ve definitely embraced.”

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