Winemaker Ashley Lewkowski discovered a passion for good food, wine and everything that came with it at a young age. He originally studied Environmental Science (and is still sensitive about the environment), but found the wine industry suited him more. So, he pursued a career in vineyards, bottle shops and wineries around the country for around 16 years, before buying Lost Lake vineyard in Pemberton, WA, with his wife and three kids. And, he says, “I’ve never looked back. I haven’t had time.”
The property is just 20 hectares; eight of which are devoted to grapes (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz, Merlot and a small amount of Cabernet). There was already an established winery on the property when Ashley and his wife, Tia, bought it in 2014, with a small restaurant attached. The Lewkowski’s have continued to run the lot, although they’ve since closed the restaurant in favour of a Cellar Door.
There’s more than just the Lewkowski family who live on the property: There’s sheep, alpacas, two Bengal cats and two dogs (Winnie and Scout). There’s also a dam full of marron, a vegetable patch and beehives that Ashley inherited from his grandfather. “I’m a happy man,” he says.
If your Pinot was a music artist, who would it be?
Tough one, modern but in touch with the old school………Florence and the Machine crossed with Eminem? Yeah, that make sense.
Best music to listen to during vintage?
Jinja Safari and Fatboy Slim
Where do you Pinot?
Siting on my couch next to a table full of fresh ingredients in front of the pizza oven, deciding what to have next.
