Meet the Maker - Ashleigh Seymour, Paxton Vineyards, Australia

This week we shine the light on Ashleigh Seymour from Paxton Vineyards in South Australia. This family owned winery has been at the heart of everything good about the growing reputation of the McLaren Vale over the years and it’s thanks in no small part to talented winemakers like Ashleigh.

Here's what she had to say...

Why did you decide to get into winemaking?

My parents had a lot of dinner parties growing up and wine was a big part of that, my father encouraged us to join in tasting wine as we grew older. We also spent quite a few family holidays wine tasting, I distinctly remember visiting Michelton and Tabilk in Central Victoria and Howard Park and Madfish in Margaret River amongst many others. These experiences cemented a curiosity in me and after travelling Europe for a year after high school, I decided to move to Adelaide to discover and study winemaking.

Do you have a favourite wine or wine region outside of your own?

There’s a pretty special place in my heart for Condrieu/St. Joseph where I did a vintage in 2009. I was taken into the family as if I was a long lost cousin and drank some of the most incredible Viogniers of my life.

What grape do you like working with the most and why?

Sangiovese has been my heart and soul for eleven years in Italy, it’s such a malleable variety lending itself to a myriad of different styles. From fun and juicy to austere and backboned, textural amphora wines to bold and velvety, you can make something for any kind of party.

Favourite Movie?

A bit bloody predictable but…Love Actually! Closely followed by The Wizard of Oz.

Favourite type of music/artist?

Maneskin was a band that made me take notice of Italian music. I still love Aussie Hip Hop and Indie rock like Angus and Julia Stone. I’ve also grown up with the likes of Dire Straits, Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles, Roxette and friends and love a good rock out to Rage Against the Machine during pump overs.

Fun fact about you that has nothing to do with wine?

I was President of an A League Italian Women’s Rugby team for four years!