‘InterWined In Conversation’

In Conversation With Even Keel Part II

Welcome back; this week InterWined continues its conversation with Australian winemaker Jeff Aston of Even Keel Wines in New South Wales.

InterWined: So, why did you become a winemaker?

Jeff Aston: I grew up on a sheep farm, so have always loved the country and, actually, started off by doing science; and I loved it, but it was not what I really wanted. So, I took a year off and traveled around the UK and Europe.

IW: A whole year? Nice.

JA: Yes, and I came back with new visions of becoming a winemaker and so got a job at Clonakilla winery and started university and then, finally, after 6 years of study and three years of actually being the head vintage winemaker at a number of wineries, I got my degree.

IW: What are the greatest challenges you face?

JA: I guess the biggest challenge at university was organic chemistry — oh, actually stats I hated stats. Other than that the greatest challenge for a winemaker is staying awake for 36 hours straight during harvest and not drinking too much before driving home. But, I absolutely love my job and so any challenge is more welcomed than fretted.

IW: Thanks again Jeff.

JA: Thank you.

Part III next week — ed.

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