MEET YOUR MAKER: ALEXIA ROBERTS
Alexia Roberts is a prominent figure in the Australian wine industry, serving as the Chief Winemaker at Penny’s Hill, Chief Operating Officer for the Randall Wine Group, and the Owner and Winemaker of her own wine brand, Larnook. Her extensive experience and innovative approach to winemaking have solidified her reputation for crafting exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of McLaren Vale.
Recently, Alexia led Penny's Hill to significant acclaim at the 2024 McLaren Vale Wine Show, earning the prestigious "Best Wine of Show" award and claiming the Bushing Monarch title for the Penny's Hill 2023 Single Vineyard Grenache. The wine was celebrated for its vibrant red fruit character, delicate floral notes, and refined complexity, showcasing Alexia's exceptional winemaking skills and the vineyard's pedigree.
Beyond her achievements with Penny's Hill, Alexia also demonstrated her expertise through her boutique venture Larnook, which focuses on small-batch, expressive wines. Larnook recently garnered attention for its innovative Grenache Gris, further highlighting her ability to push boundaries while staying deeply connected to the region's sustainable winemaking ethos.
With recognition from both the McLaren Vale Wine Show and competitions like the James Halliday Grenache Challenge, Alexia Roberts continues to shape the future of McLaren Vale wine through her creative vision and dedication to excellence.
We sat down with Alexia to learn more about her journey, her vision for McLaren Vale wine, and how she juggles multiple roles with effortless finesse. Here’s what she had to say . . .
During your McLaren Vale Bushing Monarch acceptance speech, many of the audience members were on the brink of tears as they listened to you describe life as a working mum. With a high-profile day job, your own wine brand, a vineyard, AND two children - tell us, how do you do it!?
AR: Life is a juggle, and I’m so grateful to be surrounded and supported by many wonderful people. My husband and children are resilient and understanding. They know how hard I work, and it’s been rewarding to show them the success of our family wine brand, Larnook, only two years after launching. I have a strong work ethic, and I hope I can teach our children to follow their dreams – as long as they know they need to roll up their sleeves and make it happen.
What are your thoughts on the recent recognition that the Penny's Hill 2023 Single Vineyard McLaren Vale Grenache has received at both the 2024 McLaren Vale Wine Show and the 2024 James Halliday Grenache Challenge?
AR: It’s an outstanding achievement for the Penny’s Hill team and showcases our incredible Blewitt Springs vineyard site, meticulous winemaking approach, and our passion to produce world-class wines. We consider ourselves lucky to have access to some of the region’s most iconic vineyards and are proud to see McLaren Vale leading the way with Grenache.
How did you get started in the wine business?
AR: As a high school student, I was fascinated with science and a love for being outdoors and connected with nature. At the age of 16, I organised some work experience at the Penfolds winery and was lucky enough to shadow a different winemaker each day. The team were passionate and enthusiastic and encouraged me to pursue a career in winemaking. I studied Oenology at the University of Adelaide and worked in wine retail before landing my first winemaking job in McLaren Vale in 2004.
What do you love about making wine in McLaren Vale?
AR: McLaren Vale is such a consistent climate to grow premium grape varieties. We have lots to love here; diversity in terroir, emerging varieties, the maritime influence, old vines, innovation and sustainability. My greatest joy is watching McLaren Vale wines excel on the global stage – we should all be proud of the quality and styles of wine being made from McLaren Vale.
What is your favourite grape variety to work with and why?
AR: It changes each year, but at the moment, I’m enjoying working with Grenache Gris. It’s been a rewarding journey and we are now regarded as the region's trailblazer for this variety. I’m continually learning and evolving as a winemaker and this variety has encouraged me to push boundaries and lean into my knowledge and winemaking experience.
What's your favourite food and wine pairing?
AR: Right now, it’s oysters and Picpoul. A perfect match for our mediterranean lifestyle.
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