IN HER first year as winemaker at Penley Estate, Lauren Hansen has already cemented her place in the region.
Born in Naracoorte, Ms Hansen returned to her roots in the Limestone Coast four years ago to take a position under Pete Bissell at Balnaves of Coonawarra after refining her skills across the globe.
Spending three years at Balnaves, Ms Hansen joined the team at Penley last year and is looking forward to her first vintage with the winery.
“Everything’s very new and different but I’m really loving it,” she said.
“We have had a bit of challenging heat this past week, but I think things are going really well for my first vintage here, I’m really looking forward to what’s to come.”
Ms Hansen is one of the winemakers at Penley, working as a team with McLaren Vale winemaker Kate Goodman.
The duo are not the only two leading ladies at the label, with sisters Ang and Bec Tolley directing the company.
“It’s pretty unreal to have such a female dominated winery,” she said.
“I have never worked with another female winemaker before Kate, so it is pretty inspiring to be here.
“Although there are some amazing women here at Penley, there are some pretty great blokes that make a huge impact here as well.
“Our viticulturist Hans Loder is amazing, he takes care of everything and makes sure everything runs to plan over the year.”
Ms Hansen said with every decision she makes in the winemaking process, she had Mr Bissell’s teachings firmly imprinted in her brain to help her make the right choices.
This support is something she believes has kept her in the South East.
“It was obviously great to secure a position a bit closer to my family four years ago, but I think the Coonawarra community spirit is what has really cemented me here,” she said.
“You walk down the street and bump into someone from another vineyard and its not a big competition, we just chat about what we’re each doing and give each other whatever advice we can.
“Everyone helps everyone and it’s that kind of environment that makes Coonawarra that little bit more special.”
