Published By Sip Nz Wines - August 19 2019
The All Blacks & Wallabies match this weekend hopefully didn’t affect the harmony in the Scout Wines household. While the rugby result is somewhat one sided, the winemaking skills and talent are certainly evenly spread in the Oz/Kiwi Scout Wines team.
Sarah Adamson and Greg Lane are a winemaking couple from either side of the Tasman, who met in vintage many years ago when they discovered they had all the same ideas and passions about life and wines from across a sorting table.
Since then, they have worked around the world, in recent times Sarah was a winemaker at Jim Barrys, and Greg at Shaw and Smith. They started Scout with the 2017 Adelaide Hill Chardonnay, before realising their dream to move back to Sarah’s home, the South Island of New Zealand, where they could focus on producing unique, regional wines including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Sarah is running the lead on Scout these days while Greg is a winemaker for the Foley Wines NZ group, taking out the award for New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year in 2018.
Their premise for Scout is simple – great parcels of fruit from South Australia and the South Island of New Zealand, their homes respectively.
As the couple don’t necessarily own a vineyard or winery (yet!) they are really keen to explore these regions through varieties they feel match the sites and in an interesting, thoughtful style, focussing on flavour and texture but above all, maximum drinking enjoyment.
The name “Scout” takes inspiration from Jean Louis ‘Scout’ Finch, the narrator and protagonist of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout is both a questioner and an observer, something they believe important at Scout Wines.
Throughout Sarah’s and Greg’s winemaking careers they both have questioned all aspects of grape growing and winemaking, challenging ideas and practices, but also observing how wines are crafted and perfected.
The couple have been working in wine around the world for the past 13 years, travelling to all corners to learn, understand and appreciate great wine. They have worked alongside many great winemakers who have influenced Scout ideas on style and taste. After many years of dreaming, considering and throwing ideas out there, Scout was officially launched in 2017.
Scout Wine Range
The current range of Scout Wines includes a 2018 Central Otago Chardonnay, 2018 Marlborough Pinot Noir and 2019 Pinot Gris and South Island blend of 2019 Central Otago Pinot Noir and 2019 Marlborough Pinot Gris – something a bit different for sure.
To embrace the Scout spirit we recommend enjoying the 2018 Central Otago Chardonnay after a hike up Roys Peak in Wanaka. Reflect on breathtaking views with this well balanced drop.
The 2018 Southern Valley Pinot Noir is a great match for a day in the Sounds. The grapes for this Pinot have been picked by Sarah’s parents making it an ideal companion for a family fishing trip in the stunning archipelago.
Find out more about Scout Wines and their range of unique wines on their website and make sure you follow Sarah’s and Greg’s venture on Instagram and Facebook as well.
