Local Weirdos

is a collective of winemakers from Western Australia, founded in 2019 by a group of five friends: Sam Jorgensen, Dave Cosford, Larry Jorgensen, Charles Stewart, and Matthew Stewart. They represent a new generation of winemakers in the Swan Valley, and their focus is on "lo-fi," minimal intervention wines that are a departure from the region's more traditional styles.

Here are some key things to know about the Local Weirdos:

• Their Philosophy: The core mission of Local Weirdos is to produce natural wines of character and soul. They believe in minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winery. This means they use wild yeasts for fermentation and generally avoid adding or subtracting anything, including fining or filtering the wines. They aim for a balance between "basic joy and deeper complexity."

• The Swan Valley Revival: They are part of a movement of young winemakers, sometimes referred to as the "Swan Garagistas," who are revitalizing the Swan Valley. This group is bringing new energy to a region with a long history, pushing boundaries and creating wines that appeal to a more modern palate while using old techniques, such as fermenting in Georgian qvevri (large terracotta pots).

• Vineyards and Grapes: Local Weirdos lease and manage a vineyard in the Swan Valley that was planted in 1986. They have been rehabilitating this block using organic principles. The vineyard is planted with Chenin Blanc, Semillon, and Grenache, which are all important varietals in the region. They also work with fruit from other organically managed vineyards in Western Australia.

• The Team: The founding group brings a diverse set of skills to the project. Sam Jorgensen is the winemaker, while the others contribute their expertise in areas like finance, sales, logistics, and marketing. Dave Cosford, for example, is a doctor who also ran a popular "lo-fi wine" Instagram account.

• Wines: Their wines are known for being vibrant, high in acidity, and juicy. They produce a range of styles, from skin-contact whites to chillable reds, and often use creative names for their bottles. Some of their notable wines include "Château da Swan Qvevri Grenache" and "Big Valley Bombo Swan Valley Semillon Grenache."