Patrick Sullivan

Patrick Sullivan is a highly acclaimed winemaker and viticulturist based in Gippsland, Victoria, with an unwavering focus on producing wines that are a pure and honest expression of their unique terroir. While often associated with the natural wine movement, Sullivan prefers to define his philosophy as a commitment to maximum intervention in the vineyard and minimal intervention in the winery. He is a farmer first, and a winemaker second.

Winemaking Philosophy & Methods

Sullivan's approach is rooted in a deep respect for the land and a hands-on, meticulous approach to viticulture.

• Vineyard Management: The home vineyard is located in the Strzelecki Ranges of the Baw Baw Shire, on a farm he owns with his wife, Megan. He also sources grapes from other exceptional sites, including one in Henty. His vineyards are farmed using biodynamic or organic practices, with a strong emphasis on soil health and creating a balanced ecosystem. This includes no irrigation and a hands-on, detail-oriented approach to vine care.

• Harvest & Fermentation: Grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used. All fermentations are spontaneous, relying on indigenous yeasts from the vineyard and winery to guide the process.

• Additives & Filtration: Sullivan is known for his minimal intervention in the cellar. The wines are typically unfined and unfiltered, and he uses only a small amount of sulfur, if any, at bottling to ensure stability.

• Aging & Vessels: His wines are aged in a variety of vessels, including a combination of old and new French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. This careful approach to aging allows him to craft wines that are site-specific, textural, and complex.

Grapes & Wines

Patrick Sullivan's portfolio is a testament to his passion for cool-climate viticulture, with a particular focus on expressing a single variety: Chardonnay.

• Chardonnay: This is the flagship variety of the estate. Sullivan believes that Chardonnay is the best vessel for transmitting the nuances of a vineyard's terroir. His Chardonnays, such as "Bullswamp" and "Black Sands," are known for their elegance, tension, and complexity, often showing a unique mineral character from the volcanic soils of Gippsland and the limestone of Henty.

• Pinot Noir: While his primary focus has shifted to Chardonnay, he also produces elegant and site-specific Pinot Noir. These wines are often light, fresh, and savory, with vibrant acidity and a true sense of place.

• Other Varieties & Projects: Sullivan is also known for a more playful, experimental project called "Jumpin' Juice," which he co-founded with Xavier Goodridge. These wines are made in a more "drink-me-now" style and may feature a wider range of grapes and unconventional blends.