WELCOMING LILLY, OUR NEW CELLAR DOOR MANAGER

 In conversation with our newest addition to the team, Lilly Lawlor

When did you begin working in the wine industry? Can you tell us a bit about your background between then and now?

I started out as a Chef in Newcastle, I took a few years off to have children, I went back to work front of house in 2009, before studying as a Sommelier. In 2010 I won the Victorian Wine Guilds Sommelier of the year award. I bounced between wine and cooking before starting in Cellar doors in the Hunter Valley. Wanting to learn more about the wine making side brought me back to Victoria where I did a few vintages. Personally I think surviving vintages gave me an even stronger passion for all things wine.

Why wine? Was there a moment you discovered a passion or decided it was something you’d like to make a career out of?

I was working at Chateau Yering on the floor, when James Halliday, who had brought in a 64 Chateau La tour gave me a sip, and that was it, my cast wine days were over. In that moment I fell in love, and haven’t looked back since.

Which Mount Langi Ghiran wine are you currently loving?

Without a doubt it is the 2014 Langi Shiraz. As I like to say “its on the podium for wines that I have drunk”

Which Mount Langi Ghiran wine are you looking forward to releasing?

With the 2023 Grenache almost gone, I cant wait to see how the 2024 is looking.

Why should people visit you at Cellar Door?

With me its never just a tasting. You might come in looking for a wine, but you will leave with a new found passion.

Introducing Ronald ...

On weekends I bring Ronald with me to Cellar door. Ronald is a 2yr old kelpie x rescue. He loves to greet people at the bar and play ball with them, although he isn’t great at giving the ball back.