On International Women’s Day every year, the voices and stories of women across the world are celebrated, as we address the issues that cause gender inequality and diversity. But despite these issues remaining, such voices and stories take a backseat once the day is done.
We think it’s worth doing the opposite and actively challenging the issues that create these gaps in our industry. So, we’ve launched this weekly series, Wednesday Women, where we’ll profile the stories of the inspiring women in this great and wide industry.
Today we speak with Trina Smith, Chief Winemaker, Group White Wine and Sparkling at Pernod Ricard.
Having grown up in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges on a wheat and sheep farm, Smith says winemaking was not part of her formative years, and she in fact began her career working in accounting.
When she decided that accounting was not what she wanted to do with her life, she embarked on several different courses, one of which was wine appreciation.
“From there I decided that the wine industry seemed interesting and applied for the Oneology degree at the University of Adelaide and realised how much I loved wine and the creative aspect of winemaking.
“This decision set me on the path that eventually led me to Pernod Ricard where I’ve been fortunate enough to work as part of an incredible winemaking team,” she explains.
Exchanging accounting for vineyards, Smith has travelled the world experiencing winemaking and all its nuances in some incredible places – South Africa, France, California, Italy and Spain to name a few.
“Travel is an incredible way to experience international wine varieties and techniques, as well as just learning different tricks of the trade and ways of living,” says Smith.
“Working in different countries or even regions is incredibly rewarding as the wine industry is generally a very open and inquisitive industry – people from other regions and countries are interested in what we are doing here in Australia and vice versa. Ultimately it has been fantastic to see firsthand the specific winemaking techniques or particular varieties which are ideally suited to certain regions.”
Though there are of course differences in winemaking across the various countries and regions she has worked in, Smith says: “The passion for quality and innovation remains, regardless of location. There is a shared commitment to producing high-quality wine across the board.
“Fundamentally, the basics of winemaking can be similar throughout different regions, it is more about embracing technologies but also different techniques which will bring the flavours and characteristics of the style of wine you are making to life, and trialing new or different techniques to bring a new or different texture to a variety or style many people are comfortable with.”
A sparkling wine specialist
In 2016, Smith joined Pernod Ricard Winemakers with a vision to ensure that the varieties and vintage come to the fore across the portfolio of premium white wines and sparkling, looking after brands like Jacob’s Creek and the prestigious Mumm Tasmania.
“I am the chief winemaker of white wine and sparkling wine at Pernod Ricard Winemakers so I am heavily involved in the winemaking process, stylistic direction, innovation, and brand collaboration.
“There are naturally different regional focuses and consumer preferences across the Pernod Ricard Winemakers portfolio, so my winemaking approach varies to reflect different brand identities.
“I really enjoy the creative side of winemaking and therefore love the opportunities for innovation across white and sparkling wine. They both allow for creativity and exploration while respecting traditional winemaking techniques,” she stated.
Considered to be one of Australia’s sparkling wine specialists, Smith has enjoyed many achievements throughout her 20-year career. She has judged national and regional wine shows, been shortlisted as a finalist for 2020 Wine Magazine Winemaker of the Year, and most recently, worked with the late Laurent Fresnet, Chef de Cave of G.H. Mumm, to craft the brand’s first Australian sparkling wine.
“Our work with G.H. Mumm in creating Mumm Terroir has been a favourite of mine as sparkling wines have always fascinated me and piqued my interest. The tradition behind this category makes this a personal favourite for me and the process of creating the final product has been a really interesting journey,” she stated.
Although this has been a highlight of her career with Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Smith says the unique strengths and qualities of each brand make them all fun to work with.
“Seeing some of our wines receive prestigious awards and recognition has been a proud moment. It’s a great testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Our involvement in sustainability and efforts in this space has been really rewarding. A growing focus of ours, in winemaking and the world in general, is to engage in sustainable practices and exploring that is something I’m very passionate about,” she continued.
The outlook for Australian wine
Looking to the future of white and sparkling wine in Australia, Smith believes it’s an exciting time for the industry, and like many categories, sees innovation being driven by environmentally-conscious and health-conscious consumers.
“It’s no secret lighter wines are having a moment. I think we will see continued alternative white wine varieties as Australian winemakers increasingly differentiate styles of traditional varietals. Also, a focus on low-alcohol and low-sugar wines will continue to rise as health-conscious trends grow.
“As winemakers we always focus on the land – what wines will best grow under current conditions, as well as looking forward to consumer preference – at the end of the day consumer demand dictates our direction.
“Similar to white wine, sustainability will remain a key focus for sparkling wine production and I hope efforts to reduce environmental impact will continue,” she concluded.