Squitchy Lane Vineyard

Squitchy Lane Vineyard name after Oxford laneway is run by Mike Fitzpatrick of Carlton Football fame. Producing a range  Fume Blanc, straight Merlot and Cabernet Franc—as well as some superb Pinot Noir wines, our aim is to be innovative, without going outside the structure we know can work in our micro-climate at Squitchy.

Whilst Squitchy is only 15 years old the vines are over 30 years and winemaker Robert Paul grape-growing and winemaking philosophies at Squitchy Lane are directed solely towards getting the best fruit flavours possible. The vineyard blocks face north give maximum sunlight and we tend our vines to produce quality grapes over quantity to  ensure ripeness can be achieved without putting pressure on the vines.  Treat it as gently and simply as possible. Whites are whole-bunch pressed (that is, they are not crushed before pressing) and reds receive only a gentle crush that allows a high percentage of whole berries into the fermentation.

Roberts overall winemaking philosophy is pretty simple. He sees himself as the link between vineyard and winery. It starts in the vineyard and finishes on the bottling line and he is involved in every part of the process.