Michael Aylward
Ocean Eight

Mike Aylward is a finalist in the Young Gun of Wine Award and if there was a gong for nicest young chap in Australia, we'd be nominating him for that one too. Aylward's serious commitment to making great chardonnay and pinot noir is already delivering stunning results from their discreet gravity fed winery with no intention of hosting a cellar door - soooo Burgundian! We hate to use the "C" word (in public) but Mike's Verve chardonnay is very Chablis-like.
Q&A

 

Is there a wine or a person that inspires you as a winemaker?
Chris Judd - consistently in the top four players each week. His motivation and drive is unbelievable and he plays for Carlton.

What is so-hot-right-now in wine?
My wife drinking a glass of Pinot in her Snuggie. Other than that I believe chardonnay is about to heat up! Especially from the Mornington Peninsula.

What got you into wine?
The whole team of people working at Kooyong back in 1996 - We drank a lot of different wines from all over the world and had a great time doing it.

What's your desert island wine?
Puligny Montrachet - the 2007 vintage wines look amazing!

Why should you win the people's vote for the YGWA?
Because they love the style of wines that Ocean Eight produces - nothing else.

If there was no wine in the world...
Unthinkable.

As a winemaker, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Consistently in the top four players each year.

What's the one word that sums you up?
Dad.
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