Oban wine maker’s rich harvest of experience It isn’t easy for wineries outside of the U.S.A. to match the American passion for Zinfandel, let alone create a credible one for the global market but one winemaker from Oban is threatening the status quo.

Jane Wilson, and her partner David Lowe run Lowe Family Wine Company in Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia and their Zinfandel is now regarded among the best in the world.

Lowe’s Zinfandel 2004 has been named runner-up at the recent International Wine Challenge to follow up last year’s win in the same competition with its Zinfandel 2003. However, Jane told The Oban Times the Zinfandel 2005 will be the best yet. This competition showcases 9,000 different wines from across the globe. Jane, one of only three Scottish winemakers in the world, said: ‘It is a hard wine to grow but we have put ourselves on the world map.

A lot of people in the Oban area have supported us, namely Lerags House, the Kitchen Garden and Airds Hotel, and I try to get back to the area two or three times a year.’ The former vet added: ‘I am taking the wine to California soon. This is the first time we have exhibited in the States and I am really looking forward to it. The Americans are passionate about the Zinfandel and consider it their own.’

Jane also speaks to students and those with an interest in wine on her visits to Scotland. On her most recent trip back, Jane spoke at Strathclyde University. Jane added: ‘Most people don’t understand we’re part of the global market. They see Australia as producing supermarket wines so we will do anything to change the perception of wines.’

Jane Wilson visited The Oban Times on a recent trip back to Scotland.