Wollongong local and owner/winemaker of Gundog Estate, Matt Burton, talks wine
The August/September 2021 issue of Gourmet Traveller WINE announced the final four finalists in its 2021 Winemaker of the Year Award, and Austinmer local Matt Burton is honoured to be one of them.
“Our finalists for 2021 are all exceptional winemakers in their own right, championing region and site expression – all in the name of quality,” Gourmet Traveller WINE said.
Finalists are selected by a highly respected, industry leading judging panel who are also contributors to the magazine.
“To be considered for Australia’s most prestigious wine industry award is utterly humbling and tremendously exciting,” Matt said. “As a small family-owned boutique producer, I am so proud of my super-talented team who help bring our winemaking dreams to life. This nomination is just a fantastic validation of what we do.”
In his published commentary on the selection of Matt Burton as a finalist, panellist Peter Bourne praised Matt’s approach to winemaking and his business.
“Burton has an entrepreneurial streak with two small, warm and inviting cellar doors: one in old Pokolbin schoolhouse on MacDonald’s Road, aptly named Gundog Hunter Cellar; and Gourmet Pantry and Cork St Cellars in Gundaroo. Burton has his Gundog Estate label plus a standalone brand, Indomitus, to push the winemaking envelope. For extra fun, he collaborates with Dylan McMahon to make wine under the Burton McMahon label,” Peter Bourne said. “The Gundog Estate offerings go beyond wine, with local gourmet products such as olive oils, curry pastes, spice rubs, pasta, dressings and even muesli. But wait, there’s more: hand-made chocolate balls filled with Gundog Estate shiraz and muscat, and a bespoke Gundog Dry Gin and Hunting Ale
He takes his winemaking seriously, focusing on three varieties: the Hunter stalwarts, Semillon and Shiraz, along with Riesling and Shiraz from the Canberra District. Burton’s philosophy has been shaped by the wineries where he’s worked and the (generous) mentors with whom he has shared a glass or three.
“In 2010, just a decade into his career, he took the leap and established Gundog Estate with few assets but an abundance of hope and enthusiasm. The rest has been well-earned success at all levels. Burton is a man of integrity and compassion and has shared his fiscal achievements by supporting Path 2 Change, a charity that creates programs for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. He acknowledges our changing climate by partnering with Fifteen Trees to assist with the regeneration of the environment. Burton is still a young man, but one with a steady eye on the future. Watch this space.”
Matt said mastery of a craft is a lifetime’s work and he feels like he is only halfway there.
“Winemaking has not only allowed me to indulge my passion and creativity, it has also provided a platform to affect positive change in our community via our social and environmental sustainability efforts, which are equally important to me.”
Matt’s family moved to Austinmer from Sydney in 1995 and despite the family spreading far and wide in the years since, their Moore Street residence is still very much considered the family home. Matt left Wollongong in 2000 to pursue his winemaking career in the USA, France, and the Yarra Valley, before settling in the Hunter Valley. As his brand, Gundog Estate, grew in scale his viticultural interests extended southward to the emerging cool climate Canberra Wine District. Now with a vineyard and cellar door in Gundaroo, Matt found himself travelling between the Hunter Valley and ACT frequently, and this became the perfect ‘excuse’ to base himself in Wollongong again. Returning to the region in 2018, Matt is enamored by the natural beauty of the area. A keen hiker and swimmer, Matt can often be found lapping one of the local rock pools, or on one of the many trails extending up and along the escarpment.
“I love the diversity and accessibility of the Illawarra, there are just so many great things to do here, and all within a relatively short distance of one another. And it’s not just the recreational activities. Having spent so many years away, I couldn’t believe how much the CBD had changed – there is so much more choice in high quality bars and restaurants these days – it’s just an incredibly livable city.”
Gundog Estate is a boutique producer of premium wines, ales, and gin, specialising in Semillon and Shiraz. The wines of Gundog Estate have been awarded many wine show medals and continue to receive widespread critical acclaim in Australia and abroad. Gundog partners with not-for-profit Path 2 Change to help local homeless young people create sustainable futures & 15 Trees to regenerate the native environment. Gundog Estate is a carbon neutral organisation.
Learn more: www.gundogestate.com.au
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