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Philip LafferOrlando Chief WinemakerProfiled by Madelyn Miller
While food is wonderful, but often a fleeting memory, wine experiences can be repeated and savored almost anywhere in the world. Last fall, a series of remarkable tastings in at Tasting Australia inspired me to write about winemakers. One of the most memorable was at Jacob's Creek. I experienced not only a decadently delicious dinner with perfectly paired wines but also a special luncheon by their talented chef Veronica. But back to the winemaker. Philip Laffer has been called a pioneer in the development of the Australian wine industry. Whether it is through his work or personal curiosity, Philip has spent the last 33 years working hard to develop and improve the art of wine making.
Before joining Orlando in 1992, Philip had spent the first 27 years of his career as the chief wine maker for rival Lindeman's. Taking what he has learned over the years and combining it with all of the new technology in the market today, Philip has become a leader in winery development and management. His philosophy on wine making is simple, "I believe that you maintain quality from continuous learning and from understanding past experiences," he says calmly. He must be right because the Orlando winery is fast becoming one of the largest wine producers in the world. Although he's dedicated to his craft, Philip still finds time to enjoy his life as a family man. When interviewed, he's equally enthusiastic about discussing his favorite camping trips with his two children or maybe about what it is like to spend time on a houseboat on the River Murray with his wife of thirty years, Bev.
My decision to write about Philip was only slightly influenced by a tasting of the delicious sparkling wine, Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir they are introducing in the United States. Luckily for me, Dallas is one of the first places they are introducing it. I tasted it at Steel with some sushi. Now my favorite food has a perfect pairing. Sushi and Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir. |
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TM
When I started to profile chefs on
Travellady Magazine I wanted to record and honor the creative talent behind
the best meals in the world. My thinking was that even if you could not get
to the restaurant or destination to taste the food, at least you could get
vicarious palate thrills by reading about it.
Wine making is not just a job for Philip, but rather a
full-time hobby. When he's not hard at work at the Orlando Winery, he can
most likely be found at meetings for the Australian Wine Research Institute
or the Wine & Brandy Industry Association, or at a nearby Australian wine
show.
For the future, Philip sees Australia as being an even
larger player in the global wine industry. He feels that the background and
knowledge of Australian winemakers has positioned them so that "anything
that is good enough for an Australian winemaker is probably good enough for
anyone who drinks and enjoys wine."