AN ENTHUSIASTIC WINEMAKING TEAM

Ashley Lewkowsk unlike most winemakers, spend most of his time managing the vineyard, ensuring that the vines are pruned correctly, fruit exposure is optimal and gaining extra insight into the different personalities of different blocks within the vineyard. A strong belief in terroir and minimal intervention create the basic philosophy for the winemaking at Smithbrook. 

 The focus is on producing distinctive wines from the grape varieties most suited to this unique region, which they firmly believe to be the Bordeaux varieties, in particular Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. The affinity that these varieties have for Pemberton is becoming more evident with each Smithbrook vintage.

Ashley has converted large areas of the vineyard to being organically managed, the introduction of a guinea fowl breeding program and a sucessful intergrated pest managment system align with a strong belief in traditional wiemaking and organic grape production.

With long days spent in the vineyard during the ripening period the fruit is harvested at the perfect time. Care in taken through the whole winemaking process to maximise the fruit expression and balance of each wine. With vines in balance and careful handling techniques the wines are testament to the hard work that has being done.

 ASHLEY LEWKOWSKI

 Originating from Perth, Ashley has firmly established himself as a local identity in the Pemberton Wine Region. He has had extensive experience across the differnet wine regions in Western Australia, but it has been the unique character and quality of Pemberton that has grabbed his attention most.