More than ever before, Australian winemakers are coming from mixed former professional backgrounds. This year alone I've met winemakers who used to be biochemists, journalists, school teachers, oak barrel salespeople and now lawyers - to name but a few.

Robert Channon, an ex-litigator, produced his first vintage in Queensland's chilly Stanthorpe area in 2001. Since then, Robert and wife Peggy have been producing outstanding Verdelho, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon from their hill-top vineyards.

Overlooking the beautiful 'Singing Lake' (aptly named since Peggy is an ex-music teacher), the vines are still mostly on their original root-stock, but some have since been grafted over to allow an increase in Verdelho and Pinot Gris production.

Channon's Verdelho has consistently been awarded over 90 points by James Halliday and their Reserve Chardonnay recently took gold and a trophy at the Queensland Wine Awards (2010). Chief Judge Neil McGuigan referred to this Chardonnay as "a world class wine".Winestate Magazine went on to rate this wine with five stars.

After considering the phenomenal apple, citrus and mineral flavours in Robert's Chardonnay grapes - it seemed sensible for Robert to begin making a sparkling version (blanc de blancs) in 2008. A little tentative at first, this wine has really paid off for this vineyard, recently winning best Sparkling in the country at the Australian Small Winemakers Show (2010).

All vines at Robert Channon Wines are secured under bird netting, preventing the loss of fruit each year which might otherwise be damaged by hail, birds or bats. Additionally, bird netting helps retain the fruit's true flavours and aromas. If a grape is even slightly damaged in the vineyard, it can partially rot, causing flavour destruction in the wine during fermentation. Robert Channon Wines is one of the elite few small producers who follow this practice in Australia.

With beautiful, artistic labelling Channon's wines stand out from the rest and make exceptional gifts for loved ones. I highly recommend you to make the trip (about 3 hours steady driving) to Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt region to visit Robert and his 'family' (wife, winery, vines, lake and miniature horses). - Daniel Jess