The Road Less Travelled
The Inspiration Behind The Road Less Travelled
September 13, 2009
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference”
Robert Frost (1916)
Wine, in many respects is a metaphor for life.
The genesis of the ‘Road Less Travelled’ was inspired by my need as winemaker to push the envelope in terms of style for Sauvignon Blanc. As a tiny producer, I was aiming to make a wine that would stand out from the crowd, particularly in respect to mouth feel and affinity for food. This led me on a path where I decided to oxidativly handle juice, barrel ferment the entire wine, as well as use wild and alternative yeasts. This is a significant departure from the norm in terms of Sauvignon Blanc production.
This is intended to be a challenging wine, that I’m sure will polarise opinion.
For some, non conformity is a choice, for others it is gift.
The story of this wine is one not dissimilar to that of my eldest son Jack. He travels the road less travelled on a daily basis, and will continue to do so for life. His story is one of living with autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability that affects a person’s communication, learning and behaviour. People with an ASD can appear confused, uncommunicative, angry, anxious or behave in a challenging manner.
Taking life one day at a time is more than a footy cliché, it’s the reality for anyone living with an autism spectrum disorder. The road is paved with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Heartbreak, inspiration, frustration, uplifting and motivation are emotions that are experienced on a daily basis for anyone living with ASD. Achievements are measured in baby steps.
The road less travelled is one that is often paved with unexpected delights.
For me, Jack has redefined the meaning of patience; his very being sheds a new perspective on the world. Without words or speech, Jack can charm anyone he meets. The concepts of lying, cheating or passing judgment are completely foreign. His attention to fine detail and focus is extraordinary.