Winemakers Kate and Nina are in-laws and business partners, and while this does not sound at all odd, the tale of how they came to be is stranger than fiction. Their unique approach to grape growing and winemaking, like all agricultural endeavours, is about taking things day by day, adapting to the seasons, ducking and weaving through the challenges that nature creates, and most importantly celebrating the small wins every single day.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT IN TWO MINDS WINES.
Our small batch boutique wine business evolved from a friendship sparked at university studying winemaking. We make wines for those busy vino-lovers who simply long for a trusty go-to that’s well-balanced, incredibly delicious, and complex enough to satisfy even the sav viest of wine-drinkers, while easy-drinking enough to just enjoy without having to over think it! Whether it’s to impress a certain someone, pair with a particular meal, or just to relax on a Thursday night, we like to think we have a wine for every occasion. Our range includes a dry crisp Prosecco, easy drinking, crowd pleasing Pinot Gris, Provence inspired Rose, fruit driven medium bodied Grenache and elegant Reserve Shiraz. Being In Two Minds – both metaphorically and literally in our case – means we can create bold, exciting wines with the expertise of two flexible open minds.
YOU NOT ONLY SHARE THE SAME LAST NAME, BUT YOU BOTH MARRIED IDENTICAL TWINS AFTER STUDYING WINEMAKING AT THE SAME UNIVERSITY TOGETHER. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THIS STRANGER THAN FICTION STORY?
Kate: It all started on our first day at Adelaide University studying winemaking back in 2003. I was (in my usual fashion) early for the first class and had adorned my “Kathryn” name tag waiting patiently. Coming in somewhat later, another “Katherine” arrived with name tag displayed. “I won’t forget your name!” I casually said. We both introduced ourselves by our preferred names (Kate and Nina) and that was the start of a great friendship. We made wine together at university, excelled in wine tastings (funnily enough much more than Chemistry 101) and both graduated with a desire to go out and explore the winemaking world. This took us separately on journeys around Australia and the globe honing our craft, gaining experience in regions including Burgundy, Barolo, Napa Valley, Tasmania, McLaren Vale and many more. Then a chance meeting at my wedding in 2007 saw Nina meet and fall in love with the best man John; the identical twin brother of my husband Micah. A few years later there were more wedding bells when Nina and John married. It seems we were destined to make wine together - Both Kathryn/Katherine’s, both winemakers, married to identical twins.
WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Kate: I love the freedom of being able to juggle motherhood and business on my terms. Granted it’s not always easy, but at least I only have myself (and Nina!) to front up to when things get hard. A lso knowing that you are putting all the hard work in for something you have built and created.
Nina: I fell in love with winemaking a long time ago, but it wasn’t until I started my own business, then subsequently started In Two Minds in collaboration with Kate, that I realised how much more rewarding it was to be in charge of not just the creative/scientific winemaking side, but from start to finish. From contract negotiations, to design, to working with growers, logistics, finance, interacting with customers, and everything in between. No two days (or even two hours!) are the same, and the rewards of growing our businesses are priceless.
DO, OR DID YOU HAVE A WOMAN LEADER AS A MENTOR OR ARE THERE SPECIFIC WOMEN WHO INSPIRED YOU AND WHY?
Kate:I have had many amazing mentors in my professional career but given the wine industry when I was coming through the ranks was more male dominant, they have actually been men that have taken an active stance in championing myself and other women within the industry.
Nina: My mum and sister have always inspired me in their approach to life, challenges, work-ethic, ability to juggle, intelligence, and kindness. More specifically in our industry Kate Goodman, who has had many chief winemaking roles, and who I was lucky enough to share a house with while I was learning the ropes, has always been an amazing sounding-board. I also see Kate Day as an inspiration, I always admired her so much for her tenacity, organisation, determination, and outgoing personality.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE LEADERS?
Kate: Back yourself and don’t give into imposter syndrome as so many women do. And remember to network, network, network.
Nina: Good business relationships are everything, and doing business with good people makes life much more enjoyable!
WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR IN TWO MINDS IN 2023?
2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year. We are growing our business by focussing on presenting our wines and unusual story at corporate events to gain brand awareness whilst also giving businesses a way to entertain and reward their staff and/or clients and learn about wine in a fun and engaging way. These events are available in regional NSW, Central Victoria, Sydney and Melbourne, and we invite any readers who have a need for corporate entertaining to please feel free to reach out. We have a new wine being released, a stunning cool climate Chardonnay and we are keen to grow and develop the strategic partnerships we have been working on.
Location: MUDGEE | NSW & CENTRAL VICTORIA
Website: intwominds.com.au
Instagram: intwomindswines
Facebook: in two minds wines