Laurence Schulz
Cellar Door Manager
After completing a Bachelor of Business, Laurence spent 20 years in the tourism industry. Having worked for some of the industry’s great touring companies, Australian Pacific and Gray Line, wine tourism was always a part of Laurence’s portfolio, travelling and researching in the Yarra, Barossa & Hunter Valleys, along with Margaret River. It was no real surprise then, when circumstances conspired, Laurence transitioned to wine proper.
Having travelled through California, France, Italy, Germany, New Zealand and the major wine regions of Australia, wine has always been a passion. His travel demonstrated terroir and wines that speak of place including; Napa chardonnays, Loire Valley sauvignon blancs, Central Otago pinots, cool climate chardonnays, up and down the hill pinots, syrah.
2020 presented Laurence with an opportunity to work in one of the Peninsula’s largest vineyards during the lockdowns; pruning, thinning, tying, lifting, counting, and bottling replaced tastings, sales and wine club. His time in the vineyard gave great context, appreciation and eventually perspective. Further time in the winery, taught Laurence that some of the most exciting aspects of wine come before the bottle; wine is agriculture.
For Laurence, the real joy of the Cellar Door is being able to introduce people to wine with its many subtleties and complexities. To see the faces of guests as they smell and taste wine with understanding is really gratifying.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PT. LEO ESTATE SCULPTURE?
Lynn Chadwick’s Jubilee IV. The impressive pair were exhibited directly outside the Cellar Door widows when Laurence first started, almost like the three of them started at the Estate together. Laurence marvels at the way bronze can be sculptured to create the fluidity of a cape; it is extraordinary.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA?
The thunderous winter surf at Gunnamatta would have to be his favourite MP experience, the boardwalk at Cape Schanck a close second.
WHAT IS YOUR PT. LEO ESTATE BEVERAGE?
Pt Leo Estate’s 2017 Estate Chardonnay, cool climate, some oak and a bit of age.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PT. LEO ESTATE DISH?
Laura’s Sea Urchin mousse, Bomba rice cooked in Caprinella broth, quince – pure joy