Laura is working hard to 'prove them wrong' after taking over the family vineyard

When 28-year-old Laura Wishart took over sole management of her parents' vineyard, people said she didn't know what she was getting into. This did not deter her.

Key Points:Laura Wishart manages her parents' vineyard, Shepherd's HutHer interest in vineyard management was sparked during her high school yearsMs. Wishart came full circle after being previously unofficial

"My dad always told me the only sure way to get me to do something is to tell me I can't and a few people have told me I can't. can't do that," Ms. Wishart said.

"I work really hard to prove them wrong."

Shepherd's Hut Winery is based in Porongurup, approximately 50 kilometers north of Albany in Western Australia.

Coming full circle

Ms. Wishart initially took over management when pruning for the 2021 vintage. (ABC Great Southern: Sophie Johnson )

The 18-hectare property landed in Mrs. Wishart's lap when the former manager moved on to another job.

"Dad started talking about possibly selling the vineyard and I was ready to branch out and try something on my own," she said.

"It's always something that, you know, got me interested right out of high school."

During Ms. Wishart's first two years in college, she was the "unofficial" sales representative of Shepherd's H ut.

"I go around nagging people like this 18, 19 year old, knowing nothing, asking e to buy our wine," she said.

"I guess it's sort of come full circle and now, rather than just selling the product, I'm also in the vineyard."

Ms. Wishard typically works 12-hour days. (ABC Great Southern: Sophie Johnson)

Life in the Vineyards

Ms. Wishart lives in the shepherd's cabin whose vineyard is named after.

She typically works 12 hour days, working alone on most jobs around the vineyard and online for her branded wine.

"It's a big operation. I want say, doing this pretty much alone with great support is a really big job,” Ms. Wishart said.