The estate produces pure Margaret River styles and West Australian blends from the Swings vineyard and local shareholder and contract growers. The strong belief is in the northern Margaret River fruit that can develop wines with elegant Mediterranean structure for great drinking, with or without food.
Margaret River’s micro climate is now well recognized as having great advantage for super premium wine crafting, unique soils, warm summers with cooling afternoon sea breezes and wet and cold winters make it grape heaven.
Mark Lane runs the show. He found his way to Margaret River in a roundabout way. For a while he made cheese in Melbourne. No doubt interesting, but why would you do that if you can do this! He gained winemaking apprenticeships in the Yarra Valley with the likes of Tarrawarra and Eyton-on-Yarra before making the trek west to take up the position of Chief Winemaker with Deep Woods and then Flying Fish Cove wines.
Mark Lane and the team are well credentialed, serious winemaking chaps who have, according to wine reviewer Ray Jordan won a “staggering list of awards”. But while stern faced about the wine itself, the rest is pretty relaxed. Margaret River is a cool and casual place to hang out so you’ll find the personalities here very friendly and far from intimidating.
Having developed a reputation as one of Margaret River’s leading winemakers, Mark has pulled together a young and enthusiastic team to establish Swings & Roundabouts…all keen to make a difference. He balances life by cooking, taking his teenage daughter to local concerts and driving fast cars fast. He enjoys a complete lack of interest in football (astonishing for a Victorian!) and music makes him happy (so the t-shirt says).
The estate's winemaking operation is also home, and it's been equipped with all that is important to the winemakers. A wood fire pizza oven, a serious coffee machine, lots of comfy leather sofas…and of course the wines. The vine-shaded verandah helps escape those hot summer days, with view over rolling hills, vines and kangaroos.
