16 | Mid-Western Living SPRING 2025 What began as a humble hobby under the gum trees has become one of Mudgee’s most loved wine destinations. This year, Lazy Oak Wines raises a glass to ten years of passion, perseverance, and the kind of country hospitality that keeps people coming back - not just for the wine, but for the warmth. The past decade hasn’t been without its challenges. From drought and smoke taint to the pandemic and everything in between, Lazy Oak has stood strong - a small but mighty team anchored by heart, family, and a love for what they do. “We never planned this,” says Paula. “It started as a hobby, but it’s become our life. We live and breathe wine - and it’s all wrapped up in family.” From pop-up tastings at local markets to a full-blown cellar door, alfresco dining space and live music events, Lazy Oak has evolved significantly since that first pour. Yet they’ve held onto what matters: handcrafted wines, small-batch production, and an unshakeable connection to the land and their loyal community. A DECADE OF GRIT AND GRAPES Lazy Oak Wines Celebrates 10 Years of Winemaking, Community and Country Hospitality From Market Umbrellas to Milestone Moments The opening of the cellar door four years ago marked a turning point - transforming Lazy Oak from a quiet vineyard into a buzzing destination for wine lovers near and far. Today, the vineyard plays host to private tastings, long lunches, weddings and seasonal events that celebrate all the best things about life in the country. “We used to pop up an umbrella under the gum trees and pour tastings for passersby. Now we’ve got a full cellar door, live music, and a loyal community that celebrates right alongside us.” Despite the growth, Lazy Oak has never lost its charm. Guests still meet the owners, hear the stories behind the vines, and often leave with more than just a bottle - they leave feeling like part of the family. A Cellar Door Like No Other What makes Lazy Oak truly special isn’t just the wine - though their award-winning small-batch drops speak for themselves. It’s the atmosphere: relaxed, personal, and unmistakably authentic.
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