Xavier Goodridge crafts idiosyncratic expressions of Pinot Noir born on his organically farmed vineyard in Gippsland’s Maffra, the Gunaikurnai Country. In collaboration with exceptional growers from Mount Gambier and Henty, he sources the highest quality grapes for his Papa range. With the light touch in the winery, Xavier lets the wines speak of the land.

In 2018, Xavier acquired a long-term lease on a vineyard in Maffra, Gippsland, his wife’s hometown. The vineyard, established back in 1987, is now at the end of its conversion to organic farming practices started by Xavier in the year he took over. Pursuing the organic transformation is a testament to his commitment to a sustainable approach in vine cultivation and winemaking and the purpose of producing exceptional wines that carry a unique sense of place.

The vineyard, covering a total of four hectares, is planted with 1 hectare dedicated to each Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while the remaining two hectares has been grafted over to 3 clones of Pinot Noir - MV6, 114 and Abel. In Maffra, the soils bear mainly sandy loam light clay over a sandstone base and quartz with gravel throughout. For Xavier, soil health is of utmost importance as it forms the foundation, literally and figuratively, upon which the healthy environment for cultivating grapes of exceptional quality is built. He cherishes the expressions of Pinot Noir grown on Maffra’s terroir in particular.

Xavier Goodridge's winemaking style supports his philosophy of letting the vineyard's work shine through in the finished wine. For him, winemaking is the ‘easy part’, as he believes that the foundation for great wines is laid in the vineyard itself. His approach revolves around minimal intervention, allowing the grapes to express their natural characteristics without manipulation.

Xavier’s ‘light touch’ on wines involves the wines fermenting spontaneously with no fining, filtration or additions except for small amounts of sulphur. Wines are usually raised in large-format old French oak, which allows them to mature gently and gracefully. This choice reflects his preference for a more restrained and harmonious integration of the vessel used, allowing the fruit to take centre stage. The result is a collection of wines that captivate the senses with their purity and lively energy.

Papa range is a reflection of Xavier’s passion for working with the finest growers he has encountered during many years in the wine industry. Drawing from his extensive experience and connections, he collaborates with some of the best viticulturists to craft his range.

As a lover of wines that are birthed from limestone soils, Xavier seeks out vineyards in South West Victoria, where the terroir imparts unique characteristics to the grapes. Among these regions, Mount Gambier holds a special place in his heart, and since the range's inception in 2014, he has closely worked with his good friend Andrew Burchell, who owns vineyards in this area.

Through crafting Papa wines, Xavier finds fulfilment in doing what he loves most while also providing the opportunity to travel and connect with like-minded individuals in the wine community. This range embodies his dedication to creating wines that are not only a delight to drink but also a celebration of the collaboration between passionate winemakers and skilled growers.