Q&A with Singlefile Co-Founder, Philip Snowden
Singlefile Wines was co-founded in 2007 by Philip and Vivienne Snowden, along with their daughter Pamela and son-in-law Patrick Corbett. Prior to entering the wine industry, Phil and Viv had enjoyed long careers as geologists and owners of a successful mining consultancy business, with that geological background instilling in them a particular interest in terroir.
On International Cabernet Day, and the release of the ninth vintage of ‘The Philip Adrian’ Cabernet Sauvignon, we sat down with the namesake of the wine - Phil Snowden - to reflect on his journey into wine, day-to-day life at Singlefile, and how he feels to have a wine named after him.
What drew you to the world of wine? Talk through your career change from geologist/business owner to winery owner.
In 2004, Viv and I knew it was time for a change. We had spent our entire career in the mining industry building a successful world-wide consulting business and we were looking for a new challenge. Viv and I had travelled to Italy to visit our daughter, Pam, and her husband, Patrick, who lived there at the time. This gave us the opportunity to discover some Old World wine regions together, from which emerged a shared love of wine. A move to the country was appealing, and the wine industry seemed an interesting option to us. Somewhat serendipitously, during a visit to Viv’s brother in 2007, we spotted a run-down vineyard “with good bones” in Denmark, WA on the neighbouring property. Four months later, we owned the place! Once we pruned our first vine in June that year, it was official - we were in the wine business.
What is the significance of the name ‘Singlefile’?
When we took on the property in 2007, we effectively adopted a flock of 11 geese who grazed the land. Viv and I marvelled as we watched the geese walking in single file all the way down to the water every evening, and just like that, ‘Singlefile Wines’ was born. The animals on Singlefile’s crest, used on our wine labels, represent the history of our families and the place we came to find ourselves. Viv and I are originally from Zimbabwe, and our daughters Pam and Nina were born in South Africa, so the springbok on the left of the crest is a nod to our Southern African heritage. The stag, on the right, is the emblem of County Clare in Ireland, where Patrick was born. The three geese, in the centre, represent the flock on our Denmark property.
What does an average day at the Singlefile property look like for you?
Early starts are the norm. Every day is different at Singlefile and includes attending to the mundane, the urgent, and the unexpected! These include communicating with Singlefile’s fantastic team on topics of the day, enjoying an early morning Stash coffee at the Cellar Door, attending to the lawn mowing and maintenance, and planning future developments on the property.
I enjoy the everyday operational aspects of running the farm and vineyard, being involved with the Cellar Door, as well as mentoring and strategic business planning.
How did you end up with a wine named after you?
On this matter I had no input! It was decided by Pat and Pam to name Singlefile’s estate chardonnay after Viv, and the cabernet after me. I am told it was meant to be ‘The Philip’ but that name had already been taken. Initially, I felt rather embarrassed to be the wine’s namesake, but twelve years on I’m accustomed to it. Needless to say, we are delighted with the wines. I feel lucky to say that, in my opinion, every vintage has been outstanding. Now, Pam has also given her name to our premium riesling, joining the family in our Limited Release collection.
Why is cabernet sauvignon sometimes referred to as ‘The King of the Reds’?
Cabernet sauvignon is a powerful wine that stands proudly on its own or blends readily to enhance other varieties. It’s one of the most widely enjoyed varieties in Australia and, indeed, the world, including as the major component of the famous Bordeaux blend. It is a hardy variety, with thick skinned berries and tough vines, that has aided its ability to grow well around the world.
In Western Australia’s Frankland River, where the majority of Singlefile’s cabernet sauvignon is grown, this variety produces a deep red wine with intense concentration of flavour, aromas of blackcurrant, plum and cassis and fine-grained tannins.
Being in the enviable position of always having a fine bottle available to you, what is actually your favourite wine to drink?
It all depends on the social and emotional circumstances of the moment. But if I have to narrow it down, I would normally choose either a cabernet, or a chardonnay - which is the wine that Viv and I most enjoy drinking together.
