Alchemy's four elements

FOUNDATIONS OF MY WINEMAKING

The elements in alchemy

Without the four basic elements earth, air, fire and water, no alchemical transformation can occur.

For me, these aren’t abstract ideas. They’re a way to stay connected to the land, my craft, and the intentions behind every wine I make.

Each element brings something different. Together, they create balance, depth and character.

Water

Feeling, reflection, intuition

Water represents emotion and the part of winemaking that comes from within. It’s the quiet pause before making a call. The curiosity to try something new. The ability to trust instinct, not just process.

In my wines, water shows up as softness, layers and nuance, the edges that aren’t easily defined, but felt.

Fire

Feeling, reflection, intuition

Fire is the spark. The part of winemaking that demands courage, patience and follow-through. It propels ideas forward and turns intention into action. Without fire, nothing changes, it’s what allows grapes to truly become wine.

Fire is the reason these wines exist at all. It’s the commitment to keep refining, improving and dreaming ahead.

Air

Clarity, imagination, space

Air is the element that keeps my thinking clear. It’s about making decisions from a grounded place, not distraction or rush. When I’m centred and well, I make better wine, it’s as simple as that.

Air also brings imagination. The ability to look at a grape and see what it could be, not just what it is.

Earth

Presence, practice, the physical world

Earth is the hands-on part of winemaking. The vineyard underfoot. The feel of fruit, soil, skin, seeds and weather. It’s being there, paying attention.

Earth reminds me that great wine is not only made in the winery, but in how closely we listen to the place it comes from.

Philosopher’s tree

The Philosopher’s Tree comes before the Philosopher’s Stone, the alchemist’s ultimate goal of transforming base metal into gold.

For me, the tree symbolises the ongoing pursuit, not the final prize. The slow, thoughtful work of turning grapes, something ordinary and familiar into something meaningful.

It’s a reminder to stay curious, stay present, and keep reaching for better. That the work is the point.