Nic Peterkin is a provocateur in a region that prides itself on tradition.
Margaret River has long been a bastion of polished Cabernet and some of the country's finest Chardonnay, but Nic has made it his playground for experimentation. The son of Pierro’s Mike Peterkin and Shelley Cullen (yes, those Cullens), Nic could have walked the well-paved family path. Instead, he chose to write his own chapter – and it’s one that feels as much about art and rebellion as it does about grapes.
L.A.S. Vino – standing for Luck, Art, Science – is the creative conduit through which Nic channels his ideas. This isn’t about chasing trends or novelty for the sake of it. His wines challenge, inspire and delight in equal measure. Whether it’s crafting the ultimate 'strawberries-&-cream' inspired rosé from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay or submerging picking bins of Vermentino in the ocean, Nic’s approach is rooted in intuition and curiosity, underpinned by meticulous craft. He's a lunatic (our favourite kind!) but there's a method to his madness.
Pushing boundaries is what Nic does, but not just boundaries of creativity, also of quality. The CBDB Chenin Blanc is now arguably the finest expression of the variety in Australia, standing tall among Margaret River’s greatest wines. His Chardonnays have entered the upper echelon, garnering serious acclaim and outpacing many of the region’s more storied labels.
The Albino Pinot? Once a tounge-in-cheek curiosity, now one of Australia’s benchmark rosés.
So why this award, and why now?
L.A.S. Vino has always been singularly left-of-centre for the region – but the past few years have marked a shift from experimental to mastery. Nic’s wines have transcended their avant-garde origins and become some of the most exciting wines emerging from the West. They capture the essence of Margaret River, but through a lens that feels fresher, younger, and more attuned to the future.
In an industry often reluctant to embrace change, Nic’s courage to innovate feels essential.
Three wines that tell the story of Nic Peterkin’s L.A.S. Vino:
• Wildberry Springs Chardonnay – A revelation. Layered, textured, and electric, this is modern Margaret River Chardonnay at its absolute peak.
• Albino Pinot – A rosé that’s as thought-provoking as it is delicious. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, blended to perfection – a wine that disappears from our shelves year after year.
• Pirate Blend – Touriga Nacional, Sousão, and friends. Spicy, lifted, and medium-bodied, this is red wine with charisma – a far cry from your standard Margaret River fare.
Stock is scarce. L.A.S. Vino wines are cult favourites for a reason – and they don’t wait around. Secure yours and experience the new Margaret River for yourself.