“Keith riding high in two fields” by Frazer Guild 1981

Surfer-winemaker Keith Mugford career is on the crest of a wave.

At 23, he is already producing award-winning wines at the Moss Wood, Willyabrup, vineyard.And the pleasure he gets from picking up prizes for wines is matched only by the thrill of picking up the big waves off the South-West coast.
At dawn, or after a long day at the vineyard where he is manager  and winemaker, Keith throws his surfboard into his utility and seeks out the swells.

“I don’t have as much time as I would like for surfing but the wine has to come first,” he says.

And it does.

The Moss Wood 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon won the top red wine award at the Adelaide Show and the 1980 Cabernet Sauvignon to be released later this year won a gold medal and trophy at the Perth Royal Show.
And Keith says the 1981 Cabernet Sauvignon to be released next year is even better. Keith was hired by Moss Wood owner Dr Bill Pannel. He has not let his early success go  to his head.

“The district is excellent for the production of wines,” Keith said. “The raw materials and the facilities we have are first- class.
“I can make minor improvements or adjustments, but basically I just have to make sure nothing goes wrong.”

He grew up in the McLaren Vale wine-growing area of South Australia and says he has enjoyed the opportunity to control a small-scale  vineyard rather than work on just one aspect of the winemaking process in a bigger operation.

“It was a good break and I appreciate the responsibility I have,” he said.

Keith said that though winning prizes and medals was satisfying, he regarded the shows as fun and a  chance to meet others in the industry.

“Some wines which you don’t really expect to do well pick up awards and others which you are proud of miss out” he said.
“As long as we know we are producing top quality wines, we are happy whether they are recognised at the shows or not.”

The Moss Wood 1981 Pinot Noir is already being whispered about as the best of its type produced in Australia.

Keith – a surfer for 12 years – says the waves along the South-West coast are as good as the wines. When he’s not working or surfing he fits in a game of golf, soccer or cricket. Then it’s time to relax with a drink. Moss Wood, naturally.