Saltwater, songlines and the space between: the evolution of Mitu Wines and Mitu House
When Florence Drummond founded Mitu Wines, she became Australia’s first Indigenous woman to own a wine label — but her journey began long before the first bottle was ever produced. Raised on Thursday Island (Waiben) in the Torres Strait (Zenadth Kes), Florence is a Saltwater Woman, grounded in cycles, connection and the rhythm of Sea Country. That rhythm eventually guided her from a high-pressure career in the global mining sector to the calm, coastal surrounds of Margaret River — a landscape where she says her connection back to her songlines “finally felt in sync again.”
Florence spent more than a decade shaping national and global conversations about Indigenous women in the resources sector, progressing from machine operator in Weipa to respected executive and international advisor. But with the growing intensity of corporate life came the early signs of burnout. Relocating to Western Australia’s South West offered more than a change of scenery — it created the space to imagine something new.
“Wine reflects abundance and renewal,” Florence explains. “Each vintage brings a chance to become better than our last, to renew, to refine.” Mitu — meaning “me and you” in Torres Strait Creole — was built around this philosophy of connection. It is a brand that invites people to slow down, celebrate small moments and experience wine with meaning and intention.
From the outset, Florence engaged with Wadandi cultural custodians, seeking guidance and cultural permission to build a venture that honours their cultural landscape. Recognising the importance of creating enterprises that reflect strength, innovation and opportunity, Florence has positioned Mitu as a brand offering a new narrative — one grounded in niche market leadership, untapped commercial segments and scalable storytelling that elevates both culture and industry.
Today, Mitu Wines partners with respected Margaret River growers and winemakers to craft small batch, premium yet accessible collections, including the sustainable lightweight bottle range of Shiraz and Chenin Blanc, to the premium expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay. The labels feature “me and you” in braille — a distinctive mark of Mitu’s commitment to inclusive enjoyment and conscious consumer choices.
Mitu Wines' Supply Nation certification has been instrumental in the brand's early growth
Florence credits the organisation with strengthening her operational foundation, building national visibility, accessible avenues for engagement with corporate partners and equipping her for future export opportunities. “Supply Nation has genuinely walked alongside us,” she says. “Their support helped me propel a dream into a business with a laser focus and scalable potential.”
Momentum continues to grow, with national availability through Dan Murphy’s online store and a loyal customer base gravitating toward its authenticity and storytelling. Yet Florence is clear that Mitu’s journey is just beginning.
The next chapter is Mitu House, planned to open in Spring 2026. Rather than a traditional cellar door, Mitu House will be a curated library and immersive studio — a space that brings together wine, literature, global networks and the region’s growing slow-tourism movement. It will feature a small tasting room, a library of books Florence has collected throughout her international career and appointment-only gatherings that honour culture, creativity and conversation.
Cross-cultural collaboration will also be central. As an early step, Florence plans to showcase Atik, a craft beer created by Indigenous Ecuadorian producer Sonia Sarango — a friendship formed during Florence’s work at the Zaruma Gold Mine. “It’s a reminder that women, no matter where we live or what industries we work in, can build bridges that uplift each other.”
As Mitu Wines grows and Mitu House takes shape, Florence’s mission remains steady: to create a brand that reflects connection, respect and the generosity of sharing something beautiful.
“We’re not just creating a brand; we’re building the foundation for Mitu House — a place of learning and belonging that will shape how people connect, create and remain curious into the future, grounded in the simple truth that we are here to celebrate moments together.”
