The Cellar Door Podcast: Recent Episodes
Tom Massey
Join wine explorer, Tom Massey, in the Cellar Door to hear the stories of the people and wineries in the wonderful world of wine. Tom is joined by winery owners, wine makers and other wine personalities to hear and share their stories, the stories of the wineries and the stories of the wines. It's a podcast about where it all came from and where it's all going.
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For Mac Forbes, wine has never been just about what’s in the glass.
It’s about identity. Place. Curiosity. And the willingness to choose the harder path in pursuit of something meaningful.
Over the past two decades, Mac has built one of Australia’s most respected wine businesses by questioning convention—from dry farming and single vineyards to a philosophy centred on understanding the Yarra Valley on its own terms.
In this conversation, we explore the challenges facing Australian wine today, the lessons Mac has drawn from family, Indigenous perspectives on land, and why emotion plays such a powerful role in the wines we make and the bottles we choose.
More than anything, this is a conversation about purpose, resilience, and leaving something better for the next generation.
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Most conversations about wine start with a simple assumption: that there is such a thing as the wine market.
Joe Fattorini argues that's completely wrong.
In this episode, we unpack why treating wine as a single market leads to poor marketing, poor positioning, and missed opportunities. Drawing on examples from around the world, Joe explains why the most successful wine businesses don't try to sell to everyone—they understand exactly who they're selling to, why those people buy, and what problem they're really solving.
Whether you're a winery owner, marketer, retailer, or simply fascinated by how brands succeed, this conversation is packed with practical insights into segmentation, positioning, consumer behaviour, and the future of wine marketing.
Here's my conversation with Joe Fattorini.
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For most wine drinkers, a wine show is something that happens in the background.
A medal on a bottle. A trophy announced at an awards dinner. A score that helps guide a purchasing decision.
But behind those medals sits one of the most important institutions in Australian wine.
This year, the Sydney Royal Wine Show celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 200 years since wine was first included in the competitions of what would become the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales. Over those two centuries, the show has helped benchmark quality, foster excellence, train future judges, and contribute to the development of the Australian wine industry.
Few people understand that world better than Sally Evans.
A long-serving Councillor of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, former Steward-in-Chief, former Chair of the Sydney Royal Wine Committee, and one of the Sydney Royal's most passionate advocates, Sally has spent decades helping shape and support one of Australia's most respected wine competitions.
In this conversation, we explore the history of the Sydney Royal Wine Show, how wine judging actually works, what happens behind the scenes during judging week, and why wine shows continue to matter in an increasingly competitive wine market.
Most importantly, we discuss the role wine shows play in bringing people together, sharing knowledge, encouraging excellence, and helping shape the future of Australian wine.
So, as the Sydney Royal Wine Show celebrates its bicentenary and prepares for the Sydney Royal 200 Symposium, please enjoy my conversation with Sally Evans.
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This episode welcomes back Ed Cavanagh — wine writer, historian, policy researcher, and author of the forthcoming book Crushed: The Hand of Government on the Australian Wine Industry.
Ed has spent the last several years digging into the policies, regulations, and market forces that have shaped Australian wine, and his latest paper examines the controversial topic of : ghost labels.
Ghost labels are wine brands created and owned by major retailers rather than independent wineries. On their own, they're not necessarily a problem. The wine may be well made and fairly priced. But Ed argues that ghost labels are a symptom of a much bigger issue — the growing concentration of power within Australia's wine retail sector.
In this conversation, we explore how Coles and Woolworths came to dominate so much of the liquor market, why Ed distinguishes between a duopoly and a duopsony, and what that concentration of buying and selling power means for wineries trying to compete.
Drawing on decades of industry history, Senate inquiries, ACCC investigations, and competition policy, Ed asks a challenging question: have we become so focused on issues like oversupply, exports, and changing consumer tastes that we've overlooked the role market concentration plays in shaping the fortunes of Australian wine?
It's a fascinating discussion about economics, competition, public policy, and ultimately the future of the Australian wine industry.
Here's my conversation with Ed Cavanagh. A massive thanks for joining me on the CDP.
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For many wineries, making great wine is only half the challenge. The other half is getting that wine into the hands of consumers.
Behind every bottle that finds its way onto a restaurant wine list, an independent retailer's shelf, or a national distribution network sits a commercial relationship that most wine drinkers never see. And when those relationships work well, they can help build brands, grow businesses, and create long-term success. When they don't, the consequences can be costly.
My guest today is Will Taylor, Senior Partner at Finlaysons and one of Australia's leading wine industry lawyers. Over the past three decades, Will has advised wineries, distributors, grapegrowers, and wine businesses through some of the industry's most significant commercial challenges.
In this episode, we're diving into the world of wine distribution agreements. We explore why these contracts matter, the common mistakes wineries make when entering distribution relationships, the risks of relying on handshake deals, how disputes arise, and why a well-drafted agreement can be one of the most valuable tools a wine business has.
Here's my conversation with Will Taylor. A huge thanks to Will for joining me.
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For centuries, France has occupied a unique place in the world of wine. Its vineyards, classifications, language, and traditions have shaped how we think about fine wine, from Bordeaux and Burgundy to concepts like terroir and appellation. But how did French wine come to dominate the global imagination? And was that dominance really built on superior wine, or on something else entirely?
My guest today is historian Kathy Burk. Kathy is Professor Emerita of Modern and Contemporary History at University College London, an acclaimed author, broadcaster, and one of the world's leading historians of economic and cultural history.
In this conversation, we explore the rise of French wine, the role of England in creating the reputation of Bordeaux, the significance of the 1855 Classification, the origins of concepts like terroir and chaptalisation, and how the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris challenged centuries of French supremacy. Along the way, Kathy takes us from the Stone Age to modern California, revealing how trade, politics, empire, religion, and marketing helped shape the wine world we know today.
And where better to begin than at the very beginning.
Here is Kathy Burk.
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For more than four decades, Charles Melton has been one of the defining voices of the Barossa Valley. His journey stretches from the wine glut of the 1980s, through the rise of modern Australian wine, to the creation of one of the country's most recognisable labels.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down at the Charles Melton winery on Krondorf Road with Charles Melton and his daughter Sophie Melton, the next generation helping to shape the future of the family business.
We discuss brand, authenticity, family, and the challenge of remaining relevant in an industry that has changed dramatically over the last fifty years. Charles reflects on his early days in the industry, surviving the industry's darkest periods, and developing a brand that today enjoys a loyal following across multiple generations. Sophie shares what it is like to inherit that legacy, and how she is finding her own voice as a winemaker through her Domaine Sophie Claire label.
Together, they explore the power of story in wine, the importance of place, the realities of today's wine market, and why the strongest brands are often built not through marketing campaigns, but through decades of genuine human connection.
Whether you're interested in the history of the Barossa, the business of building a premium wine brand, or the future of Australian wine, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how one family has navigated change while remaining true to its values.
This is my conversation with Charles and Sophie Melton. A huge thanks to Charles and Sophie for joining.
Topics covered:
- The history of the Barossa vine pull and how oversupply crises shaped the region
- North vs south Barossa style differences and what makes the southern end distinct
- The origin story of Nine Popes — and its surprising connection to Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Brand authenticity, storytelling, and what keeps Charles Melton relevant across four generations of customers
- The current Australian wine industry glut and how small producers are navigating it
- Distribution philosophy: long-term relationships, staying boutique, and resisting over-expansion
- The Young Gun of Wine awards and what it means for a new generation winemaker to compete
- Staying true to classic Barossa varieties — Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro, Cabernet — rather than chasing trends
Keywords: Charles Melton Wines, Barossa Valley wine, Nine Popes, Grenache Barossa, Sophie Melton winemaker, Domaine Sophie Claire, Peter Lehmann, Barossa vine pull, Krondorf Road winery, Young Gun of Wine, Australian wine industry, family winery, wine brand storytelling, Barossa Shiraz, cellar door Barossa
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Wine is full of simple stories.
Old vines are better than young vines. Great vineyards are all about terroir. Climate determines quality. Pick the right variety, put it in the right place, and the rest takes care of itself.
They're neat stories. They're marketable stories.
According to this week's guest, they're also dangerously incomplete.
Dylan Grigg is one of the most respected viticulturists in Australia. He's a consultant, researcher, vineyard owner, international speaker, former Australian Viticulturist of the Year, and a man whose work takes him from the Barossa Valley to Tasmania, Western Australia, California, Spain and beyond.
In this conversation, we explore the extraordinary complexity that exists beneath the surface of every vineyard. We discuss old vines, epigenetics, vine memory, climate variability, regenerative viticulture, and why so many of the questions wine lovers ask can never be answered with a simple yes or no.
We unpack Dylan's remarkable journey from a young apprentice chef in the Barossa to earning a PhD, before relocating his family to Catalonia and building an international reputation as one of the wine industry's most respected vineyard minds.
Along the way, Dylan explains why vineyards aren't spreadsheets, why experience matters as much as science, and why the best viticulturists often spend their lives becoming more comfortable with uncertainty rather than less.
This is my conversation with Dylan Grigg. A huge thanks to Dylan for joining me
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In Part 1 of my conversation with wine industry commentator, producer, and recovering wine critic Robert Joseph, we explored a deceptively simple question: where do wineries actually make their money?
But that conversation quickly led to a much bigger one.
What happens when the traditional wine business model comes under pressure?
In this second part, we move beyond profitability and into the forces reshaping the global wine industry. We discuss ageing vineyard owners, succession challenges, private equity, direct-to-consumer sales, wine tourism, changing consumer behaviour, and why adaptation may be the defining challenge for wineries over the next decade.
We also tackle the role of wine critics and traditional wine media, and Robert offers some characteristically frank views on Australia's place in the global wine market and whether we've lost clarity about what Australian wine stands for internationally. Buckle up for this section team.
Whether you're a wine producer, retailer, marketer, or simply fascinated by the business of wine, there's plenty here to challenge conventional thinking.
And if you'd like to explore these ideas further, I highly recommend following Robert's work through Wine Thinker and his Substack, where he continues to ask some of the most important, and often uncomfortable, questions facing the wine industry today.
This is Part 2 of my conversation with Robert Joseph.
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For a long time, the wine industry has sold itself on romance.
The rolling vineyard. The family story. The passionate winemaker chasing perfection in a bottle.
But behind every bottle of wine is something far more complicated: a business model. And right now, many of those models are under enormous pressure.
In this conversation, Robert Joseph returns to The Cellar Door Podcast to unpack one of the most important, and least understood, questions in wine:
How does the wine industry actually make money?
From tiny family growers to giant corporations, cooperatives, negociants, supermarkets, private labels, cellar doors and direct-to-consumer sales, Robert peels back the layers of an industry where agriculture, luxury, hospitality, branding, land value and distribution all collide.
We talk about why some wineries survive while others struggle, why owning vineyard land is not always the asset people think it is, how supermarkets and distribution chains shape the entire market, and why the future belongs to producers who think beyond simply growing grapes and making wine.
This is one of those conversations that changes the way you look at the wine business, and maybe the wine bottle sitting in front of you.
Here is my conversation with Robert Joseph.
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Over the last year, while speaking with people across the Australian wine industry, one name kept unexpectedly coming up in conversation in connection with the Queensland market, not a winemaker, not a sommelier, but a lawyer.
Today’s guest is Travis Schultz, founder of Travis Schultz & Partners, philanthropist, wine writer, and someone who has quietly built some of Queensland’s most respected wine events.
Through events supporting charities including SunnyKids and LifeFlight, Travis has used wine not simply as a product, but as a powerful tool for connection, bringing together winemakers, professionals, community leaders, and wine lovers to raise millions of dollars for good causes.
We discuss everything from the anatomy of a great wine event, to why wine creates a different kind of conversation, through to the upcoming Noosa Concours d'Elegance activation, where Travis and his team will host an exclusive winemakers lunch in the middle of one of Australia’s most spectacular luxury events.
But beneath the wine, the stories, and the philanthropy, this conversation is really about something deeper: the role wine plays in bringing people together.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is my conversation with Travis Schultz.
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Late last year I had the pleasure of speaking with Pipa Nielson who gave an exciting and colourful introduction to the Western Australian region of Geographe wine region. Following that first course in Geographe education, Pipa arranged a second: a conversation with wine rockstar, Kim Horton, of Willow Bridge Estate.
After growing up in the Swan Valley, Kim has made wine across multiple regions in WA, and in this conversation I get to ask him what makes Geographe, and the broader WA wine scene, so very special. Kim’s story is also fascinating, with early aspirations in the finance sector… aspirations that took a remarkably different turn.
What follows is a deep dive into a young region that’s still defining itself. We talk about the diversity of Geographe, from coastal plains to the elevated Ferguson Valley, and how that translates into a wide spectrum of wine styles.
This is a conversation about people and craft. Kim shares what it’s really like to be a winemaker: the highs, the setbacks, and the reality of building a career in an industry that’s anything but predictable.
This is Geographe, through the eyes of someone living and shaping it.
A huge thanks to Kim Horton for joining.
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To borrow from Monty Python: now for something completely different.
This episode steps away from the usual B2B conversations and industry stories, and into something I don’t usually focus on… wine tasting.
When a mystery box of wine appeared on my doorstep, filled with a collection of genuinely exotic and intriguing bottles, I did what anyone would do: I tracked down the sender. That trail led me to none other than the talented, guitar-shredding, wine-slinging Marc Malouf of iHeart Wine, and a very generous supporter and benefactor.
So I thought, why not lean into it?
In this episode, we put the usual format to one side and let Marc guide us through a flavour-filled journey across a lineup of wines that are as diverse as they are exciting.
For those who are interested, the lineup includes:
- A fun 2020 Nebbiolo blend from the Muraje label in Piedmont;
- A 2024 Vermentino from La Magia in Tuscany;
- The 2022 Definitus Pinot Noir from Tapanappa’s Foggy Hill Vineyard in the Fleurieu Peninsula;
- A 2023 Mas Jullien rosé from France’s Languedoc region;
- A 2023 Clos Marie Manon, also from the Languedoc region;
- And finally, a Blanc de Blancs from Boll & Cie in Champagne.
Along the way, we’re joined by a special guest, my brother-in-law Mac, bringing a fresh perspective as a passionate foodie discovering these wines in real time, whenever I let him get a word in. Yes, I know I can yap.
I hope you enjoy this different style chit chat, and a massive thanks to Marc and Mac for joining me.
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The Hunter Valley occupies a special place in the story of Australian wine. It is, in many ways, the spiritual birthplace of the industry - a region where generations of families have wrestled with the climate, the soil, and the vagaries of the market to produce wines of remarkable character.
My guest today, Garth Eather, represents one of those families.
Garth is the co-founder of Meerea Park Wines, a winery he established with his brother Reese in 1991. But the Eather family story in Australia goes back much further than that, all the way to the arrival of the Second Fleet in 1790, and more than two centuries of agricultural history in what would eventually become the Hunter Valley wine region.
In this conversation, Garth shares that remarkable family history, from convict beginnings to grape growing, and eventually to building one of the Hunter Valley’s most respected small wineries. We also talk about what it really takes to survive as a small producer today: the reality of direct-to-consumer sales, the challenges facing regional tourism, and why some of the best wines the Hunter Valley has ever produced are being made right now, even as the market becomes harder than ever.
Along the way, we dive into the character of the Hunter Valley itself, its legendary Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz, its fiercely site-specific vineyards, and the deep sense of history that still shapes the region today. You cannot help but hear the pride Garth has for the Hunter and its stories, and this is reflected through their wines. We talk through three of their releases and we discuss what I describe as the bold strategy underpinning the Etherial (sorry for the pun) Stratos Chardonnay.
This is a conversation about wine, certainly, but also about family, resilience, and the stories that define a place - because that is really what wine is all about.
A huge thanks to Garth for joining me.
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Australian wine once rode a remarkable wave of success in the United States — built on strong personalities, passionate importers, and wines that connected with everyday drinkers. Today, the picture is more complicated.
In this episode, I sit down with Chuuuuck Hayward, a 40-year veteran of the American wine trade to unpack what’s really happening on the ground in the US. We revisit, the rise of Australian wine in the US, the role boutique importers played in building the category, and why the loss of ambassadors, changing distribution networks, and shifting market priorities may now be reshaping its future.
We also dive into some tough questions:
Have everyday wine drinkers been forgotten? What happens when distribution keeps changing? And how should Australia position itself in a crowded US market?
This is a candid conversation about the challenges, the history, and the opportunities ahead for Australian wine. A huge thanks to Chuck for joining me.
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Phil Conway embraced adventure and the unknown when he moved from Ireland to Melbourne in Australia. Phil describes a love of food from an early age, a love and passion that placed him on an inevitable collision course with wine. These passions took him across the globe while also launching him onto the set of Australia’s masterchef. Phil describes his passion for food and wine as extensions of himself rather than descriptions of what he does or his occupation. Food and wine are central to his entire life. In this conversation, we discuss Phil’s role as wine buyer for Barrel and Batch, purchase trends in Melbourne, his journey from Ireland's Galway to Melbourne and Phil corrects some misconceptions I have about everything Masterchef. An extremely fun conversation. A huge thanks to Phil for joining me.
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Will Taylor is one of the most insightful voices in Australian Wine - and its not hard to see why. His perspective is as unique as it is dialed in. As the managing partner of the wine group at Finlayson’s law, he spends his days analysing the aspects of the wine trade and industry that get the least attention - the least sexy aspects of the trade, that are the most important when it comes to building a viable trade and industry. In this chat I get to ask Will about his key takeaways from 2025, while he also unpacks what he perceives to be necessary to sprout the green shoots that will place the national industry on an upward trajectory. As always, an absolute pleasure and privilege talking with Will Taylor, a huge thanks to Will for joining me.
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Cyndal Petty has spunk. She describes her drive and oodles of energy from an early age, her parents placing her in the gymnastics arena and her early success in it until injury caused her to pivot. But the foundations of drive and dedication had set hard, and when Cyndal found herself as an apprentice chef at age 15 years old, it was only a matter of time before she set her eyes on a new goal and shot out in pursuit. Her goal: to learn and absorb everything she could about wine. Fast forward some years and Cyndal has become a multidimensional force: she writes, presents, consults and curates. Most importantly, she works tirelessly and endlessly to hone her skills and improve. This was an extremely fun conversation with someone who is backing herself to achieve exciting things. A massive thanks to Cyndal for joining me on the CDP.
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Daniel Sangermani has embraced the challenge of bringing the prized wines of Switzerland to the sun kissed shores of Australia. Switzerland exports less than 2% of its total production but consumes the 4th most wine per person of any country in the world. Many, if not most people, particularly in Australia, have little familiarity with Switzerland's deep and historic wine culture, its six wine regions, and its approximately 320 grape varieties that they use to craft some of the prettiest and most elegant wines I have tasted in recent memory. Building awareness of a product and industry in a market with next to no awareness of it is indeed an unenviable task. However Daniel is indeed the man for it. His story is as incredible as his many diverse skill sets, and his passion for Swiss wine is contagious. In 2025 Daniel launched Invidia Wines, Invidia being Italian for envy. I think we will see a lot from Daniel in the coming months and years. From my perspective I am indeed envious of the magic Daniel is bringing to our shores. But my envy is out-shon by the gratitude I have to Daniel for taking the time to sit with me and record an incredible conversation about his journey from Ticino in southern Switzerland to the Australian Shores and the epic that has culminated in him setting up Invidia Wines.. A huge thanks to Daniel for joining me on the CDP.
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I was lucky enough to spend the New Year in South Australia, dividing my time between the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley. while I was in the Barossa, I took the opportunity to call into Nuriootpa High School to record a third - and final - chapter on a school project that is as innovative as it is interesting.
I’m joined once again by Milly Hoffmann, and this time by a special guest: her wine mentor, Richard Mattner - who also happens to be Head Winemaker at Pepperjack Wines, part of the Treasury Wine Estates stable. Richard reflects on his involvement in the early precursor program that would eventually evolve into the school’s now-established Vines and Wines program, and on what it means to help shape the next generation of potential wine industry talent.
We also taste through several of the students’ 2024 releases - wines that aren’t just educational exercises, but fully realised bottlings that are available on the market that I think are value for money.
Taken together, it’s a conversation about education, mentorship, and the long view of wine: how skills are passed on, how confidence is built, and how a school project in the Barossa can quietly produce wines that deserve to be taken seriously.
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I last spoke to Gordon Little of Little Peacock Wine imports as the final episode to the 2024 season. When asked how the 2024 year had been, I distinctly remember him describing it as “weird”. Gordon and I have stayed in touch, with occasional correspondence, and we thought it might be both fun and interesting to reconvene at the start of 2026 to get his hot takes on the 2025 season and projections (if at all possible) for 2026. As expected, his comments on the US market are interesting, forensic and steeped in experience. Gordon has been surfing the complex and competitive US market since 2011 and I am delighted to share that 2025 proved to be their most successful year to date. However, everyone will be acutely aware of the added complexities that look like they will continue to play out over the coming years, making predictions nigh-on impossible. Regardless, however it is beyond encouraging to know the Australian market has champions like Gordon out there doing incredibly hard work on the ground and relaying vital information. As always it was an honour and a privilege chatting with Gordon a huge thanks to Gordon Little of Little Peacock Wine imports for joining me on the CDP.
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In this first episode of the New Year, I chat with Brendan Carter on his recent documentary covering the plight of the Riverland and his thoughts on navigating the way forward.
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Today on The Cellar Door Podcast, I’m joined by Liam Van Pelt, winemaker at the legendary Ashton Hills. I first met Liam at the cellar door, where he, his sister, and the world’s coolest dog poured a lineup that completely reset my expectations: sparkling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and a tour through one of the highest, coldest, wettest pockets of the Hills.
In this episode, we dig into what makes that site so distinctive, why Piccadilly Valley fruit carries such a signature, and how Liam works in a region where disease pressure, altitude, and climate make every vintage a battle but a battle worth fighting.
We talk Pinot Noir, how Ashton Hills blends to build perfume, spice, and depth. We explore Chardonnay, Liam’s current “favourite child,” and why he thinks the Piccadilly Valley may be Australia’s most exciting source of cool-climate expressions. And we dive into the rise of Gamay in the Hills and the momentum behind this increasingly bulletproof, joyously fragrant variety.
Liam also shares his own journey, from Broken Hill to hospitality to almost walking away from wine entirely, until a vintage with the legend Andrew Thomo Thomas reignited his spark and a fateful meeting with Stephen George changed his trajectory. Today, he’s carrying forward one of Australia’s great Pinot legacies with instinct, patience, and quiet determination.
This is Liam’s story.
A massive thanks to Liam for joining me on the CDP.
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Today on The Cellar Door Podcast, I’m joined by someone whose work shapes how Australia understands its own wine: Katrina Butler, Head of Tasting at the Halliday Wine Companion.
Katrina arrives at a busy moment, preparing the next edition of the Companion, fresh off the latest awards season, and deep in the yearly cycle of tasting thousands of wines from across the country. In this episode, she lifts the lid on how the Companion is actually put together: blind tastings, regional specialists, the shortlisting process, and how major awards are decided.
We also explore the evolution of the Companion itself, from a single, iconic book to a multi-platform wine media brand, and what it means to communicate wine for the consumer in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Katrina shares insights from her own tasting regions, including the energy coming out of the Riverland and the classic expressions emerging from Kangaroo Island. And she tells the story of her own path into wine, from pastry chef to writer to leading one of Australia’s most influential tasting programs.
A huge thanks to Katrina for joining me on the CDP.
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It’s been a while between drinks - but David LeMire MW has been busy flying the flag for Australian wine around the world and returns to The Cellar Door Podcast after a whirlwind year that’s seen him travelling through Portugal’s Douro and Dão regions, opening a new award-winning tasting room at Tolpuddle Vineyard, and collecting yet another round of trophies for Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle Chardonnay.
In this episode, we dig into David’s recent article inspired by marketing guru Mark Ritson - unpacking what it really means to market wine well. From the discipline behind good strategy, to why sometimes the smartest move is deciding what not to do, we explore six key lessons every wine business can learn from.
An absolute privilege chatting with David and massive thanks to him for joining me on the CDP.
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We are about to head to Western Australia - but not to Margaret River. We’re going a little further north to discover one of the state’s best-kept secrets: the Geographe wine region.
My guest is Pippa Nielsen, co-owner of Vineyard 28, a producer that’s made its mark by championing Italian varieties like Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Fiano. Pippa shares how this coastal-meets-hillside region is carving out its own identity - balancing tradition, innovation, and a deep sense of community.
We talk about Geographe’s rich history, its bold alternative varieties, and how collaboration, not competition, is driving the region forward.
It’s a story of pioneers, passion, and a piece of Western Australia that’s quietly redefining what great wine can be.
Here’s my conversation with Pippa Nielsen of Vineyard 28.
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We are going deep into the heart of Coonawarra, but through a lens few could have imagined: blockchain, NFTs, and quality Coonawarra wine. My guest is Jack Burston: former Goldman Sachs banker turned unlikely vineyard owner and innovator who’s shaking up the Australian wine scene with a project that fuses old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
Jack’s journey began on what locals teasingly call the “wrong side of the railway line,” where his label Over the Line was born. But it’s not just a great name, it’s a story about challenging assumptions, championing organics, and rethinking how wine reaches the glass. From a chance partnership with veteran wine maker Peter Douglas of Penfolds and Wynns fame to an exciting collaboration with Club de Vin, Jack’s work sits at the crossroads of tradition and tech.
We talk about Coonawarra’s identity as the spiritual home of Cabernet, the rebirth of its vineyards, and how the future of fine wine might just live on the blockchain.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable conversation,
A huge thanks to Jack for joining me.
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This weekend I got a text from John Hesketh, letting me know that Keeda Zilm had done it again. Keeda, and her Vickery Riesling, struck again at the Adelaide Wine Show, walking away with a back of accolades. Everyone seems to be in agreement that Keeda Zilm is the capable custodian of something very special.
Named in honour of the late, great John Vickery, often described as the Max Schubert of Australian white wine, the Vickery label has become synonymous with exceptional dry, flavour-driven Riesling and a legacy that helped shape the nation’s understanding of this remarkable variety.
In this conversation, Keeda joined me from Adelaide to share how she’s carrying that torch, balancing tradition and innovation, working with growers across Watervale, Polish Hill, and Eden Valley, and even exploring new frontiers in Tasmania. We talk about the technical precision behind dry Riesling, the challenges of climate and water, the future of the style in Australia, and Keeda own remarkable journey, to becoming one of the most respected voices in Australian winemaking.
It’s a conversation that dives deep into craftsmanship, culture, and the quiet power of a variety that has always told the truth of its place.
It was an honour and privilege to have Keeda on the CDP, a massive thanks to Keeda for joining me.
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Joe Fattorini shares some secrets on how to maximize your entertainment value as a presenter during a wine tasting!
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Ladies and gentlemen, he’s back — Michael Juergens: Orange County finance consultant, wine industry pioneer, and one of our most colourful guests. Michaels back to share an update on the current state of the US wine economy and the progress with the Bhutan Wine Co., with updates on their very first auction and fresh insights that highlight just how exciting this project has become.
As always, it’s a rollercoaster of a conversation with Michael, and I’m thrilled to have him back on the show. A huge thanks to him for joining me.
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I first came across Unico Zelo almost a decade ago, in a wine shop in Kansas City. The owners poured me a skin-contact white from South Australia, a wine I’d never seen before. I was immediately struck by its vibrant label, its unusual blend, and its perfectly fitting name: Esoterico. That was my first introduction to Brendan Carter and his work at Unico Zelo.
Since then, I’ve watched in awe as the brand has expanded, pivoted, adapted, and expanded again - a cycle that has become part of its DNA. What began as a cult label is now much more: an international presence, with Bottle Shock TV bringing stories, insights, and entertainment to a global audience, and a wine bar experience that is immersive, unpretentious, and undeniably fun.
At the heart of it all are Brendan and his wife, Laura, who has been alongside him since the very beginning. But Brendan isn’t one to keep the spotlight for himself. He consistently highlights the next generation of talent - Henry, Noah, Simon, and the wider Bottle Shock and Unico Zelo teams - emphasising them as an integral part of the future.
Brendan’s leadership, vision, and infectious energy have left a clear mark both in Australia and abroad since the inception of Unico Zelo in 2012. After nearing a record two-hour conversation on the Cellar Door Podcast, I can honestly say Brendan is a confident, thoughtful visionary with the track record to prove that whatever he’s doing, it’s working.
It was an absolute privilege to speak with him and hear his insights. A huge thanks to Brendan Carter for joining me.
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Joe Fattorini shares some secrets on how to maximize your entertainment value as a presenter during a wine tasting!
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Patrick White is the lead Somm and Cellar Master at the Adelaide Club. With a resume like his, it's no wonder he has the trust of both the Club and the wider industry. An Adelaide local, Patrick has been a somm since 2001, working his way across the country, from top end restaurants in Sydney to the Penfolds Maggill Restaurant and the Mt Lofty House Estate in the Adelaide Hills where he was nominated for both wine list and somm of the year. Patrick also was a participant in the 2010 Len Evans Tutorial. So with his credentials firmly established, my goal was to identify the interrelationship between a formal education and training and the practical skills a hospitality professional uses day to day to create incredible experiences for patrons. Patrick’s experience is apparent and it was a real pleasure to host him on the CDP. A huge thanks to Patrick for joining me.
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Today’s guest is Adam Coward, someone who’s worn a lot of hats across his career, from tourism in the Top End, to retail and fast-moving consumer goods, and now, to helping wineries unlock growth through Vin Creative and Uno Vino.
Adam’s journey is fascinating because he’s not from a wine background originally, yet he’s bringing in ideas and lessons from other industries that could reshape how wineries think about sales, marketing, and customer experience. We talk about the tough realities small wineries face, why intimacy with customers matters more than ever, and how technology can be used without losing the human touch.
This is a big-picture conversation that still comes back to the cellar door, that pivotal moment when someone walks in, tastes your wine, and decides whether they’ll come back for more.
A huge thanks to Adam for joining me.
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Milly Hoffmann, or Miss Hoffmann to the students at Nuriootpa High School, has been working tirelessly with her class on a remarkable mission: raising the funds to travel to their sister city, Grapevine in Texas, USA. At its heart, this connection is about more than a trip; it’s about cultural exchange, shared experiences, and building relationships that last.
Milly also plays a leading role in the school’s Vines and Wines Program, a certificate-based course designed to create real pathways into the wine industry. The students aren’t just learning theory: they’re hands-on, producing 12,000 bottles of Barossan wine each year. Programs like this one, and the similar initiative run by Marcus Cook at Upper Yarra Secondary College, who first connected me with Milly, are where the next generation of the wine industry is cultivated, nurtured, and inspired.
So in this episode, I invite you to hear Milly’s passion, discover the impact of her students’ work, and maybe even find a way to support their incredible mission. A huge thanks to Milly for joining me.
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Mike Madaio loves history, sandwiches, and above all, wine—and the industry that brings it to life. A respected wine writer, his long-form pieces have featured in Wine Enthusiast and on his own blog, Life at Table. While Mike has a deep appreciation for traditional forms of media and communication, he is equally attuned to the modern world of user experience (UX)—a factor that can make or break a business.
Mike believes UX is one of the most overlooked elements of the wine industry, and he’s made it his specialty, writing passionately about how it shapes everything from the cellar door to a winery’s website and online presence. In this conversation, we explore his unique perspectives on UX, its role in building meaningful wine experiences, and—of course—his definitive take on the best Philly sandwich.
A big thanks to Mike for joining me on the podcast.
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Stephen Mok is on a mission to make sure the wine industry doesn’t miss its moment with artificial intelligence.
As Founder of Vintage Labs, Stephen has spent the past few years embedded in the practical reality of AI experimenting, prototyping, and testing what actually moves the needle for wine businesses. He has built automations, stress-tested emerging tools, and logged countless hours separating hype from true opportunity.
Stephen didn’t arrive at wine technology through the usual path. His early career in sales drilled home the fundamentals of trust, value, and problem-solving. Later, as a product leader in Seattle, he specialized in turning big, complicated visions into working solutions. At every step, he honed the same craft: translating technical complexity into results that matter.
Now, at Vintage Labs, Stephen applies that discipline to wine. He’s not here to sell a magic AI solution, he’s here to share what works, what doesn’t, and why the time to start experimenting is right now. His message to wine business leaders is simple: don’t wait. Every day, the gap between adopters and laggards grows wider.
On today’s episode, Stephen brings hard-earned insights, stories from the AI frontlines, and a clear-eyed view of how wine can embrace innovation without losing its soul. A massive thanks to Stephen for joining me.
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Jacob Ner-David is, in many ways, the quintessential entrepreneur. He’s built and led multiple pioneering companies, including DeltaThree, one of the first to offer internet-based telephony, dramatically reducing the cost of international calls, and NomadIQ, which specialised in location-based internet services.
But alongside his startup successes runs a deep and enduring passion for wine. Jacob is the co-founder and chairman of Jezreel Valley Winery in Israel, and managing director of VinoVentures, a wine trading fund. Moshe Weizman, whom listeners will remember from Episode 28 of Season 4 and his groundbreaking company Wining, told me that Jacob’s story is not only fascinating, but essential to hear.
I’ve always found it compelling when accomplished business leaders bring their entrepreneurial vision into the wine world, driven by a desire to see the industry grow, evolve, and innovate. With that in mind, it’s an honour and a privilege to welcome Jacob to the Cellar Door Podcast and share his story with you.
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Everyone in marketing knows Mark Ritson. He’s built a reputation for being direct, sharp, and unapologetically honest in how he approaches both the practice and teaching of marketing. With a career that includes advising major global brands like LVMH, Mark now focuses his energy on the Mini MBA, an online course designed to give students what he sees as the core foundations of marketing and brand building.
I was first introduced to Mark’s work by my friend and mentor Joe Fattorini, who pointed me toward some of Mark’s more pointed critiques of modern marketing thinking. Mark considers that marketing has drifted away from its foundations, losing sight of core principles in favour of flashy tactics and surface-level creativity.
Mark challenges the idea that marketing is just about flair or instinct. For him, it’s a serious discipline—one that requires structure, evidence, and proper training.
As it happens, Mark also has a real love of wine. So I was especially pleased when he agreed to join me for a conversation—not only about how marketing is (or isn’t) working in the wine world, but how it’s faring more broadly across industries.
It was a genuinely insightful chat, and I’m very grateful to Mark for taking the time to join me.
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Earlier this year, while in Sydney, I had the pleasure of grabbing a quick bite with two locals behind one of Australia’s fastest-growing wine communities. I was curious to meet the duo behind the WinedUp podcast—and to see whether their personalities matched their mission.
It was a short but memorable session. Over a bottle of German Riesling and some outstanding Thai food, I came away thinking: they really are who they say they are—two Aussie mates on an unapologetically unfiltered and unpretentious wine journey. No snobbery. No fluff. Just two of the most grounded guys you’ll meet, deeply passionate about sharing their love for wine.
But their work goes beyond wine chat. In today’s industry, wine communicators are increasingly community builders, educators, and even logistical bridges in the supply chain. Trent and Jason understand that. They’ve built more than a podcast—they’ve cultivated a community. And they’ve done it with a clear sense of purpose, a smart strategy, and a strong support system behind them.
Today, I had the chance to dive deeper into how they do it. Their passion for wine is unmistakable, but it’s matched by thoughtfulness and drive. This conversation made me reflect on just how important modern wine communication has become—and I can’t think of two better blokes to be leading the charge.
A huge thanks to Trent and Jason for joining me.
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In 2024 Coles took steps testing its One Brand Brand Strategy, which included the conversion of all Vintage Cellars Stores to Liquor Land. Bill Rooney is the CEO at 6one5 Retail Consulting. He has consulted for a range of companies including Silicon Valley’s Intel. Bill has been watching the Coles transition unfold, from the implementation of the pilot program, to execution and whilst understanding of the foundation strategy, he has been highly critical of its execution. Bill’s thought leadership has been on display recently, with the publication of a series of articles discussing the strategy and execution of the Coles rebranding. I found the articles extremely insightful and was excited when Bill agreed to share his insights on the CDP. This was a thoroughly engaging chat, a huge thanks to Bill for joining me on the Cellar Door Podcast.
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This is the third and final installment of my conversation with Professor Gerald McDermott. We start by focussing on case studies that demonstrate innovation in action. What can the wine industry, or any industry for that matter, learn from the evolution of Silicon Valley? Or from the crash of the Chilean Salmon Industry? Professor McDermott shares principles that are vital for any industry to keep in mind when facing uncertainty and change. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. This was a fantastic way to bring this series to a close. A massive thanks to Professor McDermott for joining me.
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In Mid May of this year I had the pleasure of releasing a short chat with Jackson Family winemaker Chris Carpenter in which we spoke about the magic of the Hickinbotham Vineyard, the Hickenbotham label and the wider magic of Clarendon. To get that one in full Check out episode 25 of Season 5. Chris and I discussed a great many things during my time in Clarendon, that we did not include in that initial chat, so we recently caught up for a riveting part two. In this conversation we take a focussed dive into Chris’s background and what makes him a truly unique specimen in the wine world. We talk about Jackson Family Wines, the role large wine operations play in the modern commercial ecosystem and we also talk about the opportunity Chris and the wider Jackson Family see in working in and with the Australian wine community and the genuine excitement that generates. Chris says it as he sees it and accordingly, when he shares his perspectives it's a true pleasure to sit back and listen. A massive thanks to Chris Carpenter for joining me.
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In this episode Professor Gerald McDermott and I continue our discussion on systems and innovation. With the background and context to Gerald’s Mendoza case study established, we start to go deeper into the foundational concepts, and what a healthy system might look like, along with its different component parts. To start part 2 of our conversation, I ask Gerald whether it's possible to spot telltale signs that a system is ripe, ready for or in need of innovation. We will pick the conversion up with his answer.
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the fundamental of nailing your sales pitch.
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This episode began with a curious email landing in my inbox. Not that the sender — my good friend Priscilla Hennekem — was mysterious, but rather the contents of her message were. It was brief and enclosed an attachment: a paper by Professor Gerald McDermott, titled “Public-Private Institutions as Catalysts for Upgrading in Emerging Market Societies.”
I scratched my head, opened the file, and started reading.
Now, Professor Gerald A. McDermott is the department chair and professor of international business at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Earlier in his career, he focused on how industrial networks shaped economic governance in post-communist countries. But what does any of that have to do with wine?
At first glance, nothing — until Gerald married a wonderful Argentine woman, which eventually led him to take a systems-deep dive into the Argentine wine industry. His paper charts how Argentina’s wine sector evolved from a state of chaos to one of cohesion and success. For Gerald, that success was no accident: it was a slow, transformation powered by the right systems and inputs. In other words, an industry thrives when it develops the right networks — diverse knowledge networks, diverse resource networks, and the right kinds of actions within those networks that encourage innovation and disruption when necessary. In Argentina, this emerged through effective public-private institutions.
I encourage you to read the paper yourself when you have time (seriously, make the time!). But for now, enjoy this fascinating two-part interview, which offers a completely fresh way to think about the health and development of an industry.
A huge thanks to Professor Gerald McDermott for joining me.
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the most fundamental aspects of a business sales plan.
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In mid-2024, I found myself in the heart of Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley—an enchanting sub-AVA that has quietly, but confidently, shaped America’s wine identity. With a history that stretches from pre-Prohibition endurance to present-day renaissance, Dry Creek is a place where multigenerational family wineries continue to define what authenticity in American wine really means.
At the core of this region’s soul is Zinfandel—a grape often celebrated for its bold fruit and generous spirit, but in the hands of Dry Creek’s best, it becomes something more nuanced, expressive, and site-driven. For the families who’ve worked this land for generations—the Rafanellis, the Mauritsons, and today’s guests, the Nalles—Zinfandel isn’t just a heritage grape. It’s a medium for elegance and for storytelling.
Andrew Nalle, winemaker and steward of the Nalle family legacy, describes Zinfandel as one of the most rewarding grapes to work with. It’s sensitive, demanding, and characterful—and when treated with respect, it produces wines that are both layered and profoundly expressive of character.
On this visit, I had the great pleasure of experiencing Nalle Winery’s hospitality firsthand, thanks to my Bostonian friend Brandon Farrell, and to April Nalle—educated in South Australia and now back in California, continuing a legacy that bridges continents and generations.
In this episode, I sit down with Andrew to talk about Zinfandel’s journey—from its pre-Prohibition roots to its evolving role in today’s fine wine conversation. We dive into Dry Creek Valley’s unique position in American wine and what it means to craft wines that are both timeless and forward-thinking.
A huge thanks to Andrew for joining me.
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss CRM's, what they are and why they are an integral aspect of any wine business chasing success.
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YouTube launched in 2005, founded by three former PayPal employees—one of whom uploaded the platform’s first video, Me at the Zoo. Just a year later, Google acquired it for $1.65 billion. Today, YouTube is the world’s largest video platform, reaching 2.5 billion users every month and shaping how we consume content.
While written media still holds value, there’s been a clear shift toward digital platforms like YouTube and social media. These spaces offer creators the chance to reach millions—but they’re fiercely competitive. Only the most consistent, compelling content rises to the top, and that takes skill, grit, and a clear sense of purpose.
Wine media has been slow to fully embrace this shift, but there are pioneers trying to change that—among them is today’s guest, Dr. Matthew Horkey. An American wine personality who recently pivoted to YouTube, Matthew brings the mindset of an entrepreneur chasing something meaningful.
This episode is less about wine itself and more about ambition, creative risk, and building something from the ground up—though, fittingly, wine is the thread that ties it all together. I found myself opening up more than usual in this conversation, and I’m grateful to Matthew for making space for that.
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Spain is a land steeped in tradition—rich in culture, history, and of course, wine. Few regions embody this legacy more than Rioja, with its age-old dedication to blending, oak maturation, and patience. But even in Rioja, time doesn’t stand still. The region now finds itself at a crossroads, reflecting on long-held practices and facing the challenge of adapting to a rapidly evolving global wine world.
At the heart of this transformation is an unexpected figure—Australian winemaker Jackson Brooke. Before fate led him to Rioja, Jackson was already crafting fine wines in Australia. Today, he’s the head winemaker at Cosme Palacio, one of Rioja’s oldest and most respected labels. With a global perspective and a deep respect for place, Jackson is quietly spearheading change in the Rioja Alavesa, embracing regenerative agriculture and nudging the region toward a more thoughtful future.
In this episode, Jackson shares his insights on where Rioja has been, where it might be headed, and why now is the time to evolve. We cover everything from vineyard philosophy to cultural shifts—and just when I thought the conversation was winding down, a surprise guest from Jackson’s past popped in for a cameo.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking chat. A big thank you to Jackson for joining me.
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the tension between CSR, Milton Friedman, sustainability as a marketing tool and consumer skepticism.
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It was just before 3 p.m. on Monday, 23 September 2024, when the Lebanese town of Rayak received a warning: Israeli Defence Forces were preparing to strike Hezbollah positions within the town. For the people of Rayak—including winemaker Elias Malouf—there was little time to react.
I recently sat down with Elias to hear what happened next. What unfolded is a story steeped in heartbreak and unimaginable loss, but also in quiet courage, relentless resilience, and an unshakable love for home. In the wake of devastation, Elias and his community didn’t flee. They stood their ground. And almost immediately, they began to rebuild—together, defiantly.
Lebanon is no stranger to suffering. From the ancient Phoenicians to modern times, it has endured countless cycles of destruction and rebirth. The phoenix is more than a symbol here—it’s a lived reality. And once again, amid rising tensions and tragic violence, innocent civilians like Elias have been left to pick up the pieces.
But Elias is not just a survivor. He is a builder. A man of peace. A winemaker carrying on his family’s legacy at Chateau Rayak, determined to shape a future grounded in heritage and hope.
Please be aware that parts of Elias’s story are deeply confronting. Throughout our conversation, you’ll hear him pause—at times, to speak with the workers helping to rebuild his winery. His life is a continuous act of restoration.
I encourage you to truly listen to Elias’s voice. To bear witness to the story of Chateau Rayak. And if you’re in a position to help, please consider supporting their recovery.
This conversation is presented in two parts. The first recounts the harrowing events of September 2024. The second reveals Elias’s deep passion for Lebanon—its land, its people, and its extraordinary cultural legacy.
To say I feel honoured to share this story is an understatement. My heartfelt thanks to my dear friend Salim Haddad, whose generosity made this conversation possible. And to Elias—thank you, deeply, for your honesty, your strength, and your incredible spirit.
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the use of social media in the wine marketing landscape and how it can be implemented effectively as part of a larger market strategy.
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I’ve always believed that there are powerful forces at work—forces beyond human comprehension—that somehow guide us through our actions and decisions. Two years ago, in Episode 19 of Season 2, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vince Anter, the creator and star of V is for Vino. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and check it out on YouTube or V is for Vino TV. You won’t regret it.
The wine and hospitality world is full of generous, passionate people—and Vince is one of the best. At the end of our first conversation, I asked Vince who he thought might make a great follow-up guest. Without hesitation, he recommended Wes Hagen—the man behind the creation of the Santa Barbara AVAs.
That recommendation changed my life.
I met Wes, who became not just a friend, but a mentor. I left my job, moved to Santa Barbara, and spent nearly six months living with Wes and his family. Thanks to him, I experienced a series of unforgettable interviews and wine moments in 2024 that were foundational to my learning and growth in this industry.
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to forget the small sparks that ignite great journeys. So, when I recently had the chance to catch up with Vince again, it felt like more than just a reunion. It was an opportunity to reflect, to celebrate the path I’ve taken, and to say a heartfelt thank you to Vince, whose kindness and generosity helped shape that path.
Vince is as humble as he is passionate, as generous as he is driven. He continues to inspire, and this conversation was something truly special.
A huge thanks to Vince for joining me again.
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Travel is the ultimate educator. Nothing replaces first-hand experience—being there, boots on the ground, engaging with the people, the land, and the story. When you walk the vineyards, talk with the makers, and stand among old vines, everything changes. It stops being academic—it becomes real.
For the first time, I set foot on the hallowed hills of Clarendon, nestled in the higher reaches of McLaren Vale. I’d known the wines, and admired the reputation. But until recently, my understanding was purely theoretical. That changed this past weekend—thanks to a generous invitation and the most unreasonable hospitality from Nicky Gameau of Jackson Family Wine and Chris Carpenter, the world renowned wine maker who makes the wines for Hickinbotham.
Nicky welcomed me to the McLaren Vale. Chris then took me to dinner, where we talked everything from Chicago sports to jazz, the Jackson Family Estates, the state of the wine trade, and, of course, the majesty of Clarendon. The next morning Chris gave me a tour of the vineyards. We had discussed saving our interview for another day. But in the moment, while dialed into Chris’s master class, surrounded by beauty and story, I couldn’t resist. I reached into my bag, pulled out a mic, and hit record.
So today, I bring you what was a rather spontaneous recording.
We’ll have a follow-up episode soon, where Chris and I dive deeper into some broader topics. But for now, I invite you to imagine yourself standing beside us atop Clarendon—overlooking majestic sun lit hills, breezes rustling the vines, history rooted deep in the soil—as we talk about place, passion, and perspective.
Here’s my conversation with Chris Carpenter. A huge thanks to Chris for joining me.
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the concept of product placement and its relevance to brand growth
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I have the fondest memories of sitting beside my dad on the couch, both of us completely captivated by the film Somm. It tells the story of four friends who take on one of the most grueling academic challenges in the world—the Master Sommelier exam, administered by the Court of Master Sommeliers. This film isn’t just about wine; it’s about the pursuit of excellence. It feels more like a sports movie than a documentary, filled with intensity, anxiety, fear, and hope as these candidates inch closer to an exam that only 282 people have passed since 1969.
Somm quickly became a personal favorite and was pivotal in igniting what would become my deep passion for the wine industry. To me, it was a work of genius—an eye-opener, a motivator, and something that made the idea of joining the wine world feel thrillingly possible.
That’s why it was such an incredible honor to sit down with the man behind it all—Jason Wise. A Cleveland-born, sports mad and ambitious filmmaker, Jason stumbled into the company of four aspiring Master Sommeliers and uncovered a story that would go on to redefine how we see the world of wine. His Somm series has since become iconic, culminating most recently in The Cup of Salvation—a film that poetically places wine at the cross roads of religion, politics, culture and family.
In this episode, I speak with Jason for nearly an hour and a half about his filmmaking journey and what drives him to keep telling stories that elevate and humanize the world of hospitality. I absolutely loved this conversation, and I hope you will too. A huge thanks to Jason Wise for joining me.
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the concept of reverse benchmarking and its relationship with brand growth
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Matthew Deller MW is one of the most respected figures in Australian wine today. With a global career that spans New Zealand, the United States, and now Australia, Matthew has consistently held leadership roles that blend a passion for fine wine with sharp business acumen. Currently, he serves as CEO of Wirra Wirra and Ashton Hills—an exciting, focused portfolio with bold ambitions to elevate its premium reputation.
Matthew’s path reflects a rare balance: the depth of a Master of Wine and the strategic mindset of a global executive. From senior positions at Constellation Brands to his active involvement with the McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association, Matthew has made it his mission to strengthen not only the brands he leads but the regions they represent.
It was clear from our conversation that Matthew doesn’t just love wine—he loves the industry that brings it to our tables. We spent over an hour talking through his journey, his leadership philosophy, and his vision for South Australia’s wine future.
A huge thanks to Matthew for joining me.
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Earlier this year, I found myself on a guided tour of a winery as historic and captivating as it was charming and picturesque — and none of it by accident. Tucked away in the Victorian Highlands, in the storied town of Beechworth, just off Pennyweight Lane, sits Pennyweight Wines, a family-run gem helmed by the illustrious Morris family.
I had the privilege of being shown around by Stephen Morris Senior, who, along with his wife Elizabeth — a wonderful host in her own right — founded Pennyweight. Now, it was a bold move to give a tour in the middle of vintage, but it paid off in spades. I was treated to some authentic Beechworth hospitality and even managed to sneak a peek at winemaker Stephen Morris Junior at work in the barrel room.
Stephen Senior is as humble as he is generous. He avoids the spotlight but leaves no doubt about his confidence in the wines of Pennyweight and the Beechworth region. Like father, like son.
After some convincing, I managed to twist his arm into sitting down for a chat on the show. He joked that I was stuck with him because Stephen Junior was far too focused on the wines to be distracted — and honestly, that tells you just about everything you need to know about what’s in bottle at Pennyweight. If you get the chance to experience these wines, don’t hesitate. Gold takes many forms in Beechworth, and it seems some of the local producers are dabbling in alchemy.
It was a privilege to speak with Stephen Morris Senior — we talked Beechworth wines, the terroir, the region’s rich history, and a family legacy steeped in craftsmanship. A huge thank you to Stephen Senior for joining me. I hope you enjoy this conversation.
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss how brands grow from a marketing perspective.
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In 2024, a new world wine region caught my attention for a very particular reason. While many wine-producing countries were grappling with declining export values, South Africa bucked the trend — not just holding steady, but actually gaining in value. It reminded me of my conversation back in Episode 37 of Season 4, with Anthony Hamilton Russell, who spoke so passionately about South Africa’s ambition, confidence, and its ongoing quest to command greater attention on the global wine stage.
The latest numbers hinted at something more than coincidence. It looked like a long-term strategy was finally hitting its stride. I wanted to understand what was happening behind the scenes — what was driving this momentum — so I reached out to Siobhan Thompson, the CEO of Wines of South Africa, the independent industry body solely focused on export markets and global activity.
Siobhan was generous with her time, and what followed was a fascinating conversation about market dynamics, strategic storytelling, and the bold, creative marketing mindset she’s bringing to the South African wine industry.
It’s a chat filled with insights from so many angles, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. So, without any further delay — a huge thank you to Siobhan for joining me, and I hope you enjoy this conversation.
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Paul Mabray is one of the original tech pioneers in the wine industry. Though he grew up in Napa Valley, his early influences came not from vineyards or cellars, but from lines of code—his father teaching him programming instead of the finer points of swirling and sniffing. Despite this unconventional beginning, Paul eventually found himself selling wine across California, a path that sparked his deep curiosity about not just wine, but the business behind it.
There’s never been more great wine available across the globe—but selling it? That’s another story. Paul has dedicated his career to solving this puzzle, leveraging digital tools and innovative thinking to help the industry evolve. Widely regarded as the wine world’s leading futurist, Paul brings a bold voice and sharp insight to conversations that matter.
In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Paul for nearly 90 minutes. We covered everything from what he finds so impressive about Treasury Wine Estates, to his take on direct-to-consumer strategies, and whether the wine industry needs its own Jeffrey Dean Morgan-type figure. This was an electric first conversation with someone who isn’t just sounding the alarm—he’s rallying the troops for what comes next.
A huge thanks to Paul for joining me.
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss meaningful identification of, and analysis, of consumers.
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Many people I’ve spoken to have had an eventful start to 2025, but few have experienced as much change as Giles Cooke of Thistledown Wines. Recently, Thistledown parted ways with Alliance Wines—a bold move that, for Giles, felt like the right timing. A self-professed contrarian, he thrives on zigging while others zag, and the results often speak for themselves.
Beyond his latest venture, Giles was kind enough to offer me some feedback on a recent project of mine, which sparked the idea to bring him back on the show. Given his deep expertise in marketing and market strategy—both areas he’s incredibly passionate about—it felt like the perfect opportunity to tap into his insights.
Despite a minor connection glitch, we pulled together what I hope is an engaging and thought-provoking conversation. A huge thank you to Giles for joining me!
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the demystification of wine and whether its really a good idea from a marketing angle.
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I first had the pleasure of meeting Travis Fuller nearly two and a half years ago when he shared the story of Kilikanoon and its deep connection to the magical Clare Valley. If you missed that conversation, you can find it in Season 1, Episode 30.
Today, Travis returns with exciting updates—not only on Kilikanoon’s latest releases but also on the winery’s strategic focus on the Chinese market. In a constantly shifting global wine landscape, understanding your target market is crucial, and Travis exemplifies this with his depth of knowledge and adaptability.
Markets open, close, and evolve, making it essential for wineries to navigate them with insight and strategy. Travis offers invaluable perspectives on these challenges and opportunities.
A huge thank you to Travis for joining me once again!
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini
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Michael Juergens runs a global wine consultancy practice for one of the big four consulting firms. With all the talk around tariffs I tracked Michael down to get his perspective on what is going on in the USA. Michael brought his usual energy and colour to what was an insightful catchup!
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Tom Donegan’s wine career is nothing short of dynamic. From working as a sommelier in Melbourne to studying wine in Adelaide, he’s built a deep understanding of the industry from multiple angles. As a founding member of Hudson Wine Brokers, he tackled the complexities of bringing Australian wine into the highly competitive U.S. market. Since returning to Australia, he’s led market strategy at Voyager Estate in Margaret River and now oversees key brands—Shaw + Smith, Tolpuddle, and MADD—within the Shaw + Smith Group.
In this episode, Tom takes us behind the scenes of launching a distributor in the world’s toughest wine market, sharing the lessons he’s learned from both successes and setbacks. We also dive into how today’s challenges are reshaping his approach to wine marketing and sales. With the industry facing uncertainty, Tom offers valuable insights on staying focused, adapting to change, and trusting your instincts.
This conversation is packed with wisdom from someone who’s seen the business from all sides. A huge thanks to Tom for joining me
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. This week Joe Fattorini shares his insights on innovation, what it is and what it may look like.
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I still remember the moment a close friend handed me a bottle of 2017 Barbaresco—Fletcher. The name stopped me in my tracks. Barbaresco, one of the crown jewels of Italian wine, and spiritual homes of Nebbiolo. And Fletcher? It didn’t exactly scream Italian heritage.
Curious, I started digging and soon uncovered the remarkable story of an Australian winemaker who had followed his passion all the way to Piedmont. Dave Fletcher, originally from Adelaide, found himself drawn to the magic of Italy, eventually becoming the head winemaker at Ceretto, where he played a pivotal role in refining their winemaking practices. But Dave’s ambitions didn’t stop there. He went on to establish his own label, Fletcher Wines—an expression of both innovation and deep respect for Piedmont’s traditions.
For Dave, Piedmont is a place of reverence—a "belt of sanctity," as he describes it—where the art of winemaking is a delicate dance between pushing boundaries and honoring history. He arrived as a determined and ambitious young winemaker eager to make his mark, and while he’s certainly done that, his journey has also instilled in him a profound appreciation for the legacy of those who came before.
It was a privilege to sit down with Dave and hear his reflections on Piedmont and the incredible path that led him there. A huge thank you to Dave for sharing his story.
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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. This week Joe Fattorini shares his insights on AI and how he considers it will best help industry.
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Angus Hughson is one of Australia’s most respected wine writers, critics, and communicators. His deep understanding of wine is shaped not just by years in the industry but also by his PhD in psychology—specifically, the psychology of taste.
Psychology plays a crucial role in wine, from how we perceive flavors to the way pricing and marketing influence consumer behavior. Lately, Angus has turned his focus to Australia’s global wine presence, raising important questions about the national psyche and its impact on market confidence. He argues that Australia must take a bolder, more assertive approach in foreign markets, with pricing and positioning that reflect its true value.
In this fascinating conversation, Angus takes us through his journey—from his early days in wine to his deep dive into the psychology behind it, and his perspective on where Australia needs to go next.
A huge thanks to Angus for joining me
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Every so often, a wine brand rises above the rest—its quality, reputation, and influence extending far beyond the bottle. Clonakilla, led by the Kirk family for two generations, perhaps soon to be three, is one such name. Their iconic Shiraz Viognier has firmly secured its place among Australia’s greatest wines, while the rest of the Clonakilla range continues to showcase the unique terroir of Murrumbateman with remarkable precision.
At the heart of it all is Chief Winemaker Tim Kirk, a true Australian wine icon. Despite his own insistence that he has no formal winemaking qualifications, his wines tell a different story—one of mastery, intuition, and a deep connection to the land. Tim believes that wine is about stopping and paying attention—an invaluable skill in our fast-paced world.
Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Tim to discuss the Kirk family's journey from Ireland to Australia, their bond with the land they now cultivate, and the philosophy behind their winemaking. It’s a conversation that, much like Clonakilla’s wines, illustrates Tim’s depth of character. A huge thanks to Tim for joining me.
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At the time of this recording, I’m in the heart of the Hunter Valley, right in the middle of vintage. Despite a few close calls with wet weather leading up to picking, there’s an air of optimism in the region. It’s the perfect time to reconnect with a true Hunter Valley icon and explore what makes this place so special.
Longtime listeners might remember my earlier conversation with Bruce Tyrrell—a name synonymous with the Hunter Valley and Australian wine. If you need a refresher on the incredible Tyrrells story, check out Episode 8 of Season 1. I was lucky enough to catch Bruce again for a quick chat just before he headed into the lab to taste samples. As always, time flew by in his company.
The Hunter Valley might not always chase the spotlight, but it holds a unique and treasured place as the spiritual home of Australian wine. This is where the country’s wine story began, and that story is far from over. Few people are better qualified to share the next chapter than Bruce Tyrrell himself.
A huge thanks to Bruce for joining me once again.
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In today’s world of modern business, it’s crucial to hedge your bets, diversify your offerings, and have as many strings to your bow as possible. This rings especially true for the contemporary wine industry, where challenges are complex and ever-evolving. To navigate these challenges, solutions must be just as dynamic and multifaceted.
Italian Wine Cellars in inner Sydney is a shining example of this approach. They’ve prioritized creating a rich, immersive experience that goes beyond the singular pursuit of profit. Under the guidance of founder Claudio Pellegrino and Daniel Marcella, head sommelier at Italian Wine Cellars, the focus is on maintaining a temple dedicated not just to Italian wine, but to Italian culture as a whole. This vision extends to Italian cuisine, fashion, etiquette, and even language—crafting an experience that patrons can’t find anywhere else.
Innovation is at the heart of everything they do, with a constant drive to adapt and enhance the customer experience. Today, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Daniel Marcella to explore the origins of this vision, the driving forces behind it, and the exciting future ahead for Italian Wine Cellars.
A huge thanks to Daniel for joining me.
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The value of a great distributor is immeasurable. A distributor who truly understands the market, knows how to navigate it, provides meaningful support to their labels, and communicates clearly while setting realistic expectations can be a game-changer for successful market entry. Yet measuring a distributers impact is challenging — numbers shift with market trends, and intangible qualities like trust, relationships, and work ethic are difficult to quantify.
Occasionally, you meet someone who embodies what it takes to thrive in this space: someone with a sharp market IQ, a clear vision, and a genuine commitment to supporting their partners.
Enter Kosta Chernikov, founder of Saperavi Bros, an importer and distributor of Georgian wine. Despite moving to the U.S. at a young age, Kosta has stayed deeply connected to his Georgian roots. His entrepreneurial spirit and keen eye for opportunity inspired him to champion one of the world’s oldest wine regions.
Ironically, despite Georgia's role as the cradle of winemaking, its wines remain niche in global markets. Many consumers know little about the country, let alone its rich wine heritage. Undeterred, Kosta has set out to carve a space for Georgian wine in the highly competitive U.S. market.
Our conversation was both inspiring and insightful. Kosta’s deep market knowledge offers valuable lessons for any producer or label looking to establish themselves in the U.S. While not every producer can have a guide as dedicated as Kosta, his advice provides a roadmap for rethinking distributor relationships and setting better expectations.
It was the perfect first recorded conversation for 2025, and I’m deeply grateful to Kosta for sharing his wisdom.
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Long time listeners of the show will remember back to Season 1 Episode 24, the story of the adventurous Michael Juergens and the founding of the Bhutan Wine Industry. Well, ladies and gentlemen - Michael is back, and he’s back with a bang to give both you and me an update on all things regarding the development one of the world’s most exciting emerging wine scenes.
Michael has been busy, from managing the Bhutan Wine Companies first release, and gathering support for the project, including welcoming Jancis Robinson onto the Company board as a consultant, to ensuring he doesn’t lose sight of his mission or of his passion for Bhutan.
Michael brings enormous amounts of color to all his conversation and he had me in stitches for the majority of this interview. So, sit back, imagine yourself going on an adventure to the far away Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, and then make a little room for some Orange County color – Michael’s is one heck of an adventure, and this was one heck of a conversation.
Bhutan Wine Odyssey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xf4waQ8uUk
A huge thanks to Michael for joining me.
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Welcome back to the Cellar Door Podcast! 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year with fresh guests, compelling topics, and plenty of excitement. As we kick off the 5th season of the CDP, we're starting by releasing the final conversations recorded in the U.S. during 2024.
I'm thrilled to begin with a truly inspiring discussion with Raj Parr. Born in Calcutta, Raj moved to the U.S. to attend the Culinary Institute of America in New York. His journey then took him to San Francisco, where he worked alongside the legendary Larry Stone. From there, Raj went on to become a trailblazing winemaker in California, renowned for his work with whole cluster fermentation.
In our conversation, Raj shares his rise through the restaurant world, the profound influence Larry Stone had on his career, and his candid thoughts on the changing landscape of the wine industry. A celebrated figure in his own right, Raj underscores the enduring importance of soul and passion in winemaking.
For anyone in the wine industry feeling disconnected from their spark, Raj’s insights are both grounding and inspiring. I can't recommend his words and perspective enough.
A heartfelt thank you to Raj Parr for joining me.
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This conversation will likely close out what has been a fascinating 2024. I’m still in Massachusetts immersing myself in the East Coast trade. The year is quickly coming to a close – it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – and its bloody cold. In fact, I’ve come down with a cold and I’m struggling to fight it off. I honestly feel a bit mentally and physically challenged - No matter, there is one more important conversation to be had, with a distributor who has been championing Australian wine in the US for more than a decade. This conversation is with Gordon Little of Little Peacock Imports.
Gordon launched Little Peacock Imports in 2011 – the same year I graduated from high school! So, he’s had plenty of time to succumb to market forces, the drop of the Australian dollar, the industry trends that appear to have punched the Australian export wine trade in the mouth – yet Gordon is still there, Little Peacock is still operating – and Gordon says there is lots to do. This was a great opportunity to quiz Gordon on what he considers to be the talking points for Australian wine in the US – I ask some questions and he gives some suggestions. Gordon acknowledges that there is lots of work to be done, but the challenge is worth the effort.
The Australian industry needs to focus on depth, consistency, and reliability. It needs to focus on building, maintaining then strengthening relationships – matters challenged by the tyrant of distance but there is more than one way to skin a cat – sorry cats. Gordon very much considers all these things to be worth it, and it’s a cause the Melbourne born expat is very passionate about. Whether you are on the tractor, in the shop or doing anything else, I hope you find this chat insightful – and I hope I didn’t sniffle too much.
Also, given this is likely the last chat of the year, it’s been an incredible year for the CDP and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for supporting the show. Merry Christmas to all, and I wish you all the blessings of the season.
Now, let’s get on with the show. Ladies and gentlemen, I present Gordon Little of Little Peacock Imports.
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Aaron Ridgway serves as Head of Market for Wine Australia in the Americas, overseeing efforts across the U.S. and Canada. Leading a team of four, his work focuses on education, business development, and market entry for Australian wine in the North American market. Since transitioning from Negociants to Wine Australia in 2016, Aaron has been at the forefront of promoting Australian wine and navigating its performance in a highly competitive landscape.
In my time in the U.S., I’ve interviewed various wine professionals—sommeliers, distributors, and wine directors—about the state of Australian wine. A common theme has emerged: the challenges are many, but the opportunities are equally significant. To complement these private-sector perspectives, I turned to Aaron for his expert view, knowing his role gives him a unique vantage point on the successes and hurdles Australian wine faces.
Although our 50-minute conversation only scratched the surface, it was enough to reveal Aaron’s candid take on the current state of the market and the work needed to unlock its potential. Recent discussions with the Wine Australia team have also strengthened my belief in the opportunities ahead. Success in the U.S. fine wine market—a massive and influential $60 billion industry—will require a united push from all stakeholders. Consistent effort, collaboration, and sustained market engagement are key to building the traction Australian wine needs to thrive.
A big thanks to Aaron for sharing his invaluable insights.
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Kate Webber bends over backwards to give strong representation to Australian wine on her restaurant wine lists. She presents legacy brands, through to brands that represent the unknown middle ground of Australian wine, where the true excitement, innovation and value propositions are to be found. She extends herself and fights to get wines on her lists that ordinary would not be available given the unique three tier system. Kates love affair with Australian wine dates back decades. She was invited to Australia in 2013 as the recipient of a Yalumba Scholarship, a trip allowing her to take a deep dive into Australia’s wine landscape. Shock horror – the experience changed her life.
Kate laments the current state of Australian wine in the USA, while admitting the challenges are complicated. In this conversation we discuss what Kate considers to be the important backdrop to the problem, and the role for both Australian and US stakeholders in stepping up in fighting for Australia’s place in the USA. The USA remains the world’s largest fine wine market, valued at over $60 billion in 2023. For Kate, the time to tackle the market is now, when the times are tough, when the industry is struggling. The industry will bounce and it's important for Aus wine to be a pivotal player in that market when it does. There is so much food for thought in this conversation – what is really a call to action for those in the Australian wine market who want a piece of this very important pie.
At one point towards the start of the interview Kate and I had to manage two very loud patrons who decided to sit themselves right next to us in what was otherwise a very empty café. Kate and I soon relocated, so if you start to notice this, please stick with the interview as the listening gets much easier soon after.
A huge thanks to Kate for joining me.
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One of the most perplexing aspects of the American wine industry is its three-tier system. Introduced post-Prohibition in 1933, the system was designed to prevent monopolies and address tax irregularities—issues rooted in Mafia activity at the time—while also aiming to reduce the social harm associated with alcohol consumption. In essence, the system mandates that alcohol reach consumers through three distinct tiers: producers, distributors, and retailers. For imported wine, the process begins with a licensed importer, who then passes the product to a distributor before it reaches retailers and, ultimately, consumers.
Over the years, this system has faced criticism for being outdated and overly complex. However, it remains the law of the land, making it essential for anyone entering the U.S. wine market to understand and navigate its intricacies. Distributors play a crucial role within this framework, influencing both sales and consumer education. Partnering with a skilled distributor can significantly impact success in the market.
I had the pleasure of meeting Peter Tryba, Portfolio Manager of the Connoisseur Division at Martignetti, one of New England’s oldest and most respected distributors. Our introduction took place at a Chester Osborn tasting event in Boston, organized by Martignetti. After an engaging conversation during the event, I was eager to explore Peter’s insights further.
Peter is passionate about championing exceptional labels through Martignetti, ranging from legacy brands to innovative new producers. With his deep understanding of the distributor's role, Peter brings a unique perspective to the industry. I was thrilled when he agreed to share his thoughts on Martignetti’s history, his own journey, and his views on the evolving U.S. wine market and the influence distributors have in shaping trends.
A heartfelt thanks to Peter for joining me in this fascinating discussion.
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Jeronimo Ramales is the Wine Director at Prima, an acclaimed Italian restaurant nestled in Boston’s historic Charlestown district. Originally from Mexico, Jeronimo’s journey into hospitality began after he moved to New York, where he discovered a world far removed from his non-drinking background. His curiosity was piqued by the intricacies of restaurant wine lists, sparking a passion for wine that would soon become his calling.
Jeronimo quickly advanced in the industry, taking on senior wine management roles for restaurants in New York then Boston where he has been director for both Capo and Prima restraurants. Our paths crossed during a D’Arenberg tasting hosted by the vibrant Chester Osborn in Boston’s North End, where Jeronimo’s enthusiasm for Italian wines was immediately evident.
In this episode, we sit down in Charlestown to explore Jeronimo’s story, the landscape of Boston’s hospitality scene, and his approach to crafting the ideal wine list for Prima’s patrons. A heartfelt thank you to Jeronimo for sharing his journey and insights with us.
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In Season 3, Episode 9, I sat down with Doug Neal to cover the basics of oak in winemaking—a conversation that became a fan favorite. Doug's deep passion for oak is contagious; as a former history teacher turned wine maker and expert, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the subject. So, naturally, I couldn’t resist inviting him back for a deeper dive.
In this episode, we get into the finer details: the specific forests oak comes from, how it’s prepared for barrel making, its nuanced impact on different wine styles, and even the current state of the oak market. Doug's insights and stories are pure gold for any wine enthusiast, and he didn’t hold back.
Grab your notepad, because you’ll want to jot down Doug’s tips and tidbits. I hope you enjoy this fascinating exploration of oak with the ever-knowledgeable "Dougmeister" himself!
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They don’t come much cooler than Chris Morisoli. He flies UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, he’s completed deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan as a MEDEVAC polite rescuing wounded soldiers out of firefights and flying them to safety, he has served more or less his entire life as a volunteer fire fighter and – oh yes – he is the latest generation of the Morisoli family who are custodians of some of the most magical vineyards in the Rutherford Bench, and the entire Napa Valley for that matter. One might say the Morisoli story is the story of Rutherford. It spans the Italian migration to the United States, prohibition and the rise of the Napa Valley. Chris was born in 1984 and has Rutherford Dust in his veins. He grew up running in and out of the vines and you might be forgiven for seeing his return to the vines post deployment as inevitable.
Chris’s story and the Morisoli story is one of the most genuine and remarkable stories one will find. And yes – like most special things – you have to find it – tucked away in the shadows of the Mayacamas Mountain range, just off Highway 29, down Niebaum Lane, here lies a historic charming little house surrounded by historic vineyards that whisper memories and stories. This is Chris’s home and the home of the Morisoli legacy. Like most who are part of small family businesses, Chris spends most of his time on the tools, in the vineyard, in the winery or in the car, so cornering him for a chat is no small thing. Hence my elation when we finally settled on a time. This was a truly special conversation to have. My sincerest thanks to Chris for joining me.
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I’ve been living in the USA since April, with April through July immersed in the vibrant Santa Barbara Wine Country alongside Wes Hagen and his wife, Chanda. Longtime listeners will know Wes as a foundational figure in this region, notably for his work in establishing many of Santa Barbara’s AVAs. But next to Wes stands Chanda, his steadfast partner and inspiration, whom he met at a Grateful Dead cover band gig—how Californian! Together, they welcomed me into the heart of Santa Barbara, offering an insider’s view of its history, personality, and the essence of its young and dynamic wine industry. After my deep dive into Santa Barbara, Wes had a unique idea: flip the script and put me in the hot seat. Though it took some persuasion, I finally agreed to let Wes give me a taste of my own medicine. We share a passion for wine, history, and the bigger questions of meaning, which fueled hours of effortless conversation. In this episode, we focused on our shared love of wine and the color it channels. I owe a big thank you to Wes for hosting this lively conversation and to both Wes and Chanda for their generous hospitality. Enjoy this special episode!
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Fraser Mackenzie is the Group General Manager at Artisans of the Barossa, a collective of artisan producers dedicated to showcasing the unique diversity and heritage of Australia’s Barossa Valley. The Artisans’ mission is to dispel myths and redefine perceptions by highlighting the region's remarkable range—from ancient vines and rich soils to the innovative techniques of the families and winemakers who craft its wines.
Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Fraser has a dynamic background in marketing and selling wine across the globe, from New Zealand to the USA and even the Middle East. His journey eventually led him to Australia, where he guided Montalto through the challenges of the COVID era. Joining Artisans of the Barossa in late 2022, Fraser has since been steering the group’s vision and message, with a focus on celebrating the exceptional character of the Barossa Valley.
In this episode, Fraser shares his insights on navigating market challenges, the nuances of wine marketing, and the deep joy he and his team derive from sharing the Barossa’s beauty with the world. A heartfelt thanks to Fraser for joining me for this conversation
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What is blind tasting? Why do it? Who benefits from it? To explore these questions, I sat down with two exceptional guests: industry veteran and Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey, and dynamic wine student Cokie Ponikvar. Bobby brings seasoned wisdom to the table, while Cokie offers her trademark passion and fresh insights that make her a standout voice in the industry.
In this episode, we dive into the world of blind tasting—demystifying a practice that some might see as needlessly complex, yet one that Bobby and Cokie champion as a powerful tool for honing wine knowledge, curating wine lists, and deepening one’s appreciation for wine. My heartfelt thanks to Bobby and Cokie for sharing their perspectives on this invaluable aspect of wine education
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Robert Joseph is a wine industry luminary. He’s been in the game for a long time and has observed and considered a great many things. He has launched wine labels, he’s had a decorated career as a wine journalist and along the way he found time to launch the international wine challenge considered by many to be the most rigorous, impartial and influential wine competition, yet interestingly Robert decided long ago to leave the world of wine criticism and pursue more innovative projects including launching French label Le Grand Noir, and his experimental Georgian label K'AVSHIRI. In today’s conversation, Robert shares his candid thoughts on the state of the wine industry. He firmly believes that we’ve forgotten that wine is part of the entertainment world—an industry meant to captivate and delight consumers. With too much noise and confusion, consumers are left bewildered, and this has had serious consequences. Robert challenges the industry to reexamine its purpose, starting with the fundamental question: Why? Every action, every label, every marketing decision must have a clear reason behind it which is communicateable and hence communicated to consumers. Robert’s passion for the industry shines through his sharp insights. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and I hope you do to. A huge thanks to Robert for joining me.
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Some time back a friend graciously gifted me a bottle of wine from a label I had only a distant familiarity with. A quick glance at the bottle set my mind racing. It was a Grenache crafted from Barossa vines over 150 years old—an 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache from Cirillo Wine Estate in the Barossa Valley’s Nuriootpa sub-region.
A brief dive into the history of Cirillo Estate revealed that the winery is the custodian of some of the oldest surviving vines in the Barossa. In the 1970s, the Cirillo family relocated to Light Pass in the Barossa Valley, where they inherited and began working with ancient vines—some as old as 170 years—that miraculously survived the Great Australian Vine Pull of the 1980s.
Naturally, I set out to track down the elusive Marco Cirillo, elusive because he is perpetually engrossed in the daily demands of the winery. Whether tending the vines, crafting wines, or driving sales, Marco is the force behind nearly every facet of Cirillo Estate. What I discovered was a family man of Calabrian descent, part of a lineage with over 400 years of winemaking tradition in Southern Italy. It’s no surprise that Marco was destined to become a winemaker. And if over 400 years of wine making pedigree were not enough, Marco is married to Annika Lehmann (the Lehmann name needing no introduction in Australian wine circles). She is Marco’s driving force, supporting him in every aspect of the business and doing what Marco describes as the “smart stuff” behind the scenes.
What strikes me most about Marco is how much he avoids the spotlight. It took quite some time to pin him down, but when you ask him a question, you get a straightforward answer—sometimes delivered with both barrels. Marco acknowledges that his directness can be mistaken for arrogance, but he views it as a reflection of his passion for wine and a deliberate effort to tune out the noise of wine politics and undue criticism.
The Cirillo brand has recently ignited global interest, especially following its success at the 2024 Vinous Icons event in New York City, where Marco’s Grenache became a talking point. Marco’s philosophy is to let his viticulture and winemaking speak for themselves, and it seems this approach is yielding significant rewards. I was fortunate to have Marco join me on the Cellar Door Podcast, where he shared his personal journey, insights on working with some of the world’s oldest Grenache and Semillon vines, the Barossa Old Vine Charter, and his overall winemaking philosophy. A heartfelt thank you to Marco for taking the time to join me.
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In or around 2013 three Aussie mates conspired to create the ultimate digital wine playground in a bid to make it easier for everyday Aussies to access great Australian wines. Today the DifferentDrop acts as one of the premier platforms for and supporters of domestic Australian wine. They keep an eye on the trends and form relationships with great Aussie producers to get access to the best wines. But that’s not all. They also want to share their experiences and what they learn along the way, and this has resulted in them creating one of the most engaging and educative online media presences in the Aussie landscape, particularly with their YouTube content. Co-founder Tom Hollings sat down with me to share the story of DifferentDrop and his perspectives on the wine game across Australia. A huge thanks to Tom for joining me.
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Get ready for an inspiring tale that’s guaranteed to warm your heart! It’s a story about passion, community, and a group of remarkable students at Upper Yarra Secondary College who are taking a bold step into the world of viticulture, winemaking and hospitality. Under the expert guidance of their dedicated teacher and mentor, Marcus Cook, these students have been hands-on in farming their very own school vineyard. The result? The inaugural 2023 Junction Road Pinot Noir, a wine crafted with hard work and determination, which went on to make waves at the prestigious Yarra Valley Wine Show.
Not only did this student-made wine score an impressive 95 points, but it also took home the award for Best Small Batch Wine – a massive achievement for a school project! Marcus Cook joins me on the Cellar Door Podcast to share the incredible journey of these young winemakers, as they forge a unique path through the world of viticulture, gaining invaluable skills and confidence along the way.
This is more than just a feel-good story – it’s a testament to what can happen when passion, education, and community come together. I can’t wait for you to hear all about it. A huge thanks to Marcus for joining me!
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According to the World Health Organization, “any level of alcohol consumption is associated with preventable net harms due to multiple health conditions such as injuries, alcohol use disorders (AUDs), liver diseases, cancers and cardiovascular diseases, as well as harms to persons other than drinkers.” According to Dave Parker of Benchmark Wine Group, that statement is demonstrably false. Dave Parker is the CEO and founder of Benchmark Wine Group, one of the worlds leading curators of rare and fine wine selections for retailers, restaurants and collectors. Dave also runs a data analysis company. It was Dave’s passion for wine and details that lead him into the conversation in defense of wine against the growing voice of those who Dave considers making the baseless claim that all alcohol is in any amount is bad for a persons health. According to Dave, its all about the J Curve, a data analysis, which plots that moderate consumption of alcohol is actually overall a health benefit for the average person – a J curve that recent critics claim to be outdated. I sat down with Dave Parker for close to an hour, during which he explained the basics of this topic and the importance of it to the wine industry at large. Given the complexity of this topic, Dave and my conversation is far from a complete analysis of the issue, so I have included links in the show notes to some of the resources Dave provided me. A huge thanks to Dave for joining me.
Article from Wine Business Monthly: www.winebusiness.com/wbm/article/284944
Article from Christopher Snowden: https://snowdon.substack.com/p/cherry-picking-the-evidence-on-alcohol
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This episode features none other than Joe Fattorini, a true force in the world of wine. Many of you know him as the co-presenter of The Wine Show, where he takes viewers on a journey through vineyards and wine cultures across the globe. But Joe’s influence reaches far beyond the screen. He’s a seasoned wine merchant, expert, educator, and marketer who has spent decades passionately sharing his love for wine, whether through writing, speaking, or consulting.
My introduction to Joe came through an article he penned on the anti-alcohol lobby and the complex challenges the wine industry faces in countering its relentless influence. His sharp insights and vibrant personality were evident, and I knew I had to get him on the show. While I wasn’t entirely sure where our conversation would lead, one thing was clear – with Joe, we could dive deep into just about anything.
In this episode, we talk about his fascinating journey in the wine industry, his thoughts on building consumer engagement, and the ongoing battle against the anti-alcohol lobby. A huge thank you to Joe for joining me.
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Tom Kline writes about wine. He has written for publications including Decanter Magazine, Wine Spectator, Halliday Magazine, Winepilot, and the much-loved Gourmet Traveler Wine of happy memory. Yet most recently Tom has embraced the challenge of writing as the Australian contributor to Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy, Jasper Morris MW’s online database dedicated to showcasing the very best of Burgundy to an audience of Burgundy tragics. According to Tom, Jasper senses the importance of identifying and presenting real alternatives to Burgundy given the practical realities that make Burgundy inaccessible to many. This is the perfect assignment for Tom. A clear brief to cover the very best of pinot noir and chardonnay across the Australian landscape, while affording Tom the scope and creativity to project his own voice and style through his work. You can clearly see this in Tom's recent reports on Mount Mary, Bannockburn and less recently on Giaconda.
Tom’s childhood was spent in North East Victoria’s pristine wine country, his father working for Brown Brother’s and Tom absorbing a love of wine by osmosis. Yet, Tom’s first passion was music. I have discovered a link between wine and creativity, particularly music. Tom Kline is no different. Tom eventually discovered that wine writing afforded him both increased stability and an avenue through which to channel his natural creativity.
In our conversation, Tom and I discussed his recent work and more generally the role that wine writers play in an industry in a state of flux while also touching on the responsibility that attaches to being part of the cohort of opinion leaders who influence consumer perceptions and decision making. Tom’s approach to this is simple, though no doubt difficult. Mold your own distinct and independent voice, then scrupulously work to maintain it. Tom shares a trove of insights in this conversation which was as fascinating as it was enjoyable to engage in. A huge thanks to Tom for joining me.
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I’ve been searching for the ideal introduction to the South African wine industry for the Cellar Door Podcast. When a friend recently on holiday in South Africa messaged me and asked me if I’d heard of Anthony Hamilton Russell, I knew that opportunity had arrived. For those unfamiliar, Anthony Hamilton Russell and his family’s Hamilton Russell Vineyards are among the most esteemed names in South African wine. The story began in 1975 when Tim Hamilton Russell acquired 170 hectares of untamed land, marking the start of his quest to craft cool climate wines. In 1991, Anthony Hamilton Russell took the reins, focusing the family’s efforts on producing just one Pinot Noir and one Chardonnay. This focus channeled through two wines has solidified Hamilton Russell Vineyards’ reputation for excellence in both domestic and international markets.
Anthony is not only a vanguard of his family’s legacy but also a passionate advocate for what he calls South Africa’s “Second Renaissance” in wine. Despite centuries of challenges, from industry oversupply to broader political turmoil, Anthony believes that the way forward is through relentless effort—more “airport and airplane” than “beach and board.” In other words, winemakers must hit the road and share the fruits of their labor, as there’s no substitute for hard work.
In our lively conversation, Anthony shared his insights on the Hemel-en-Aarde appellation, the history of Hamilton Russell Vineyards, and his thoughts on the current state of the wine industry. A heartfelt thanks to Anthony for taking the time to join me for this engaging discussion.
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In 1974 David Anderson embarked on a project in Victoria’s Heathcote region to plant vines and craft wine. His son Liam Anderson describes that David was more or less taking a shot in the dark, with no intention of founding what would become a label with a cult following across Australia and even certain locations across the globe. Liam describes customer relationships with Wild Duck Creek spanning over 30 years, the result of hours and hours of hard work, dedication and focus on delivering a premium wine experience to consumers.
Though Wild Duck Creek has in the past found favor with critics, not to mention being the first Victorian label to score 99+ points from Robert Parker Jnr at the Wine Advocate, Liam Anderson describes how over the years, and amid a change in fashion and trends, Wild Duck Creek has stayed true to its style of bigger, richer, wine’s of balance . They don’t try to please everyone. Rather they have a singular focus on enhancing the quality of what they have done since day dot - that is, crafting the highest quality wines given the unique terroir that Heathcote offers.
Liam Anderson grew up watching his father’s ever expanding passion for Wild Duck Creek, a passion and focus that Liam says is fastidious . Liam has been managing the vineyards at Wild Duck Creek since he was 18 y/o. He’s been making the wines since he was 20. Liam has decades of Wild Duck Creek running through his veins. He has seen the evolution of Wild Duck Creek as a cult winery and is now largely responsible for its day to day management. He has inherited his father’s passion for Heathcote and dedication to the family brand. Liam joined me for an expansive conversation, on everything from Heathcote’s climate and geography, and what makes Heathcote - well - Heathcote, to the Wild Duck Creek’s story, the experience in the US market and Liam’s aspirations for the label’s future.
A huge thanks to Liam for joining me.
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Few Australian wine families can match the storied pedigree of the Hardy family, whose legacy began when Thomas Hardy founded Thomas Hardy & Sons in 1853. Thomas later purchased the Upper Tintara Vineyard in Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale in 1871, marking the birth of a winemaking dynasty.
Today, Australian wine legend Andrew 'Ox' Hardy, the great-great grandson of Thomas Hardy, carries the McLaren Vale tradition in his veins. As the custodian of the Upper Tintara Vineyard, Andrew has pushed his team to innovate, notably through his eponymous label, Ox Hardy Wines.
Andrew's work is further strengthened by his son, Henry, who has fully embraced the family's heritage. Henry brings his own expertise, honed through multiple vintages, industry studies, and valuable experience marketing and selling both here in Australia and abroad.
Both Andrew and Henry understand the critical importance of preserving the Upper Tintara Vineyard, one of Australia's most precious viticultural sites, and they're on a mission to reinforce the strong association between the Hardy name and top-quality winemaking.
It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with Andrew and Henry, father and son, for an interview brimming with insights, stories, and charm. The Hardy family saga is a remarkable Australian story, and it was a true privilege to speak with both Andrew 'Ox' Hardy and Henry. A massive thanks to them for joining me.
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Neli Naumovski is the recently appointed national sales director at Oliver's Wines. Neli brings lengthy experience in the fine wine sector, and secondary markets and has teamed up with Jeremy Oliver to launch the old rare and collectable wine project which incorporates a unique classification system. It was this classification aspect which caught my attention. I've previously spoken with Huon Hooke on my show about the classification system at the Real Review and so when I heard there was a new system entering the market, I wanted to get the inside scoop. Neli was good enough join me to give a crash course on this new project, the secondary market and for an update on all her projects at Olivers Wines. A massive thanks to Neli for joining me.
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Presqu’ile (‘press-keel’) is a family-owned winery in the Santa Maria Valley dedicated to crafting exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Roughly translating in French to “Peninsula”, Presquile was the Murphy family’s gathering place in the Mississippi Gulf Country who after Hurricane Katrina, decided that they would name their winery in homage to the place that engendered a conviviality among family and friends, evoking a warmth of human spirit and a rapport among all who “passed a good time” there.
In 2007 the Murphy family set out to find the perfect place to farm pinot noir and chardonnay, a search that spanned America’s West coast, from California up to Oregon. The Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara Wine County won out, and the Murphy’s set about building what has become one of the most beautiful wineries in California with a wine experience to match. South African born Dieter Cronje has been making wine with the Murphy family since Presquile’s beginning. Dieter was drawn to California on the tales of promise of its wine industry and never left. Dieter invited me back to Presquile to enjoy some Santa Maria hospitality and I took the opportunity to capture his journey and perspectives on Presquile, Santa Maria and everything in between. A massive thanks to Dieter for joining me.
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On this episode, I had the pleasure of catching up with Jeremy Oliver to get his insights on the latest developments in the Australian wine industry. We dive into Treasury Wine Estates’ recent decision to part ways with iconic brands Wolf Blass, Yellowglen, and Lindeman’s, and we explore Jeremy’s perspective on the broader market dynamics. While the challenges persist and the road ahead is long, it’s clear that resilience, determination, and will be the defining traits of those who succeed in these tough times. A huge thanks to Jeremy for joining me
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The Balnaves family first arrived in South Australia’s Coonawarra District in 1855. It's worth taking the time to research the story of William Wilson (available on the Balnaves website) to truly appreciate how deeply the Balnaves family is intertwined with the history of South Australian wine. Fast forward to 1971, when a young and ambitious Doug Balnaves was hired by Hungerford Hill to establish 100 hectares of vineyards. In 1974, Doug received a winemaking masterclass from Bill Redman, affectionately known as "the Grand Old Man of Coonawarra," which played a pivotal role in igniting and fueling Doug’s passion for crafting exceptional red wine.
In 1975, the first Balnaves vines were planted, covering 2.5 hectares each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, which are still flourishing 49 years later. In the ensuing years, Kirsty and Pete Balnaves returned to the family business, joined by Pete Bissell as the winemaker, who led the winemaking team for over 25 vintages. During this time, Balnaves went from strength to strength, with the Tally winning Jeremy Oliver's Wine of the Year in 2004 and Balnaves being named Halliday's Winery of the Year in 2008.
In 2018 Jacinta Jenkins, known as JJ to her friends, joined the Balnaves team. A native of Coonawarra, Jacinta brought her global wine education back to her roots, making it particularly fitting that she took on the role of head winemaker in 2020, when Pete Bissell passed the torch to her. Jacinta has quickly made her mark, being shortlisted for Halliday Winemaker of the Year this year—a true testament to her hard work and talent.
Jacinta recently joined me on the show to provide a glimpse into what’s happening across Coonawarra and at Balnaves. A huge thanks to Jacinta for sharing her insights.
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In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Legend Wine Imports, a venture spearheaded by two American sommeliers, Jonathan Ross and Jane Lopes. Their path to success took an unexpected turn when they immersed themselves in the vibrant Australian wine industry. The duo first crossed paths at New York’s esteemed Eleven Madison Park before making the bold decision to relocate to Australia. Jane found her niche at Melbourne’s acclaimed Attica Restaurant, while Jonathan took charge of the wine program for the Rockpool Group. This transformative experience deepened their appreciation for Australian wine, ultimately inspiring them to co-author "How to Drink Australian." This book captures the essence of Australian wine through the lenses of history, terroir, and the nation’s unwavering commitment to viticulture and winemaking excellence. Jonathan and Jane have since become passionate advocates for Australian wine in the USA, tirelessly working to enhance its presence and reputation. Join me as I sit down with Jonathan to explore his fascinating story and the origins of Legend Wine Imports.
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This episode was an extremely special way to close out what was a truly magical time in Santa Barbara Wine County – spending over an hour with two legends of the Santa Barbara, and wider Californian wine industry. You will all know Wes Hagen - wine maker, philosopher and poet, who I’ve been blessed to have previously on the show multiple times. Yet today Wes was in a supporting role. Wes and I sat down with one of the original pioneers of Santa Barbara, Mr Ken Brown. Ken Brown was among the first vintners to realize the tremendous promise for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in this cool-climate appellation beginning in the mid 1970s. He was also the first winemaker to introduce Syrah, as well as Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, to Santa Barbara County. In this conversation Ken regales us with stories, perspectives and very special insights on the Santa Barbara scene – and I sat there like an awe struck schoolboy hanging onto every word Ken and Wes spoke. I often feel at risk of becoming too absorbed in wine’s romanticism – but then conversations like these, with two legends of the game, make me so comfortable with that feeling - the feeling that wine is only truly understood when you cross over from the science and forensics and enter into the realm of story, romanticism, identity and poetry. This was an extremely special conversation to record, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. A huge thanks to Wes and Ken for joining me.
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I heard along the grape vine that there was a very special project unfolding at Alkina Wine Estate in the heart of the Barossa. Some contacts had told me that Pedro Parra, known to some as Dr Terroir, had joined forces with Alkina to take a deep dive into the Barossan earth to see what gold might be found. What follows is an incredible story that may be the first step in revolutionising story telling in Australian Wine as we know it. Dan Coward of Alkina wines, who has his own fascinating back story, joins me to share the exciting and fascinating tale of Pedro Parra and the Polygon Project. A huge thanks to Dan for this thoroughly enjoyable conversation.
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Scott Lefler is the wine director at Ledger Restaurant and Bar in Salem, Massachusetts on America’s east coast. I contacted Scott when I learned that a pivotal moment in his wine journey was a trip he took to Australia. Scott worked his way across the Australian wine industry and fell in love with the wines, thereafter, returning to the USA and building a steady presence of Australian wine into his wine lists. In this conversation Scott shares his perspectives, as an Australian wine lover, on what he wants to see happening on the busy East Coast market. A huge thanks to Scott for joining me.
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We appear to be in a golden age of technological innovation. Different industries respond to this in different ways, with some industries completely revolutionising and others taking a more cautious approach to change. Many entrepreneurs see this as a time ripe with opportunity, entrepreneurs like Moshi Weizman, the co-founder of WINE-ing which is a platform designed to help wine merchants move stock while creating a collaborative and communal buying experience for consumers. Moshe joined me on the show to share about the WINE-ing project and the story behind it, while also giving some fascinating insights into the wine culture of Moshe’s home, Israel. A massive thanks to Moshe for joining me.
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Jesper Kjaersgaard is the Director and operator of FLEUR & VIOLA a business with the mission of connecting wineries, distributors, retailers and customers to the best wines that Australia and Europe have to offer. Jesper is originally from Denmark and it was while working in a fine wine store that he tasted Lafite 1985, an experience which made it clear to Jesper what he would do with his future. Since then, Jesper has moved wine at all levels of the industry, be that through fine wine stores, or through the larger Langton’s structure. Over time Jesper has found that his passion is for the small premium producer with a wine to sell and a story to match. Jesper joins me on the show to share his experiences across the industry and his perspectives on just how important story telling is to the success of not just a brand, but an industry as a whole. A massive thanks to Jesper for joining me.
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My investigations tell me that most people in the Australian wine industry know of or have dealt directly with Chuck Hayward. Chuck is a Californian who has made a career from promoting, educating about and selling Australian wines in the USA market, and he’s been doing this for a long time. Chuck first fell in love with Aus wines when working at the Jug wine shop in San Francisco, where he was responsible for building an Australian and New Zealand section that represented roughly 20 percent of the stores stock. Chuck travelled to Australia to explore and investigate the country behind the wines he was developing a love for, and the relationship flourished, so much so that Australia became a regular travel destination for Chuck. Chuck’s ongoing relationship with Aus wine has stood the test of time, and he has maintained a keen interest in the domestic Australian scene and the impact and traction Australian wine gains in the USA market. Chuck joined me on the show to discuss his perception of the state of play of Australian wine in the USA market. Despite there being a bit of white noise that was difficult to edit without impacting the audio, it was an incredible conversation with Chuck. A huge thanks to Chuck for joining me.
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Jane Campbell is the General Manager of the family owned and run Campbell’s winery which is crafting world class wines in Victoria’s Rutherglen wine region. The Campbell’s story now spans 5 successive generations, from John Campbell who set sail from St Andrews in Scotland to join in the Gold rush but who ended up planting vines near what was then the Bobby Burns gold field. The Campbell family survived phylloxera outbreak of the late 1800’s and then, with an eye on the future, consolidated then steadily grew without compromising quality or integrity. Campbell’s is now run by 5th generation sisters Jane and Julie Campbell, who are tirelessly working to share the Campbells message. Jane sat down with me to share the Campbell’s story and some insights into a wine family that is part and parcel of Australian wine history. A huge thanks to Jane for joining me.
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Chris Thomas is the winemaker and managing director at Dowie Doole in South Australia’s McLaren Vale. The rumour is that in his younger schoolboy days he excelled in the math and science departments, but when it came to undertaking later studies he was convinced to pursue oenology after talking to a friend who raved about how interesting and fun it was. Chris accrued a wealth of experience across the industry and makes particular mention of the influence of Steve Serafino Maglieri who is a champion of alternative varietals and a pioneer of the modern McLaren vale wine scene. Chris aims to channel diversity and excellence through the Dowie Doole Vineyards at Blewitt Springs and Tatachilla and he joined me on the show to share a bit about his work in the McLaren vale and the mission for Dowie Doole. A huge thanks to Chris for joining me.
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Wine personalities don’t get much bigger than that of US Master Somm Bobby Stuckey. Bobby started working tables as a bus boy, and after discovering a brochure on the Court of Master Somms while working at the Little Nell in Aspen he dedicated himself to achieving excellence in the world of wine. Bobby is now widely recognised as an industry leader in United States hospitality. After talking to Bobby about his business philosophy and his approach to leadership it’s not difficult to see why. Bobby joined me for a conversation in which he shared his story and insights into the world of wine, business and specifically hospitality. A huge thanks to Bobby for joining me.
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Dan Eggleton, is a producer and advocate for small wine makers, and has been a leading voice in generating important conversations and asking hard questions at a grass roots level in Australian wine. He is as true blue as you find, and acutely feels the plight of small producers of premium wines across Australia. Dan felt that he had to become vocal after witnessing the difficulties of particularly the last two vintages, given the urgency of what is at stake. He is humble and genuine, but not backwards in coming forwards. Dan and I had a fascinating conversation in which we discussed the current representation of small producers, the protection of wine making integrity and what is at stake if no change is made. Many of these topics are uncomfortable and difficult to approach, and Dan is worthy of admiration for raising them. These are all topics that need to be further unpacked and talking with Dan has caused me to take a deeper look into many of the issues discussed and my views have accordingly developed even since. However, I hope that Dan and my conversation is food for thought and the greater industry can collaborate to provide meaningful solutions to many of the questions that need to be tackled. A huge thanks to Dan for joining me.
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Nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley is Brave and Maiden Estate, named after a Romeo and Juliet type legend that was passed down by the Americans native to the area. Victor Robaglia is the head wine maker at Brave and Maiden and overseas a program of Bordeaux varietals which he crafts in partnership with the unique Santa Ynez terroir. Despite having French parents, Victor has an extremely international narrative, being born in Canberra and having done vintages in South Africa and the USA. Victor was attracted to Santa Barbara given the unique terroir and the exciting possibilities it presented. Victor invited me out to the winery where he educated me on Santa Ynez and all thing Brave and Maiden. A huge thanks to Victor for joining me.
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Nearly two years ago, I met Priscilla Hennekam, a Brazilian woman with an infectious laugh and an arguably unrivalled passion for wine and the wine industry. Since our first conversation, Priscilla has been working hard to narrow her focus and channel her passion—her new mission being to revolutionize the world of wine communication, to demystify wine, to make it approachable, and to build traction with generations of younger consumers who seem to be questioning whether wine is for them. Priscilla’s vision is most visible through her blog, Rethinking the Wine Industry, a forum dedicated to rethinking and challenging the current means of communicating the wine industry’s messaging to consumers. Priscilla has also solidified her position in the consultancy space, where she delivers advice across the globe on wine communication. Priscilla and I recently caught up for a long-overdue chat to hear about the development of her work and her vision for the future. A massive thanks to Priscilla for joining me.
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Cokie Ponikvar loves wine. Her passion is contagious, and she wants to share her passion for wine with the world. She is studying for both the MS and MW exams, and she shares her studies with the world through her online education platform Cokie’s World of Wine. Cokie released early that wine lends itself to a pretentious air that has resulted in the alienation of entire generations of future potential wine lovers. So, she has made it her mission to break down the barriers, thereby creating an attractive and welcoming portal through which all can see the world of wine in its full beauty. She is young, observant, dedicated and passionate - the perfect ambassador to share the word, and the traction she has garnered means her work is being noticed. Cokie sat down with me to share her story, her work and a little bit about herself in this thoroughly enjoyable conversation. A huge thanks to Cokie for joining me.
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David LeMire MW is joint CEO and head of sales and marketing at Shaw and Smith. His experience ranges from being the import manager for Negotiants Australia to taking on the revered Master of Wine accreditation. David also writes for Anthony Madigan’s Wine Business Monthly publication, where David shares his perspectives with panache. David joined me on the show from the Adelaide Hills to share his story, the story of Shaw and Smith and associated wineries including Tolpuddle, and some perspectives on the bureaucratic structures tasked with supporting and advocating for the Australian wine industry. A huge thanks to David for joining me.
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Some weeks ago, I caught up with one of my absolute favourites, Alex Head of the Head Wines label. In typical cool, calm, and collected fashion Alex shared his perspectives on the economic roller coaster Australia is riding and its impacts on the industry, the need for an active optimism and the importance of embracing personal responsibility when it comes to facing challenges. Alex and I also discussed the most recent developments with Head Wines. Alex’s measured and acute observations are valuable and an enjoyment to listen to and consider. A huge thanks to Alex for joining me.
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I recently managed to grab Ashley Ratcliff, the owner of Ricca Terra Wines, for a quick update on his recent activities. Ashley is a passionate crusader for the Australian wine cause and also for what is possibly one of the most misunderstood regions in the Australian wine landscape, South Australia’s Riverland. Ashley’s time and travels in and across the industry have given him acute perspectives and an eye for opportunity, and after a recent trip to the USA, Ashley believes more than ever that there is an abundance of opportunity if the industry embraces thinking outside the box. It was a quick chat, but it doesn’t take long to gauge Ashley’s passion and his vision. A big thanks to Ashley for joining me.
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Darren Rathbone is the CEO and head Wine Maker in charge of the Rathbone Group, a family run enterprise responsible for Victoria’s Mount Langhi Gheran and Yering Station and Xanadu in Margaret River, WA. The Rathbone Group entered the Chinese market in around 2007, saw its rise and saw its collapse with the imposition of the Chinese tariffs. Now that the tariffs have been lifted the Rathbone Group is cautiously re-entering the Chinese market. Darren sat down with me to give a snapshot overview of the Rathbone Group’s activities, a history of the Chinese market and his perspectives on the future. A massive thanks to Darren for joining me.
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Giles Cooke MW is one of the industry leaders behind the sensational wave of new age Grenache sweeping across the McLaren vale and Barossa. He also brings bucketloads of perspective given his wealth of industry background developed in the European market - not to mention the big initials MW next to his name. Giles is all about excitement and innovation and doing what it takes to establish his wines in the premium market domestically and abroad. Giles and I talk about Giles’s story, what’s going on with Grenache and what is going on with Australia’s approach to the international market. A huge thanks to Giles for joining me.
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This is my first episode recorded since arriving in Santa Barbara, and I couldn’t think of a better way to start than by getting the Santa Barbara story, plus the story of a winery that forms part of Californian history. Who better to share the story than one of the legends of the Santa Barbara wine scene, Wes Hagen. A huge thanks to Wes for joining me.
There is nothing as important as going back to basics, so I called on wine rockstar Doug Neal for some education – on the topic of oak and its role in the wine world. As always, its difficult to be comprehensive, especially when you’re on the clock, but the passionate teacher in Doug came out and I found his class very insightful. A huge thanks to Doug for joining me.
It’s important to tie off loose ends, so I sat down with Jeremy Oliver a second time to cap off the themes in his recently release paper to the wine industry. We discussed China’s decision to lift the tariffs on Australian wine imports, the difficulties posed where a duopoly controls a consumer market and we discussed some of the feedback from our first chat. As always - fun and insightful. A massive thanks to Jeremy for joining me.
For more than three decades, Huon Hooke has dedicated his pen to the world of wine. Beginning his career as a journalist in the traditional print media, Huon has witnessed the evolution of wine reviewing and criticism from the era of the print media to the digital age and now the uncharted territory of social media. Huon generously shared his insights on the Real Review's work, the current landscape of wine criticism, and the myriad challenges and exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the Australian wine industry. A heartfelt thank you to Huon for joining me.
Andrew Burchell's vision is to put Mount Gambier on the national and global radar as a premium producing wine region. He has the passion, the love of wine and viticulture, and Mt Gambier provides the perfect conditions, including – wait for it – a volcano – yes Andrew crafts wines in the foothills of Australia’s only inactive volcano which is predicted to erupt in the next 1000 years. But far from loving the limelight, Andrew is a passionate crusader for the Mt Gambier region as a whole and of all those who have dedicated their lives to making wine there. Though he may not like to admit it, he is the perfect ambassador – passionate, enthusiastic, bubbling with personality, bold and all along adopting an approach to wine which is a little outside the conventional box, a bit like my audio in this episode. A massive thanks to Andrew for joining me.
Brandon Farrell travels the world tasting the world’s finest wines so that he can present them at events and as part of specially curated lists at dinners put on through his company the Brilliant Wine Co. Brandon’s travels recently brought him to Australia’s sunny shores. His intentions had originally been to get some sun and enjoy the surf, but when his network put him in touch with some of Australia’s finest producers, Brandon abandoned leisure and decided the do a blitz of the Australian wine trail, from the Hunter south to Tassie and across to WA. To summarise Brandon liked what he saw. I spoke with Brandon shortly after he returned to the US and he joined me to share his story, and insights of the current state of play in wine world. A huge thanks to Brandon for joining me.
The stars are aligning for Stephen Cook of Eisenstone Wines. Stephen modelled his project at Eisenstone on the production of small batch Barossa Shiraz, where success would follow Stephen’s attention to detail and captivating his audience with the resulting quality wines. Since I last spoke with Stephen, his range has grown to 12 subregional Barossa Shiraz expressions, all which tell a different story of the region and the producer. His wines continue to receive accolades and international recognition and Stephen’s success may be a blueprint for small producers to follow. As always, a huge thanks to Stephen for joining me on the show.
Brenden Robnik is a hard-working tradie by day, but when the sun goes down and he downs tools he morphs into the Wine Animal – who’s passion for wine and desire to share knows no limits. It doesn’t take long talking to the Wine Animal for his passion to shine through – but what is just as, if not more captivating, than the Wine Animal’s passion – is the story behind it. The Wine Animal’s story, aka the story of Brenden “Brenno” Robnik, is a story of difficulty that almost ended in tragedy, but Brenden’s love of wine shone through and forged a path that created the Wine Animal and set Brenden on an adventure that brings meaning and continual passion to him and all those he meets. Brenden “Brenno” Robnik joined me recently to share his story – and the story of the Wine Animal – A massive thanks to Brenden for joining me.
Melania Battiston was already an advanced Sommelier at the Court of Master Sommeliers by age 24. In 2021 Melania was rated in the top 100 most influential women in hospitality. In 2023 Melania was award young UK Sommelier of the year. In 2024 Melania was on the Decanter panel as a judge for the Decanter World Wine Awards. During COVID, Melania worked at Modena’s 3 Michelin Star restaurant Osteria Francescana – but after a tough first attempt at the Master Sommelier exam Melania checked herself- because her relationship with wine began to strain – so Melania set out on a mission to rekindle her love of wine – and this journey has taken her across the globe, from the UK, to Greece and onto Thailand – Her motto is dream it – make it and she was good enough to sit down with for a few minutes to share her story and her infectious passion. A huge passion to Melania for joining me.
Wine personalities don’t come much bigger than Jeremy Oliver. Widely considered to be not only Australia’s top wine authority, but also one of the top critic’s on the global stage, Jeremy Oliver’s wine story dates back to when he was a mentee of Dan Murphy at the first Dan Murphy’s store in Chapel Street Prahran. Now, with over 36 years as an independent wine critic, he has published over 30 books and has published in and been featured in numerous publications across the globe. Jeremy is extremely passionate about Australian wine but is also fearless in callings things as he sees it when the occasion demands. Jeremy recently released a paper in which he sought to summarise what he considers to be the current issues plaguing the Australian industry, from the oversupply of wine to the variance in quality, all facilitated by a systematic lack of considered oversite dating back many years. Jeremy Oliver joined me for two hours in which we sought to unpack the background to his paper. There were several topics in his paper that we did not discuss, but there is so much food for thought in what Jeremy shared. A huge thanks to Jeremy for joining me.
This year I fell in love with the wines of Barolo. I have long been fascinated by Italian wine, all its history and the specific characters that the diverse Italian terroir confers. Barolo is unique. Now Federica Boffa, 5th generation Pio Cesare, agrees that Barolo is indeed special and the slopes, soil and altitude confer a rare magic that those lucky enough to taste Barolo wines get to experience. The timing of this conversation was just perfect as for me - Barolo is Christmas in a bottle – beautiful, ethereal and bloody complex. Federica Boffa of the Pio Cesare wine family took some time out of her busy schedule to sit down with me to record the last episode before Christmas, in which she shares the Pio Cesare story, the story of a family with a history stretching back to 1881 and a continuous link to the town of Alba. I couldn’t think of a better way of bringing 2023 to a close for the Cellar Door Podcast. A massive thanks to Federica for joining me.
Will Taylor has experienced it all in the wine world. South Australian born and bred, he has spent a large portion of his career advising some of Australia’s most reputable wine businesses on how to navigate the business world. Will also has skin in the game, having operated his own successful label. Will recently joined me to share his perspectives on the state of play in the industry based on years of advising and also working in the wine industry. A massive thanks to Will for joining me.
Many months ago Californian wine great Wes Hagen caused me to reflect on what is the true lifeblood of the Australian wine industry – are we all about sunshine and ripeness or do we have a genuine fine wine sector, where we let real Australian character speak through our wines. On the international scene, Australia has performed strongly in what we might call the affordable, drink now, wine range – we have really had to fight to gain recognition for our fine wines, and we can thank groups like the First Families and many other passionate Australian wine advocates who have worked tirelessly to take our fine wines to the world for them to enjoy. In this episode I am again joined by Wes Hagen, and Aussie wine hero Doug Neal to talk about international perspectives on the Australian wine scene, and several other topics including the case for pinot noir in Australia, and the incredible potential in the Australian wine scene. A massive thanks to both Wes and Doug for sitting down with me.
I've spent a long time experimenting with different food and wine pairings, wondering why sometimes I nail them and other times I flunk it. Well, coming up to Christmas, my favourite time of the year, I'm taking the step to mitigate the risk of human fallibility, and that attached to using and applying general rules. I've called in the pro, Marc Malouf of I Heart Wine and Wines Worth Writing About to set me straight, or at least give me some infrastructure to guide my food and wine pairings moving forward. Marc shares his tips and tricks that will help take food and wine pairing to a new level. A massive thanks to Marc for joining me.
It is rare to achieve or merit cult status in the Aus wine scene. However, Doug Neal has done just that. His breadth of experience stretches from Burgundy to Bordeaux and across to California - back home in Australia he applied his Midas touch at Giaconda and the legendary Paradise IV before setting his sights on new ambitions with labels Altera Terra and Gaffy and Neal. Consistent with his personal ethos, Doug’s commitment is to making, not just good but brilliant wines. He does not settle for mediocrity. Once upon a time teacher, Doug has the knack for critical analysis and a sort of straightness of vision upon which he has built a revered reputation across Australian Wine. Doug not only shares his many journeys with me, but also his perspectives on the current state of affairs in the Australian wine world and his aspirations for the future of Australian wine. A legendary conversation, a massive thanks to Doug for joining me.
Shandor and Jess Lim were comfortably intrenched in the Hunter Valley wine scene, Jess was the lauded somm at the two hatted Muse restaurant, and Shandor operated a successful tourism company where he prided himself on providing an authentic and grassroots Hunter Valley experience. They tell the story of how they were both looking for a new wine frontier to explore to take their wine journey to new places – and they came to Queensland’s Granite Belt. This is the story of two remarkable people with fascinating backgrounds, both passionate ambassadors for the Australian Winery – who are loudly ringing the bell to announce that the QLD wine scene has come of age. They have relished being welcomed by the Granite Belt community and are beyond excited for the opportunities this booming region offers. A massive thanks to Shandor and Jess for joining me.
Mozzie Khan is an up-and-coming superstar in the Brisbane wine scene. He is the current Brisbane brand ambassador for Hidden Creek winery and he has made it his mission to educated people, on and infuse people with passion for, wine. While Mozzie generally hides his wealth of knowledge under a bushel, his personality may be best captured by one of his many Instagram handles, vines & style. Mozzie loves walking out among the vines – but he does so in style. He dresses with panache, his approach to wine is passionate and you kind of cannot help but getting caught up in it. Mozzie and my first interaction involved a conversation about a football team – but it didn’t take long for us to work each other out, and since then I have had the benefit of watching Mozzie’s fantastic work in the Brisbane scene as a passionate wine man and an ambassador for the Queensland wine industry. Mozzie and I sat down at a terrific Colombian Restaurant to chat Brisbane, food and wine. A massive thanks to Mozzie for joining me.
Barry and Bernadette Wurlod were dairy farmers. Their son Jerram describes them as being effective and innovative users of technology in the dairy industry. In 2005, Barry and Bernadette decided to pull up stumps on the dairy front, a decision which inspired a voyage to Europe, where they were immersed in the world of European wine. Here the spark of innovation and change was reignited and soon enough Barry and Bernadette had taken steps to convert the dairy farm into a winery with commercial potential. The Keayang Maar Vineyard is located in South Western Victoria in the region of Dixie, a region which is not traditionally recognised for its wine but a region which the Wurlod's are discovering has real wine producing potential. What started as an experiment has turned into a full-time role for Jerram Wurlod. Keayang Maar is a true family affair and simultaneously an adventure. It takes courage, creativity and true sense of adventure to pioneer wine making in a new region. This is just what the Wurlod family is doing. Jerram sat down with me to share it all. This is a family enterprise worth getting behind. A massive thanks to Jerram for joining me on the show.
I recently sat down with the Cellar Post's Ed Agg to hear all about the new program he has unrolled, giving his supporters access to ridiculous wine for incredible value prices. A unique program unrolling with a unique offering.
Part 2 of my chat with one of my favourite Sydney wine guys, the knowledgeable and charismatic Cal Lee. This week Cal takes us on a deep dive of the wine course he is taking at Charles Sturt University. Cal’s perspectives are invaluable for anyone who might consider taking their interest in wine to a whole new level. On this occasion I had to make use of a backup microphone (and you may notice that) , however the conversation with Cal was again beyond enjoyable and informative. As said last week, if you find yourself in Sydney’s inner east, do yourself a favour and duck into Love Tilly Devine. I promise you wont regret it.
Nearly twelve months ago I went out to dinner with one of my best friends to celebrate his engagement to his beautiful bride to be. Our choice of location was calculated, a wine bar I had been told had a great wine list, and a somm with a personality to match it. The rumours were correct on both counts. The wines were great – only outshone by the hospitality of the somm who looked after us. Cal Lee is the somm at Love Tilly Devine in Sydney’s Paddington district, a fantastic hole in the wall wine bar oozing with character and wine list and menu to match. By night Cal treats the Love Tilly patrons to top shelf hospitality – by day Cal devotes himself to the study of wine. Cal’s story and perspectives are the result of a broad experience across the world of wine service, WSET and studies at Charles Sturt. Add some passion to that cuvee and you have one of the most enjoyable and passionate wine personalities going around. We had so much to discuss that we did this chat over two segments - I hope you enjoy the chat, but give yourself a treat and go drop into Love Tilly Devine yourself.
I recall the first time I scanned one of Marc Malouf’s tasting notes. His attention to detail in pinpointing taste, his ability to identify the nuanced and specific, is remarkable and to my mind awe inspiring. Mark grew up in a family who loved and valued cuisine and this set the backdrop to Mark developing a forensic wine palate. Marc is a wine enthusiast extraordinaire and gives life to this passion through his work on his blog and website Winesoworthwritingabout, where, as the name suggest Mark devotes himself to uncovering and elevating the wines he discovers - which are literally worth writing about. Marc joined me on the show to share the story of the tragedy that inspired his wine journey, the solace wine gave him in healing and just where that journey has taken him.
I’m pretty sure it was Batman who said that crime never sleeps, but justice knows no bounds. Well, my eyes were truly opened when I began following the work of the illustrious Maureen Downey and her quest to shine the light on and fight wine crime. I was slightly more shocked with how readily Maureen agreed to sit down with me and share her story. Maureen Downey is a renowned authority in the world of wine fraud detection and authentication. With over two decades of experience, she has solidified her reputation as a trusted expert in the field, earning the respect of collectors, producers, and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Downey's journey into the wine world began in the world of hospitality, but her fascination with fine and rare wines eventually led her to focus on uncovering counterfeit and misrepresented bottles. Maureen played a key role in the taking down of wine fraudster Rudy Kurniawan and continues to traverse the wine world searching out and tackling criminal activity. In addition to her consulting work, Downey has been instrumental in educating the wine industry about the dangers of fraud and the importance of transparency. She continues to be a prominent voice in advocating for greater accountability and integrity in the world of wine, making Maureen Downey an indispensable figure in safeguarding the authenticity of fine wine. Maureen recently joined me for an action-packed conversation in which she shared her story and more. A massive thanks to Maureen for joining me.
Kate Sturgess and Brokenwood are two names synonymous with wine making excellence. Kate is a Queensland native who acted on an adventurous inspiration deciding that she would be a wine maker, a decision that placed her on a path to being one of the most exciting wine makers in the Australian landscape. Brokenwood winery in the heart of the hunter, with a reputation for excellence, was the brain child, or passion project of three wine Sydney lawyers who passion for wine and their expensive drinking habits at Len Evans wine bar forced them into the industry. Kate Sturgess and Brokenwood both have incredible stories. However, as with all things in the wine scene, the story comes from a burning passion that manifests integrity and quality. Kate has won countless awards and is a proud ambassador and leader guaranteeing and exciting future for Australian wine.
In 1901 a train steamed into Coonawarra and Bill Redman stepped off onto the station platform. Bill took a job at John Riddoch’s winery and thus the Redman family established itself in the Coonawarra region. I recently had the honour and privilege of sitting down with 4th generation Redman, Dan, who is the wine maker for Redman wines. The Redman family champion the Coonawarra region, a magic slice of terra rossa soil situated in South Australia’s limestone coast, stretching approximately 20 km. The magic of Coonawarra was codified when Coonawarra received GI recognition in 2003. Coonawarra is world famous for producing exceptional cabernet sauvignon, however I have recently had my eyes opened the diversity of Coonawarra excellence from Red blends to Chardonnay. The wines are exceptional, yet at the heart of Coonawarra is a community of people dedicated to the region. Dan Redman joins me to shed light on this incredible community which has harnessed the Coonawarra Terroir to produce incredible wines. A massive thanks to Dan for joining me.
Nick Brown tells me that he is nurturing wines in barrel that he will never see bottled – this is to ensure the success of their long-term vision of quality. This to me is wine at its best. There is an element of the supernatural, a counterintuitive sacrifice seen through a genuine willingness to contribute to something larger than oneself with a complete understanding that someone may never see the fruits of their sacrifice. What is it about the wine industry that breeds or instils this? What is it about the wine industry that calls successive generations back home to willingly accept the wisdom and torch from their predecessors? The Brown family are a genuine case study in this. One of the first families of Australian Wine, the Brown family are amongst the leading pioneers of Australian wine history. Nick Brown heads wine making operations in the Brown family-owned Rutherglen wineries of All Saints, St Leonard’s, and Mt Ophir. Nick has fond memories of doing midnight vineyards runs on the tractor with his father when he was a child. Nick insists that there was absolutely zero expectation that Nick would return to join the family enterprise. Yet fourth generation Brown siblings Nick, Angela and Eliza all made the decision upon the death of their father to take the reins and continue the Brown family tradition of crafting exceptional Australian wine. That’s what does it for me. The Browns are about family. Their wines tell this story. Nick Brown recently joined me for an hour to share all about the Brown’s and their history in Rutherglen. A massive thanks to Nick for joining me.
The term young gun is usually used to describe a young person who exhibits enormous potential early and looks set on actualising it. It also describes the philosophy underpinning the Australian Young Gun program, a program designed to harness and channel the potential of the youngest, brightest and best of the Aussie wine scene. Justin Folloso, originally from Tassie and full of potential and promise, was attracted to this opportunity. Justin says it was attending a Young Gun show and tasting Tasmanian Pinot Noir being exhibited that galvanised his decision to embark on a wine adventure. This adventure took Justin across the globe, from the Santa Rita Hills in California to the legendary slopes of Burgundy. Then Justin came home to settle and apply his craft in Australia. Along the way, while working on a cruise ship Justin met the lovely Rosario who was travelling abroad from her home in Mexico. The two of them have travelled the wine world and after returning to Australia eventually have decided that they would start their own label – Cave Wines, paying homage to a cave at the back of a wine cellar Justin worked in. Justin makes the wine; Rosaria takes care of business – they have the bases covered. The wines are every bit as exceptional as the story. A massive thanks to Justin and Rosario for joining me.
Spoiled again, Lindsay and I start with a stunning Hunter Chardonnay from the 5 star Elbourne winery in Pokolbin, we then move onto a fascinating Clare Valley mouvedre from Kilikanoon, the first Clare mouvedre for me. To finish, Lindsay pulls out a Barolo from a small and particular producer evidently doing very big things.....
Small scale wine making is vital for its contributions to diversity, sustainability, craftsmanship, and community support in the wine industry. It can be argued that It offers a more intimate and personalised experience for wine enthusiasts while helping to maintain the cultural richness and heritage associated with winemaking. Small wineries are the hidden gems of the wine world, the special finds with multidimensional value. With this in mind I recently sat down with the committee for the Australian Small Winemakers Show, a show dedicated to showcasing the hidden gems of the Australian world. Peter McGlashan, Christopher Doig and David Oag, share the background to the show, and the role it plays in bringing the very special to the surface for the wine word to know. A massive thanks to Peter, Christopher and David for joining me.
Ray Costanzo and Golden Grove are a wine enthusiast’s dream. Ray, born and raised in the emerging Granite Belt region, made it his mission, after working vintages all over the world, to show case the Granite Belt's very best, capitalising on one of Australia’s most exciting emerging regions. After all, when you have a winemaker as passionate, focused and innovative as Ray Costanzo, your industry is set to flourish. Ray boasts being the first Qld wine maker to receive Young Gun recognition. Anyone who has been following Ray’s work at the magical Golden Grove Estate will know that Ray’s 2022 vermentino swept across the nation picking up awards and acclaim left right and centre, and having tasted this wine on a number of occasions I can safety say that this is a wine that perfectly reflects Ray’s ethos being respect for culture and heritage while brining innovation and obsession with detail. It was such a treat sitting down with Ray and tasting his latest while hearing the story of a man whose dedication and passion for his craft have taken an industry be storm. A massive thanks to Ray for joining me.
Lindsay and I are blown away by a Rutherglen Prosecco, courtesy of Rutherglen pioneers Cofield, Lindsay serves up a classic Alsatian blend and we finish with the magic of the cool climate queen, Tillie J's Langhorne Creek Grenache
I was lucky enough to sit down with Jill Upton, host of the Wine Australia Show and Brand Manager for Accolade. Jill’s relationship with wine was galvanised in her 20’s when she got her hands on a bottle of Hill of Grace. Jill knew soon after that this wine thing was going to be a significant force in her life. Jill now hosts the flagship podcast in Australia and is a chief ambassador for the QLD Wine scene. Now Jill is usually the one hosting a podcast and asking questions, so it was special being able to turn the tables and put the questions to her – a massive thanks to Jill for joining me.
It seems like just yesterday I met the incredible Tillie Johnston. the Yarra Valley girl, who traversed the cool climate wine trail before setting up shop, for at least the present, back home in the Yarra Valley. Tillie has been tirelessly working to consolidate her success and the fruits of the harvest are looking good, with Tillie recently winning the People’s Choice Award at the Australian Young Gun Awards, an award series dedicated to fostering the young talent in the Aus Wine Industry. So, Tillie and I agreed that we were overdue for a catchup – we caught up on Tillie’s recent work and upcoming additions to her range, while also talking about her recent success - and insights into crafting wine in the Yarra Valley. She is absolutely one of my favourites and as always, I’m beyond grateful for her taking the time to join me.
Welcome to Tasting the Wright Way, where I sit down with my good mate and ultimate wine man Lindsay Wright to compare our value for money finds – here we taste, compare, learn and laugh – our mission being to locate the best value for money propositions in our local wine market. These shorter snippets are beyond fun to produce, and we hope you enjoy listening to them! Welcome to Tasting the Wright Way.
Wes Hagen is an icon of the modern US Wine scene. The flame was lit young for Wes, being known as the wine guy around university campus due to his access to his father’s wine cellar, from which all his friends benefited. It looks like Wes was always destined for greatness, and after one thing led to another he was voted as one of the most influential wine makers in the US, in addition to being responsible for writing the AVA’s that establish the Santa Barbara wine district. Despite being a rockstar winemaker, Wes’s greater passion lies in sharing his own love of wine with the world – and it is with that background that I sat down and spoke with Wes for over an hour - the experience was scintillating. He is the ultimate storyteller, educator, and raconteur. We covered everything from the history of wine to what makes Burgundy so special and just about everything in between. A very special chat with an incredible man – a huge thanks to Wes for joining me.
The Clare Valley has always been one of my favourite Australian wine regions. The incredible diversity of the place, from producing some of the world’s best Riesling, to also producing some of the world’s best reds – after all, if you haven’t yet been mesmerised by Clare Valley Shiraz you really need to sort that out – but there is a magic to the place, and I have always wondered what that was all about. So, who better to spill the beans – or the grapes for that matter - than Carissa Major of Claymore Wines – given that she has championed the Clare Valley for the greater part of 20 years. Carissa’s passion for Clare, Wine and Claymore are invigorating and electrifying and I do not throw those terms around loosely. Carissa joined me to share her story, a girl who would become a leading ambassador for the Clare Valley Region, the story of Claymore Wines and her perspectives on the Clare Valley past present and future – a massive thanks to Carissa for joining me.
The Clare Valley has always been one of my favourite Australian wine regions. The incredible diversity of the place, from producing some of the world’s best Riesling, to also producing some of the world’s best reds – after all, if you haven’t yet been mesmerised by Clare Valley Shiraz you really need to sort that out – but there is a magic to the place, and I have always wondered what that was all about. So, who better to spill the beans – or the grapes for that matter - than Carissa Major of Claymore Wines – given that she has championed the Clare Valley for the greater part of 20 years. Carissa’s passion for Clare, Wine and Claymore are invigorating and electrifying and I do not throw those terms around loosely. Carissa joined me to share her story, a girl who would become a leading ambassador for the Clare Valley Region, the story of Claymore Wines and her perspectives on the Clare Valley past present and future – a massive thanks to Carissa for joining me.
I hate to sounds cliché but I think I have met the Anthony Bourdain of the wine world – Vince Anter is a premier wine educator – when he decided to put an emphasis on place, he decided that the best way to do that was to take you right there – to the place where the wine comes from – be it, Province, Bordeaux, Piedmont, Rias Bijas – Vince thought – why not give people the michelin star experience and take them right there – to learn the history, the culture, all about the geography and everything else that comes with place – because that is just how to get the most out of wine. Vince Anter is the host and star of V is for Vino, a wine show that hooked me immediately when I stumbled upon it, hooked many hundreds of thousands before me and will continue to hook from now into the future. Now, what people don’t see is the behind-the-scenes work, the hours of dedication and hard work it takes to bring something like this together – so Vince joined me in a tell all, to share his story, the story of V is for Vino and his reflections on his work to date.
Now, in classic Tom fashion, I chose one of the most exciting interviews I’ve done to trial a new recording platform – and in classic fashion this did not go as planned and there was a slight tech issue which required some editorial magic to salvage – but salvaged it was – and in all honestly I am beyond happy with this final product, so with that a massive thanks to Vince for taking the time to have a chat.
Stella Bella Wines in Margaret River. I remember the first thing I noticed when I came across the winery was the name – a beautiful name, but quite unique especially when grouped with the associated and equally as quirky labels of Suckfizzle, Luminosa and Skuttlebutt – all magnificent labels crafted by head winemaker Luke Jolliffe. Now, Luke was born in South Australia’s Clare Valley, a magnificent wine region where Luke was surrounded by magnificent wineries and wines. Yet Luke is not from a wine growing family – in fact the joke was that he became the black sheep of the family when he chose a career in wine – a choice that took him to Adelaide University. From that point on Luke’s craftmanship has taken him from strength to strength. He has worked both abroad and returned to Australia’s sunny shores where he took up the helm at Stella Bella in Western Australia’s Margaret River. Luke has been behind an embarrassment of medals, awards and recognition for Stella Bella, particularly in 2021 for the Luminosa Cabernet receiving 99 points from the Real Review. Luke is as humble and down to earth as you get, and he recently took some time out of his busy schedule while he was on the road to have a chat and share his story, perspectives and insights into one of the Australia’s finest wine regions.
I was recently joined by Kyron and Katura Halleday of the philanthropic organisation 8 x 8 to Educate, whose mission is to raise funds and bring educational opportunities to developing communities. 8x8 to Educate was born after Katura travelled to Tanzania and returned home with hundreds of new friends - who she wanted to help. Since then, Katura, with the support of her superstar mother Kyron, has devoted herself to raising awareness and funds for the communities she supports. Circumstances recently caused me to team up with 8 x 8 to Educate to promote their most recent fundraiser – which just so happens to be a wine tasing in collaboration with local artists who will be putting their art up for sale to raise funds for the 8x8 cause. So, I sat down with daughter and mother to discuss the incredible work of 8x8, the details of the event – and the why behind it all! I hope you enjoy the show
There was a time when wine maker super star Sarah Crowe wasn’t sure that she was going to be a wine maker. Growing up as a beach loving girl in Wollongong, she studied horticulture with the thoughts of opening her own gardening business. However, life had other plans and planted the possibility in Sarah’s mind that a vineyard could hold more than just an arena to satisfy her passion for the outdoors. She soon found herself working vintages in the Hunter Valley - she was more than infected by the wine bug. Nine years at Brokenwood and three years at Bimbadgen and Sarah had cultivated a base upon which big things would grow. And this is exactly what happened when Sarah made the difficult decision to leave the Hunter Valley she knew so well and take an enormous opportunity as wine maker at Victoria’s Yarra Yering. Sarah was stepping into a major role at a winery with history, culture and reputation, built on the legend of Australian Wine pioneer Dr Bailey Carrodus. It was here that Sarah would make her biggest mark. The fruits of her persistence and effort where awarded in August of 2021 when Yarra Yering was awarded Australian Winery of the Year both by the Real Review and the Halliday Wine Companion, as well as wine of the year and red wine of the year for Sarah’s dry Bordeaux blend number 1. Sarah recently joined me to share her story, and the lessons she has learned throughout her wine adventure, from the vineyard to the winery. A massive thanks to Sarah for joining me.
It’s interesting to think that once upon a time, multi-award-winning Australian author Max Allen nervously submitted his first article hoping it would be published. It was published. The magazine actually liked it – so they asked Max to write another one. And another one. And another one. Anyone who has ever read the books, articles and other works of Max Allen more or less knows what happened. Max kept on writing and soon he had captivated and entire nation – through the medium of storytelling. After all, when you ask Max what he does – that is exactly what he says – he is a storyteller. But he has the most fascinating stories to tell. Max is constantly on the move, digging through the rich worlds of Australian history, culture, wine and a million other things to find the special and unique – then he shares it with us. Max currently writes for the Australian Financial Review , is Jancis Robinsons liaison in Australia and he still finds the time to author books which are some of the most enjoyable reads I have picked up. Max was recently good enough to sit down with me and share his story, some insights on his most recent book Intoxicating: 10 drinks that shaped Australia, and his perspectives on the relevance and importance of story telling. A massive thanks to Max for joining me.
The Hunter Valley, some three hours’ drive north of Sydney, is the spiritual home of wine in Australia. It is where the first Australian vineyards were planted. With a relatively warm climate, mitigated somewhat by humidity and some maritime influence, it boasts world class and unique expressions of many varietals particularly Chardonnay, Shiraz and Semillon. Andrew Thomas is a guardian of the Hunter Valley. Interestingly he was born in the McLaren Vale, but an opportunity to work at the renowned Tyrrells Winery caused Andrew to leave South Australia and move to the Hunter. Andrew may have had intentions of someday returning to South Australia, however the longer he spent in the Hunter Valley, the more he fell for its magic. He soon realised that his future lay in the Hunter Valley, and he has dedicated himself to harnessing the Hunter’s potential and expressing it as liquid brilliance in a bottle. Andrew lives and breathes the Hunter. From the strength of his relationship with local growers to his intimate understanding of and focus on Hunter shiraz and Semillon, Andrew strongly believes that the Hunter possesses a magic that gives an unrivalled expression of class and elegance – in short, the finer things. Andrew recently joined me to share his story, from the young wine maker who graduated from Roseworthy and took a job Tyrells, to becoming creating a label that is synonymous with Hunter Valley excellence. A massive thanks to Andrew for joining me.
Nestled in a very inconspicuous section of Brisbane’s Albion is a treasure adding to the growing prowess of the Brisbane, cultural, culinary and wine scene. Here lies Wineism, owned and curated by sommelier extraordinaire Ian Trinkle whose reputation for creativity and selection precedes him. Ian, who heralds originally from Philadelphia in the USA, spent his early days watching his grandfather manage restaurants and Ian may have been subconsciously infused with this passion. Ian grew up in the world of American hospitality and along the way fell across the WSET education program, which he remains involved with in this day. Circumstances caused Ian to make a life changing move from the land of the free to the land down under and it wasn’t long before Ian made his mark on the Brisbane wine scene when he was appointed as head somm at Brisbane fine dining restaurant Aria. Ian eventually decided it was time to create his own personal footprint in the Brisbane hospitality scene and he opened his own wine shop where he could give expression to his own creativity - something anyone who has visited Wineism will have experienced – Ian has curated a fine wine list that takes you around the world, in an affordable manner that is also educational. Ian also takes an active role in the Brisbane WSET system and has plans to establish Wineism as a genuine educational hub. Ian recently sat down with me to share his journey from Philadelphia to Brisbane and the story behind a life dedicated to wine and service - in short hospitality. A massive thanks to Ian for joining me.
Lindsay Wright walked into a wine store looking for a job when he was 20. He doesn’t boast enormous wine pedigree, though he has researched that his family has heritage stretching back to the Geelong and far off Champagne of many years ago – so it may very well be in his DNA. However, when Lindsay walked into that wine store on that fateful day, something happened, and it changed Lindsay’s life more or less for ever. Lindsay had caught the wine bug, or it could be said that the wine bug caught Lindsay. He has since devoted countless hours to perfecting the art of hospitality and fine wine retail whilst fine tuning his own wine knowledge through the WSET. Lindsay went so far as to attain the WSET diploma which is one of the most respected qualifications in the world of wine – but Lindsay is no ordinary person, and anyone who has per chance happened upon Lindsay in the fine wine establishment he manages will note his perfect blend of passion and respect for wine coupled with fun and a down to earth enthusiasm. If you lucky enough to encounter Lindsay, it is downright fun and downright educational. Lindsay recently shared all of that passion and fun with me over a couple of bottles of wine in a conversation that was truly memorable. A massive thanks to Lindsay for joining me.
The wine world is full of hidden treasures - hidden wineries that you stumble across and have a great experience with, both tasting the wines and meeting the people. But many of these hidden gems lack the financial backing to purchase recognition – and yes, for the most part, unless you are extremely lucky, you must purchase recognition. Unfortunately, marketing costs are quite steep for small business who put all their resources into primary production – Now enter the Local Batch, a unique bunch of individuals who saw the plight of small growers and producers and have made it their mission to respond to the call. John and Albert from the Local Batch joined me to tell me the story of the Local Batch, a unique and quite a multicultural group of people who came together to champion the small wineries of the Barossa and beyond. John Lange has been growing grapes for reputable wineries for some time. Albert Jeziorski managed to convince John that his wine was good enough to sell – but the problem was John didn’t have a platform. So, Albert came back a couple of days later with a proposal – and that was the start of the Local Batch, a growing cooperative of small growers and wine makers who want to bring their wine to the forefront. John and Albert tell their stories, and the story of the local batch. A massive thanks to John and Albert for joining me.
I think the first ever social media platform I recall hearing about was Myspace. Can’t ever say I got amongst that one when I was at school, but in the blink of an eye, its out with the old and in with Facebook. And it was all Facebook. For a long time. Until it wasn’t – and then it was Twitter, Pintrest Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok – you get the picture – this world ditches and upgrades pretty rapidly and if you want to be part of the conversation, then the world really demands quite a lot from you – you need to keep up. This requires constantly monitoring the online world around you, reading the wind and adapting or anticipating where possible. This stuff is really time consuming and even then you might just have misread the room. Now just imagine trying to be a small business trying to stay relevant in this conversation. It’s kind of tough. Yet there are some people who are particularly good at reading and picking the changes, and who have created a passion out of sharing and promoting brands in this rapidly evolving landscape. I recently sat down with Ella Pradella who runs the Cheeky Vino website – the mission of which is to simplify wine for the consumer and make it fun. Ella is also passionate about producers and loves promoting their products in this fast-paced online world. And it takes a lot to keep up with the flow – just ask her. Ella was kind enough to share her story, the story of the Cheeky Vino and her insights on just what it takes to stay relevant in the fastest and most volatile conversation going around. A massive thanks to Ella for joining me.
The Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria’s Geelong region is one of Australia’s magical maritime subregions. Together with the Mornington Peninsula to the southeast it separates Port Phillip Bay from the Bass Strait. Here wine makers craft exceptional pinot noir, shiraz and Chardonnay and capitalise and the regions ancient soils. Now it would be a might task to find someone who knows Bellarine better than Robin Brockett. Robin has been producing world class wines in the Bellarine area for over 30 years. He has also been the wine maker at the world class Scotchman’s Hill winery in Bellarine for over 30 years. Many wine makers have told me how important understand terroir is to ensuring quality wine, and this principle is captured in the often-said axiom “Wines are made in the vineyard”. When talking to Robin, one quickly realises how intimately he understands the region’s terroir and how best to harness it to craft exceptional wines. Robin was good enough to sit down with me to share his perspectives on wine in the Bellarine region, his own work and the activities at the wonderful Scotchman’s Hill winery.
The wine market is a buzzing production line of activity, from the vignerons and wine makers on one end, through to the consumers on the other end, all teaming together like a complex echo system to keep the world of wine pulsing and spinning around. Now an integral and complex part of this process is guiding consumer choice. This goes very much to upholding the integrity of the wine economy through ensuring that consumers and buyers can make informed buying decisions and that the consumer gets bang for their buck. So for example, for the most part, a $15 - $20 wine will give you a different experience to say a $80-$100 dollar bottle. I do say for the most part. It’s a matter of quality, effort, precision, of attention to detail, all traits that definitely express themselves in the final product. Now wine reviewers are integral in identifying, evaluating and describing wines, the idea being that when a consumer goes to buy a wine they can rely on the work of the reviewers to make an informed decision. These reviewers have been in the game a long time, have very attuned palates and know how to identify the good stuff from the stuff that may not be a great return on investment. Steve Leszczynski is one such reviewer, being the Editor of QWineReviews. Steve started QWineReviews more or less after some people identified that Steve had the requisite eye for the details. Fast forward a few years and Steve, who works full time as a teacher, will review on average 700 wines a year. Not bad for a part timer. Now for full disclosure, when Steve and I sat down to chat in Brisbane’s Mowbray Park, the sun was shining, and the wind was blowing. So I do apologise if the you get a few gusts of wind in your ear over the course of this interview. I learn for next time. We could however look at it as an authentic expression of the place. I’ll leave that to you. A massive thanks to Steve for joining me.
Queensland’s Granite Belt. It’s one of Australia’s exciting emerging wines scenes, possessing a unique beauty and identity which expresses itself through the region’s wines. As the region’s name suggests, the large Granite slabs and Boulders that dot the scenic landscape and the granite-based soils, paired with the Granite Belt’s surprising altitude, form a distinctive terroir that wine maker Peter McGlashan has dedicated his life to harnessing. Peter is the head wine maker at Stanthorpe’s Ridgemill estate in the Granite Belt – and he lives and breathes Granite Belt Wine. Peter was also one of the minds behind the Strange Bird project, the mission of which is to express and display the Granite Belt’s unique terroir through carefully chosen alternative grape varietals. Peter is down to earth and down right passionate about his craft and the Granite Belt terroir. When an industry contact told me that Peter was the man to talk to for all thing Granite Belt I packed up for a day trip to meet the man, the myth and the legend on his home turf, at Ridgemill Estate. Peter and I sat down to have what turned out to be a truly memorable chat about Peter’s story, the status of the Granite Belt, the Strange Bird Project and Peter’s outlook on the future. A massive thanks to Peter for joining me.
I was fortunate enough to cut my teeth on some of Australia’s Big Reds. The first wines I remember tasting were from my dad’s collection of Barossa Shiraz or it could have also been Coonawarra or Margaret River Cabernet. We were kind of spoilt from a young age in my family when it came to wine, and we didn’t really have an appreciation for the magic we were allowed to play with. Then I got a little bit older and one day, still a number of years ago now, Dad decided to throw a curve ball and it kind of changed it all for me. That was the first time I had a Clare Valley Riesling, crisp refreshing fruit, balanced with acid. It opened my eyes and showed me how big the world of wine was. There was really no stopping after that. Now, wine magician John Hughes, also fell in love with Riesling at a young age. His friends at university called him the Riesling Freak a nickname he earned from his practice of bringing bottles of Riesling from his parents’ cellar for his friends to enjoy. John’s love of wine developed, and it was only a matter of time before he left his mark on an industry he loves. John says he learned the secret of adapting to the elements during the time he spent under wine superstar Chris Ringland. Then John bundled up all the secrets and the tricks he learned and embarked on his own journey - a project entitled dedicated to Riesling. Entirely. Thus, John launched Rieslingfreak. Fast forward to today and John Hughes and the Rieslingfreak brand are really synonymous with and are the national benchmarks for Riesling, one of the trust noble varieties. John’s wine making gives expression to his universal love of Riesling, from Germany to Clare, and the South Australian Riesling scene is his playground. John Hughes was kind enough to join me for a chat where he shared some of that passion with me. A massive thanks to John for joining me.
Something that draws me to the wine industry, perhaps more than anything else, are the stories of the people within it. The stereotypical story I discover is a story of a family with an ancestry stretching back to some courageous individuals who set out to do something beautiful and daring. The stereotypical setting is a place like the Barossa Valley, settled many many years ago by German settlers fleeing persecution in Prussia. They arrived in Australia, mixed their labour with the land – and today we are the beneficiaries of that narrative. The Riebke family, of German origin, is synonymous with the South Australian wine scene. Carol and Nick Riebke are part of that legacy and see themselves in the custodians of their ancestor’s story. To that end they started Lost Penny Wines, named after the countless lucky pennies that can be found in the vineyards surrounding the winery. The names of their wines all capture the story of the surrounding places and characters. I have it on good authority that the quality of the wines speak for themselves. Nick and Carol Riebke joined me on the show to share the story of a group of German settles who fled Germany many years ago and came to Australia and ended up crafting a magical legacy of wine, a legacy that Nick and Carol hold high with great pride and effect.
Every once in a while, I stumble across fascinating people who are genuine wine enthusiasts. They aren’t necessary part of the primary production, but something happened in their life which connected them to the industry and they have been forever search how to not only maintain the connection, but also to let it flourish. Tom Crago, originally from South Australia is one such person. He is the CEO of the globally renowned game developer company Tantalus, the owner of, or stakeholder in, a number of fine dining establishments across the globe and, last but not least – and how I came to meet Tom – an Author. Tom published his first book Flash Backs from the Flow Zone in 2014, a book that captures Tom’s early travelling of the world and creating what would become a globally renowned gaming company. Tom eventually realised that he had unfinished business. And this was penning a love letter to the Australian Wine Industry – thus Tom penned Grand Crew, the story of a Jude, a Melbournian who gets rich quickly through a fortuitous business deal and sets off on an adventure across the globe where Jude is intrusted with the quest of opening his own Melbourne Bistro. The book is as bold as it is romantic – it is very much Tom’s love letter to an industry that he loves. Tom joined me on the podcast to talk about the story of Jude, but more importantly Tom’s story and his romantic relationship with wine. A massive thanks to Tom for joining me.
Somebody once told me that the history of wine is the history of mankind. Well, without going to any lengths to verify the veracity of that proposition, what I can say is that wine is serious old, and wine has a seriously old relationship with humanity. I always loved ancient history. I have long been fascinated by the Old Testament stories, the tales that came out of Mesopotamia, the sea faring Phoenicians, the Greek Epics, then the conquests and cultural footprint the ancient Romans left behind. Throughout all these stories, the rise and fall of civilisations – wine takes up pages in all of these narratives. I fell in love with the stories of what we would call “old world wine”, of old world Burgundy and the Benedictine monks at Cote Chalonnaise , the story of the Gallo Nero, the black rooster of Chianti Classico region, stories that bring the past to life in an abundance of colour. But wine goes back so much further. I recently sat down with Keti Siradze, a native of the Georgian capital Tbilisi, who has made it her mission to share her passion for Georgian wine with the world. Georgia lays claim to being the birthplace of wine, with many dating the country’s wine making history back as far as 8000 BC. For a country that has seen and survived the rise and fall of many civilisations, Georgia’s relationship with wine has always been rich. When talking with Keti, one can tell that her passion for Georgian wine is as rich as the countries culture itself. Keti gave me an overview of the Georgian wine scene, and she discussed current trends, movements and problems impacting it. She also shares her story and her hopes for the future. A massive thanks to Keti for joining me.
The Victorian Alps, also known as the High Country, is some of Australia’s most stunning countryside occupying the majority of Eastern Victoria. It’s a bit of a tourist hotspot, being more or less the home of Australian Alpine Skiing. It's also home to a rapidly developing and exciting wine scene. Here you will find Billy Button Wines, named after the yellow daisies that are dotted all over the Highlands. Billy Button Wines is managed by Jo Marsh and Glen James, two extraordinary wine makers who started the project as an avenue to express their creativity. From 2014 Billy Button Wines has experienced acclaim and growth championing the emerging Alpine region, alternative varietals and a creative wine making vision. When Jo and Glen say they are dedicated to creativity and challenging the status quo with emerging varietals, they mean it. They have access to the regions best vineyards and love playing with grapes like Friulano, and Schioppettino, Refosco to name a few. Billy Button Wines are what you would call trend setters – Jo Marsh and Glen James joined me on the show to share their story and the story of Billy Button Wines. A massive thanks to Jo and Glen for joining me.
Kansas City. Historically it was known as the Paris of the Plains, basically ignoring Prohibition in the early 1900s and becoming an a thriving bed of speakeasies, jazz and culture. Kansas City’s history is beyond colourful. I have lots of family living in Kansas City, including a number of siblings, so it really is a home away from a home and I escape to Kansas City whenever I can - which is far less often than I would like. Sown in amongst Kansas Cities rich tapestry of jazz, bourbon and colour is a rich current of wine lovers. There are a number of terrific wine bars in Kansas City - you walk in and are met with passion, knowledge and service – hallmarks very typical of the US hospitality and service scene. My family owns a house in a little slice of paradise called brookside. It’s a charming neighbourhood dotted with Tudor cottages forming part of the Country Club District, the largest contiguous master-planned community in the United States. My dad used to talk to me about Underdog Wines, a fantastic boutique wine shop in Brookside where he said the quality of the wines was equalled by the passion and the service – there was also an uncanny number of Australians. So I decided that I was going to go and check it out for myself. I had said I wasn’t doing any podcasting on my holiday, but I just couldn’t pass this up. I walked in and I met Ryan Sciara, the owner of Underdog whose mission is to run a wine store that champions quality and the little guy, ala “Underdog”. I also met Chris Knowles. Now the funny thing about Chris is that Chris is a fellow Queenslander, who had an adventure that not only formed his love of wine, but ultimately led him to the Midwest where he has been for some time, – as you can tell from his exotic accent. Ryan and Chris not only share the Underdog story, but also their own stories and their perspectives on the US wine scene. A massive thanks to Ryan and Chris for joining me.
In 1866 Henry Best built a winery in the Victorian town of Great Western. Some years later in 1920 the Thomson family took over. Now, the Thomson family have owned and run Bests Winery for 5 successive generations. Not only do they have a long history with Bests Winery and also what is now the geographical indication of Great Western, but they also have claim to some of the oldest vines in the world, vines from a bygone day when James Busby brought out what came to be known as the Busby Collection in the 1840s. I recently sat down with 5th generation Ben Thomson and his wonderful wife Nicole. Ben, born and bred in Great Western, always wanted to work with the land. Not only is Ben the viticulturist at Bests but he runs his own harvesting company which operates across some of Australia’s most renowned wine regions. Nicole too was brought up on a farm. She one day bought a vineyard and met a handsome Ben Thomson when he was visiting to acquire some of her grapes. Together Ben and Nicole pour their hearts and souls into Bests winery. Five generations of such passion for wine. That must be the key ingredient to one of Australia’s Best kept secrets. A massive thanks to Ben and Nicole for joining me.
Wirra Wirra in the McLaren Vale – it’s an Australian icon. It’s as old as the Australian wine industry, dating back to the late 1800’s when the energetic Robert Wigley left the city life and focussed his energy on wine. Over 100 years later, Wirra Wirra has cemented its place in Australian history and culture. Everyone knows and loves Church Block. Many people have shared with me the exhilaration they felt when they visited Wirra Wirra and saw the trebuchet hurl a watermelon 100 metres before the melon exploded in the far off paddock. The Wirra Wirra experience extends beyond wine. Yet at its heart Wirra Wirra remains a winery with over 100 years of history with the mission of crafting breathtaking wines for people like you and me to enjoy. Don’t they do it well. Luke Tyler, the Marketing manager at Wirra Wirra recently joined me to share his insights from the time he has spent at Wirra Wirra. A massive thanks to Luke to joining me.
Jane Richard’s story is one of resilience. Her life was turned upside down in one of the more remarkable calamities that you will hear about. But Jane had strong family roots in South Australia’s Limestone Coast, so when life closed one door, it opened another, and Jane charged on. Jane’s family vineyard is in the Wrattonbully district. Her sister Claire studied viticulture at Roseworthy and has ended up teaming up with Jane to make Eight at the Gate, two sisters with 8 kids and damn lot of heart. Given Jane’s unique background, she provides incredible insight on everything – from the plight of grape growers in the modern Australian Wine scene to the beauties of working a family business. Jane was good enough to share the incredible details of her story and the story of Eight at the Gate. A massive thanks to Jane for joining me.
My chat with Nick Whiteway was action packed. Beyond fun. That’s what you would expect – talking to someone who one day, years ago, decided to trade in his pin striped suit and shiny shoes for a life dedicated to wine, the wine industry and the wonderful people in it. While Nick has his fingers in many different ferments, his main passion, or so it seemed from talking to him, was taking a wine brand he believes in and is passionate about and sharing it with the world. Nick’s passion for wine and those be believes in is contagious. He’s been everywhere – and I mean everywhere – and he’s seen it all. He has seen the industry change for better and for worse – all things that we discuss in our action-packed chat. Nick shared recently shared with me the story of his wine journey. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. A massive thanks to Nick for joining me.
Ed Agg grew up on the English southern coast. He cherishes the memory of following his dad, a lover of Claret, through wine stores, thumbing through a wine guide and matching the wines in the guide with those he spotted on the shelf. Ed was reading about Grand Cru Burgundy and First Growth Bordeaux long before he was drinking them. Then Ed hit drinking age. His love of wine flourished. Ed’s job eventually led him from the far away European shores to Australia and Ed’s wine world expanded exponentially. Now, Ed has always been creative and relatively social media savvy. Anyone who has seen his online content on the CellarPost will know this. It was at the start of the COVID 19 pandemic that Ed decided to blend his passion for wine with his penchant for creativity and social media. Ed’s content and the CellarPost immediately found traction and Ed has cemented his place in the online wine world. Ed’s passion is wine, wine making and providing a platform on which authentic wines and wine makers can display the fruit of their labour. Ed recently joined me for a thoroughly enjoyable conversation in which his shared his story, his reflections on his work and his vision for the future. A massive thanks to Ed for joining me.
Every wine has a story. The best wines tell a story complete with colour, excitement, and adventure. Where is this wine from? What is the story of that place? Who owned the vineyard? Who planted it? What is their story? What was that wine maker giving expression to through crafting the wine? What happened during that vintage that left an indelible mark on that bottle of wine? These are the sort of questions that once answered give a wine its story. Now, Kilikanoon Wines in the Clare Valley has a story based on a rich history. Father and son Mort and Kevin Mitchell’s intricate connection with and understanding of the Clare Valley Terrior expresses itself in the wines they craft and the accolades they have compiled over the years. They have succeeded in harnessing the Clare’s potential. In this episode, I am joined on this podcast by Mr Travis Fuller who was invited to become GM of Kilikanoon wines, thus writing the latest chapter in his own illustrious wine adventure. Travis has been around and seen it all, and done it all – and remains convinced that there is a unique magic about the Clare, and this is captured and shared best by Kilikanoon. A massive thanks to Travis for joining me on the show.
The Barossa Valley is a very special gem in the crown of Australian Wine, and within the Barossa there are some exceptional people making exceptional wines. I was recently privileged to get my hands on two bottles of Stephen Cook’s Eisenstone wines, from the Ebenezer sub region. I’m not sure exceptional really sums up my feelings about these wines. Stephen Cook, originally from New Zealand, settled in the Barossa to pursue his lifelong dream of making wines under his own label. Stephen is a big believer that wines should reflect a sense of place, and he does this extremely well. My comment would be that when drinking one of Stephen’s wines, you feel like you are being let in on something very special. This is Stephen’s story. A massive thanks to Stephen for joining me.
The Ashmead family arrived in the Barossa Valley in 1979. A real estate agent in the Nariootpa subregion sold them a house and threw in a vineyard to sweeten and seal the deal. Those were the days. Fast forward, 40 odd years, a Jimmy Watson and two generations of crafting fabulous Barossa Valley wines and Elderton Wines continues to go from Strength to Strength under the leadership of second-generation Cameron and Allister Ashmead. Allister Ashmead sits down with me to talk Barossa Valley, and to share both his story and the Elderton story. The Elderton Wines story is marked by watching for and capitalising on opportunities and striving for brilliance through innovation. You can listen to Alister share the rest of it. A massive thanks to Allister for joining me.
When I read that Australian Cricket legend Ricky Ponting had launched a wine label I must confess I was among those who questioned whether it was just another celebrity PR stunt. I later read that Ricky had teamed up with wine maker Ben Riggs, who’s wines and reputation need no introduction. A further fun fact I discovered was that when Ricky retired as Captain of the Australian Team, he was gifted 42 bottles of Penfolds Grange, 1 bottle for each test century he scored. I was lucky enough to sit down with David Krenich, co-founder of Ponting Wines, to find out exactly what was going on at Ponting Wines and where it all came from. David is a long term friend of Ricky’s and one day had a vision of taking Ricky’s love of wine and reputation and the skills of winemaker Ben Riggs and blending them into a bottle. Ben picked up the phone and pitched the idea to Ricky. Half an hour later David was on the phone to Ben Riggs and the David’s vision came to life. All on the eve of the COVID 19 pandemic. David brings a career at Moet Hennesey to the Ponting project and takes great pride in confronting those who suggest that Ponting Wines is anything other than a premium wine label. David is extremely excited and ambitious for what the future holds.
The story of Chance Encounter Wines is the story of two friends who because of a chance encounter have embarked on a wine journey marked by fun and excellence. Troy and Adam met many moons ago on a rowing team. They have stayed close friends since and one day over a beer decided they would take the plunge together into the wine world. Troy brings business acumen, having a commercial background. Adam is a viticulturist with an eye for detail and quality. Chance Encounter Wines entered the Halliday wine awards for a quality check. Next thing they knew, their winery was shortlisted for the Best New Winery Award. Whether it be the McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills or the Barossa Valley, Troy and Adam are on a mission to craft wines of excellence and elegance. They also seem to be having heaps of fun along the way with a slightly unconventional approach to their business. A massive thanks to both Troy and Adam for joining me.
I first came across the Head Wines label when working in one of Brisbane’s fine wine establishments. A customer saw the Head Wines label on the shelf and took it upon himself to educate me on the subject of Alex Head’s excellence as a wine maker. I owe that customer to this day. Alex’s passion for crafting award winning Rhone blends in South Australia’s Barossa Valley was sparked by a trip he took to France’s Cote Rotie. The magic and romance of the French Wine world never left him. Alex has made his mark on the Australian wine world and continues to craft brilliant wines. I recently sat down with Alex to talk about his story, the good times, tough times and the ins, outs and challenges associated with being a wine maker in modern Australian.
Michael Juergen, travelled to Bhutan to run a distance race. While running down the rocky Himalayan slopes, Michael had a vision of a wine industry. Not just any old wine industry but a premium wine industry. Not one to let an epic idea slip away, Michael flew back to his Deloitte office in California and prepared a white paper for the inception of a wine industry for the Bhutanese government. This is the background to a truly extraordinary story of an extraordinary person, whose love of epic adventures has taken him to the frontier of the world and the wine scene. Michael joins me to tell his story. Massive thanks to Michael for joining me.
Prometheus Wines champions the wines of South Australia’s Riverland region. Andrew Starkey, the co-founder of Prometheus Wines, joins me to share the story of a winery that was born from a desire to be innovative in the crafting of wines. Andrew had a background in big corporates, but a love and admiration for the small players and a desire to forge his own path caused Andrew to take a chance, team up with some friends and start the Prometheus journey. Andrew joins me for a glass of wine, and to tell me the fabulous story of an innovative winery doing exciting things. A massive thanks to Andrew for joining me.
The Master of Wine qualification is regarded as one of the highest qualifications one can receive in the wine world. There are 409 Masters of Wine in the world. I was lucky enough to sit down with one of them, Mr Andrew Corrigan MW to hear his story and his perspectives on all things wine. We discussed the state of play of wine in the Granite Belt, and Andrew gave me the run down on Hidden Creek winery, one of Stanthorpe’s slices of paradise. A massive thanks to Andrew for joining me.
Another interview with another magnificent McLaren Vale Winery. But this winery brings something a little different. I was lucky enough to sit down with Mike and Melissa Brown of Gemtree Wines to talk about Gemtree’s story, which is also the story of a winery on the frontier of Australia’s biodynamic wine movement. Mike and Melissa passionately believe in the future of the biodynamic wine movement, and the responsibility they and other have on ensuring the future of that movement. The best wines are wines that give an honest and unadulterated expression of the place from which they come and are crafted in a way that ensure the future benefits from the decisions in the present. This is the Gemtree mission and here is the Gemtree story. A massive thanks to Mike and Mellisa for joining me.
Sara Newberry’s earliest memories of wine involved her reluctantly tasting a less than pleasant red pushed at her by her mother. However, after stepping away from her early career to become a superstar mother, she one day walked into a quant wine store called Sense of Taste on Brisbane’s port-side. This was the start of something special. Sara had found her passion and her love for wine immediately began to blossom. One day Sara got talking to some wine reps who came into the store, one thing lead to another and Sara was soon hired as the Queensland Territory manager for Shottesbrooke in the McClaren Vale. Sara is known in the Queensland and wider communities for her passion for wine, the eloquence and poetry with which she describes it and her uncanny ability to share her passion with those she meets. Sara recently sat down with me to share the story of how she fell in love with wine and where that journey took her. A massive thanks to Sara for joining me.
Have you heard the story about the Irishman who married the Italian woman and started a winery? Well, you better tune into Tim Donegan’s story which also happens to be the story of what is arguably Australia’s smallest commercial winery. Tim Donegan started Trocchio wines as a side hustle to appease his love of wine and to see where it would lead. One thing led to another and his accountant advised that the way things were heading, Tim should take a closer look at his winery’s commercial structure – an indication of growth. Now, while Tim still works full time, he has a devoted following who keep him crafting his wines. But it doesn’t stop there. Those who have come across Tim can appreciated that he is a people person who loves nothing more than sharing his love of wine with others. Tim leaves a wake of wine appreciators in his trail wherever he goes. So it is with that love of wine that Tim and I sat down to talk about Tim’s story.
David O’Leary grew up riding horses and trapping rabbits in the Adelaide Hills. Pretty perfect childhood. Then there was the wine. David loved vineyards and wineries from an early age. This love grew and developed. Like many of Australia’s best, he went to Roseworthy and made wine at a number of top Australian wineries including Petaluma. David eventually joined forces with Nick Walker and O’Leary Walker was born. Since then, David can brag a Jimmy Watson and Red Wine Maker of the Year - twice. We haven’t even mentioned his riesling. This is David’s story. A massive thanks to David for joining me.
You don’t have to be born into the wine industry to be captivated by its mystery and beauty. Priscilla Hennekam is a native of Brazil and after studying gastronomy she pulled up stumps and moved across to Argentina - where she immersed herself in the world of wine. After gallivanting around the globe with the goal of taking the wine world for all it has to offer, she met a wonderful Australian man – and that is where she decided to settle. Since then Priscilla has worked with numerous South Australian wineries, and has set up her own consultation and brokering business. Priscilla’s personality and laugh are kind of infectious and I like to think of this as the perfect reflection of the world of wine - full of colour, joy and creativity. A massive thanks to Priscilla for joining me.
Fred Peacock is more or less synonymous with the development of the Tasmanian wine industry. His name is also synonymous with Bream Creek, a Tasmanian Winery renowned for crafting sensational cool climate wines. Fred is a self-confessed dirt man. Distinguishing himself from those who work in the cellar – Fred’s passions are vines, soil, and terroir. Fred joins me in the Cellar Door to talk about Bream Creek, the Tasmanian Wine region – and what it means to be a dirt man. A massive thanks to Fred Peacock for joining me.
Coriole wines, nestled in South Australia’s enchanted McClaren Vale, boasts stunning scenery, a stunning winery and majestic wines. Coriole can also boast the Lloyd family, the owners of Coriole since 1967. I was fortunate to sit down with siblings Peter Lloyd, the general manager of Coriole, and Duncan Lloyd, the head wine maker, to hear Peter’s and Duncan’s take on the Coriole story, their take on wine making at Coriole and also some special family moments. A massive thanks to both of Peter and Duncan for joining me and a massive shout out to Kate Potter from Coriole for facilitating this chat.
When I last sat down with Mason Canning, the Queensland Manager for Terroir Selections, Mason shared the story of his initial foray into the wine scene and his time working cellar doors in the Barossa Valley. Unfortunately, on that occasion, our time was cut short and accordingly, so was Mason’s story. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mason and pick up where we left off, talking about Mason’s role in the Queensland distribution scene. Mason and I also take the opportunity to discuss the flourishing Brisbane wine scene. Thanks to Mason again for joining me.
The story of Ballandean estate is the story of the Qld wine industry. It’s a story of courage, immigrating to a distant land, having an eye for opportunity, seizing the opportunity and crafting a legacy that family carries on. Angelo Puglisi, the father of the QLD wine industry and the owner of Ballandean estate did all of that. And we havnt yet touched on the stunning wines that Ballandean offer. Leeanne Puglisi Gangemi, Angelo’s daughter joined me in the cellar door to share the Ballandean story. A massive thanks to Leeanne for joining me.
When Terry Chellappah founded the Plan B wine project in Western Australia, he wasn’t quite sure how it was all going to turn out, an incite into the name’s etymology. However Plan B have since had their wines consumed at lavish conferences in London, in bars across Berlin, Finland and Sweden. Further they have somewhat of a cult following in Australia and have a particular passion for crafting delicious Rieslings. Terry joins me in the cellar door to tell the story of how a young musician on the road had the urge to have a real crack at this wine game. I think you could safely say that Terry has pulled it off. That may be quite an understatement. A massive thanks to Terry for joining me
There is something of a revolution taking place in the Hunter Valley. A crop of young wine makers are coming through and blending exciting wines with an emphasis on place. Young gun wine maker Angus Vinden is spearheading this charge. He considers himself a custodian of the riches of the Hunter and is charged with reflecting those treasures in his wines. Angus, who took part in his first vintage aged 7, alongside his father, believes in blending wines with a respect for tradition while keeping an eye on the future. His wines are a fusion of tradition and innovation, and it is his goal to present wines that reflect the Hunter’s terroir. Angus Vinden joins me in the Cellar Door to share not only his story, but to share the story of a wine region with a rich and wonderful history, where there is plenty of excitement to be found. A massive thanks to Angus for joining me.
Ok, so we all love wine, or we are on our way to that glorious destination. Many of use love pouring, swirling, sniffing, studying, eventually sipping, then ruminating…over a glass of wine. It’s a heck of a process. As I was embarking on my wine journey, every once and a while I would stop, stare into the wine and ponder… just how did we all get here? More narrowly for our purposes, where did the wine come from? How did some grapes in a vineyard undergo such a marvellous transformation? So I’ve set out on a quest to solve this mystery. I’ve gone out and found a wine maker to join me in the cellar door, who will take me and you on a journey through the wine making process, from vineyard to bottle. One of my favourites, Australian wine maker Andrew Koerner is back in the Cellar Door to do what he does so very well… to share his passion for wine. A massive thanks to Andrew for joining me… again.
The Tahbilk winery, in the Nagambie Lakes area of Victoria, boasts being one of Australia’s oldest wineries and is also part of the First Families of Australian Wine. The Purbrick family have run the show at Tahbilk for 5 successive generations. Alister, a 5th generation Purbrick and the man who has been at the helm of Tahbilk since 1978, joins me in the Cellar Door to reflect on his journey, the journey of the whole Purbrick family, and what it means to be making world class Australian wines. Alister’s story really begins with a reflex answer he gives to a question he is asked when he is in high school. The rest makes for a great a story. A massive thanks to Alister for joining me.
Tillie Johnston was working at cellar doors in Victoria’s Yarra Valley to support her studies in Sports Science. Whilst pondering life’s crossroads, a friend suggested that Tillie try her hand in the lab a Cold Stream Hills. Tillie says she immediately fell in love with the wine industry. Tillie spent the following years on the cool climate wine trail, an adventure that took her from New Zealand to America, from Canada to Germany. When Tillie decided to come home she knew exactly what she wanted to do – and that was to take her travels and experiences and squeeze them into a wine bottle. That is what Tillie has done. She has recently had enormous success with her Yarra Valley Pinot Noir and has just release her Yarra Valley Chardonnay. Tillie and I sat down for thoroughly enjoyable chat about her relationship with wine, how it all started, and where it’s all going. A massive thanks to Tillie for joining me.
Duncan Thorn has spent his time perfecting the art of customer service in wine. Having worked as a rep with Penfolds, and a myriad of other top shelf wineries, Duncan has developed his technique of setting customers, or anyone with a wine related question, or seeking to make that perfect buy, for a massive win. Duncan spent over half a decade traveling Europe and its surrounds when he felt the pull home and followed it back into the world of wine sales. Duncan has since devoted himself to ensuring his clientele benefit from his best wine advice and the premium wines that follow. A massive thanks to Duncan for joining me.
The Tyrells winery has a massive history and reputation, producing amongst other things the Vat 1 Semillon, arguably, and definitely to my mind, the greatest semillon around. Bruce Tyrrell joins me to tell his story and the Tyrrells story. Bruce used to ride a horse to school. Now Bruce laments that the planes that carried him around the world to sell Tyrrells wines are grounded. He is a man who has seen much and accordingly has many stories to tell. A massive thanks to Bruce for joining me.
Chris Coulter had worked 20 years as a chef, when the world of wine called. After working as a winemaker at some of Australia's biggest wineries Chris launched his side hustle, Coulter Wines, focussing on wines made with minimal intervention but with maximum attention. The public approved and in a big way. Chris joins me in the lounge room to discuss his wine story, his passion for wine and philosophy that drives him.
I’ve often heard it said that the most important characteristic necessary to succeed in the wine game is passion. Mason Canning has always been passionate. Mason and I went to school together and I have clear memories of Mason’s passion for rugby, something that Mason still has today. Fast forward 10 years, and factor in Mason’s journey throughout the Barossa Valley working vintages and at numerous cellar doors, Mason’s passion has reached new heights, so much so that Mason was awarded Cellar Door Person of the Year whilst working at Two Hands Winery. Mason is now the Qld Rep for Terroir Selections and he joins me in the Cellar Door to share his story. A massive thanks to Mason for joining me.
The d’Arenberg winery and the Osborn family boast a history in the McLaren Vale wine scene dating back to the mid 1800. In 1969, not long after man walked on the moon d’Arry Osborn was informed that they had won the prized Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy. Since then d’Arenberg has gone from strength to strength under d’Arry and Chester Osborn, d’Arry’s son. From the time he took over the helm at d’Arenberg in 1984, Chester has continued stirring the d’Arenberg ship towards success, the only thing outshining the brilliance of his wines being perhaps the glint of the d’Arenberg trophy cabinet (or maybe the d’Arenberg cube…or Chester’s extravagant dress sense)… Chester Osborn joined me in the Cellar Door to share the d’Arenberg story and to give some insight into what it takes to be a premier wine maker. A massive thanks to Chester for joining me.
Chris Ringland has made it to the top of the wine world, receiving world-wide acclaim for his work at Rockford in the Barossa Valley and his own Three Rivers which later became Chris Ringland Wines. Chris joins me in the Cellar Door to share his story, from his earliest days making wines in his backyard while at school – to purchasing his very own vineyard and the inception of his Three Rivers dream. A massive thanks to Chris for joining me.
Born and bred in Adelaide, a young Andrew Koerner was fruit picking with some mates, when the wine gods picked Andrew. Andrew began dabbling as a cellarhand before undertaking studies at Roseworthy and launching himself into an extremely successful and award riddled career. Andrew was a delight to talk to and a massive thanks to him for joining me.
Daniel Hopkins was managing Nike distance athletes in London before circumstances caused Daniel to return home to help his father launch Tellurian Wines. Daniel loves sports, particularly road running, but is most at home in the vineyards of Victoria's Heathcote overseeing the production of Tellurian wines, some of Victoria's finest. A massive thanks to Daniel for joining me on the show.
Ewen Macpherson, originally from Queensland's Sunshine Coast, is a high achiever and a believer in dreaming big. After success designing a Fringe Benefit Tax calculator, Ewen set his sights on crafting unique award winning wines in Queensland's granite belt. Ewen went on to do just that. It was a pleasure sitting down with Ewen and a massive thanks to Ewen for sharing his story and the story of Symphony Hills winery.