BAY OF SHOALS WINES   Kangaroo Island

I grew up on a mixed fruit property in the small Riverland town of Cadell. I decided I wanted to be a winemaker after a year 11 chemistry fieldtrip to the Waikerie winery. I completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Oenology) at the University of Adelaide in 2001.

From 2001 I have worked in the cellar at; Renmano Wines (Renmark) and Bleasdale Vineyards (Langhorne Creek).

I have been contract Winemaker for; McGuigan Simeon Australian Vintage (Loxton) in 2003 (it's an 80,000 tonnes capacity winery!!), Jamiesons Run Coonawarra Winery (Coonawarra) in 2004 (the never ending vintage!!), Meridian Vineyards (Paso Robles, California) in 2004 (my first experience with their beloved Zinfandel!!), J & F Lurton - Cave Du Tecou (Sth. France) in 2006 (much of which could be lost in translation!!). Prior to relocating to Kangaroo Island I was the permanent winemaker for Orlando Wines at Russet Ridge Winery, Naracoorte from 2005 till 2007. I also worked at Richmond Grove (Tanunda) for six weeks in 2007 year due to the severe frosts in the South East, which resulted in a mere 3500 tonnes at Russet Ridge which would normally process 7500 - 12000 tonnes. So I have a varied experience and knowledge base on top of my tertiary qualifications. I have had the pleasure of working with some of the leading winemakers here and abroad and learnt much from them and their experience, which I have been able to put to practice over the span of my career.

My love and forte is certainly red winemaking, with all the winemaker influence I can have on the wines. But also found a flair in white winemaking from my experience with; Chardonnay in California and Sauvignon Blanc in France. But perhaps get the best of both worlds when creating Rose.

I believe there is a huge potential for Kangaroo Island wines, apart from being another local product for the tourist trade. So I look forward to continuing in developing what Bay of Shoals Wines and the local growers have started.