When did you realise you wanted to become a winemaker?

I was studying linguistics at the time and working weekends at the Tyrrell’s Wines cellar door. It was there that something clicked; people were always happy to be there. I loved the personal connections and shared experiences with visitors discussing food and wine. That’s what initially drew me in.

Please tell us about your career so far.

I’m originally from the Hunter Valley and have worked in wine for more than fifteen years across winemaking, viticulture and sales, with experience at Tyrrell’s, Peppertree and Briar Ridge, amongst others. I studied Viticulture and Oenology at Adelaide University and I’m currently a Stage Two Master of Wine student. In my seven years of winemaking, I’ve been privileged to be awarded more than twenty-five trophies, including Best Chardonnay in Australia at the Halliday Chardonnay & Cabernet Challenge and the Governor-General’s Trophy for the best wine in New South Wales. I’ve also received industry scholarships and was named Young Achiever of the Year in the Hunter Valley in 2022.

What do you love most about being a winemaker?

It’s always different!

What is your favourite wine, and what food do you typically pair it with?

I’m one of those people who doesn’t like to have the same thing twice. I have a firm philosophy that there’s too many amazing options out there to stick to one thing. But if I had to choose, it would be chardonnay. It’s my favourite varietal, and I love pairing it with creamy pastas, something rich like a carbonara.

Is there a specific process you follow in developing a new wine?

At Marnong Estate, we take a ground-up approach. I firmly believe that great wines begin with clear intent. Our process often starts three to five years before we even begin making the wine. We identify a site and ask: does this suit what we’re trying to do? Does it reflect our brand and ethos? The place always leads the wine

Is there a specific vintage you are particularly proud of creating? Why?

I’m proud of them all in different ways – it goes back to that ‘always different’ aspect of winemaking that I really enjoy. But if I had to pick one, the 2021 vintage in the Hunter stands out. It was a really challenging season, the vineyard conditions weren’t great, but the wines performed incredibly well. It was a great reminder of how important a cohesive, strong team is when things don’t go to plan.