I started my winemaking journey in Redheads Studio McLaren Vale with a collective of like-minded souls under the direction of Alpha Box & Dice founder Justin Lane and La Curio winemaker Adam Hooper back in 2004, where the first of the Good Doctor’s Tonic was bottled. In 2009 divine intervention landed me on a 40 acre plot of dirt covered in grape vines at the base of the Willunga foothills, already the home to shiraz and cabernet planted from 1995-96. I had the joy of chain sawing sauvignon blanc to make way for grafting mourvedre and tannat in 2009. As I got to know the vineyard more and under the watchful tutelage of esteemed viticulturalist Richard Leaske, the region’s Mediterranean micro-climate led me to plant some beautiful alternative varieties in montepulciano and carignan, perfectly suited to my land.

Having been raised on a wheat and sheep farm, working the land comes second nature and I’m focused on improving soil health and biodiversity, leading to healthier vines and high-quality fruit. When it comes to managing the vineyards we follow organic principles, avoiding synthetic chemicals, inoculating with soil bugs, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and using renewable energy from solar panels.

There’s a place in my creative journey for both the traditional and the alternative. We’re so lucky living in a coastal wine region. Our vineyard celebrates some of the regional flagships in shiraz, mourevdre and cabernet. Having a deep understanding of my vineyard helps me to work with varieties like montepulciano and carignan, to get the most freshness, vibrancy and youthful characteristics possible.

I’m passionate about sustainability and the whole process of grape growing and winemaking and have the privilege of working with the fruit from planting the canes, tending the vines, picking, putting wine to barrel and then bottle.