Early Days
I began my winemaking journey straight out of university in 1992, working with Penfolds and Lindemans, gaining experience in amazing locations like the Barossa, Hunter Valley, and Mildura.
In 1996, I took on a senior winemaker role at Barossa Valley Estate, where I spent the next five years. We sourced fruit from 47 vineyards across the Barossa Valley, which gave me a deep understanding of the region and its unique subregions. We achieved great international success during my time there, including a Wine Spectator Top 10 Wine (I was only the second Australian winemaker and the first female winemaker to make the list!). Followed by winning Decanter’s Best Red Wine and Best Shiraz in the UK the following year.
After a four-year break to welcome my two children, I returned to winemaking with experiences in McLaren Vale and Margaret River, working with Xanadu Wines. I started Fox Gordon wines with two friends, which we ran for 15 wonderful years.
Consulting
In 2006 I launched Wine Architect consulting, working with a range of Adelaide Hills based wineries, as well as travelling to Chile, South Africa, and Portugal. A fantastic opportunity to travel while giving me a fresh perspective on both culture and viticulture.
I still consult for a small group of Barossa and Adelaide Hills brands that are dedicated to progressive, high-quality winemaking. I work closely with my clients to understand their customers and create wines that resonate with the people who enjoy them. The end consumer and the palate we’re crafting for are always top of mind.
Current Wine Ranges
More recently, I’ve been developing three wine brands. La Bise, Adelaide Hills-based wines, with fruit sourced from trusted growers. These are wines are approachable, everyday wines with high quality and an affordable price.
The Thief, estate-grown in the Barossa, with all the grapes coming from my Greenock vineyard. The name is a nod to my family’s story, one filled with Irish roots, religion, theft, and excommunication – a story that’s shaped both my family’s identity and my own, and I wanted to honour that with this wine.
Last year, I decided to introduce a new brand called Tash. I’ve never put my own name on a wine before, but I thought now was the time. These wines are more contemporary, high-quality yet affordable with the fruit sourced from the Adelaide Hills.