This combined with great staff discount at the store meant that I began to learn about great producers and great wines and to taste and taste and keep tasting the various wines I purchased, gradually opening my eyes to this world of wine.  At 27 I decided to take the plunge a jump ship in career and commenced my winemaking and viticulture degree completing a full undergraduate program.

It was whilst studying that I applied for my first job in the industry with the esteemed Moss Wood winery and vineyard in Margaret River, one of the most highly regarded producers of Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia. A part time summer job in the vineyards tending the old vines by hand lead into an offer to stay on through harvest in the vineyard and winery. I stayed with Moss Wood through my studies and eventually worked with them full time as assistant winemaker for a further 2 years after completing my studies. 

Keen to extend myself and increase my learning and experience I moved to Brown Hill Estate, taking up the position of Assistant Winemaker for the 2009 vintage. After this I was hired as Assistant Winemaker at the prestigious Cullen Wines. This marked my first exposure to more traditional and natural fine winemaking techniques, as Cullens is completely biodynamic and produces amongst Australia’s best Cabernet and Chardonnay wines, and was a pleasure to learn under one of Australia’s leading winemakers Vanya Cullen.

During the 3 years with Cullens I had the opportunity to work my first vintage abroad with the world famous cantina of Elio Altare in Barolo, Italy. To this day Elio remains a friend, mentor and inspiration to me. "