Appointed in late-2022, Matthew joins NSW Wine with over a decade of experience in trade, investment and economic development.

Passionate about the industry, and a co-owner of a boutique wine label in Mudgee, Matthew is a strong advocate for winegrape growers and producers to government with a breadth of experience delivering targeted initiatives that help businesses grow and become more resilient.

Mark is the owner of Cuttaway Hill Wines and is currently the longest serving wine producer in the Southern Highlands wine region with over 22 years’ experience in the wine industry including as a grape grower, viticultural consultant, winemaker and brand manager.  He was the founding president of The Southern Highlands Vignerons Association. He is also a Board of the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) based at Charles Sturt University. His commitment to the Southern Highlands and the NSW wine industry is stronger than ever, and he is a passionate advocate and frequent representative for both at regional, state and national levels.

David is CEO and head winemaker of Lowe Wines in Mudgee. A highly recognised figure in the Australian wine industry, David has held various positions, including VP of the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia 2011 – 2015, President of the New South Wales Wine Industry Association 2008 – 2014, and President of the Mudgee Wine Grape Growers Association 2005 – 2011. In 2013 the NSW Minister for Agriculture awarded David the Graham Gregory Award for his contribution to the NSW Wine Industry and in 2014 he was awarded the Wine Communicators of Australia’s Legend of the Vine Award.

Nicole is MD of Rowlee Wines in Orange. She is an experienced executive and non-executive director with over 20 years in corporate strategy and business transformation. Nicole brings a wide range of skills and experience from start-ups, Australian Stock Exchange-listed (ASX) companies and not-for-profit organisations. Nicole holds of Bachelor of Business, an MBA and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Nicole is President of the Orange Region Vignerons Association.

Geoff is General Manager and part owner of Brokenwood Wines. He joined the company as their first General Manager in 2004. With over 30 years’ experience in the wine industry, Geoff oversees all facets of production, marketing, cellar door and domestic sales, and is actively involved in building export distribution and sales globally. Geoff has also served as a member for the National Independent Liquor Wholesalers Association and has helped to build brands such as McGuigan Wines, Champagne Lanson and Louis Jadot Burgundy. Geoff is a past President of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association and sat on its Board from 2005-2011. He sat on the Executive of the New South Wales Wine Industry Association from 2006-2010 heading its Marketing Committee in 2008 and has recently returned to the board.

Will has over 20 years experience in financial services and executive management, initially working at Pricewaterhouse Coopers where he ran a wine advisory group within their agribusiness advisory group and then working at Goldman Sachs, JBWere, Macquarie Bank and for his own advisory business which worked with a number of wineries, Wine Australia, technology businesses and junior miners. Throughout this time, Will has held a passion for the Australian wine industry and has worked alongside his family in De Beaurepaire Wines. He recently scaled back his other roles to dedicate his time to De Beaurepaire Wines where he is responsible for wine production, sales and marketing.

Philippe re-joined Cassegrain Wines in 2020 after having spent time outside the wine industry gaining valuable experience. With a passion for New South Wales, and having graduated with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in International Business, Philippe’s focus has been to increase the reach of Cassegrain both nationally and internationally.

Philippe is also a current Board Member of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association, where the strengthening tourism economy plays a big part to their coastal Cellar Door’s success.

Joining the NSW Wine Board in 2022, he is excited to work closely with the highly experienced and passionate NSW Wine Board.

Jeremy is CEO of Riverina Winegrape Growers. He has had 30 years experience in the wine industry, starting 1993 as a vineyard hand with Rothbury Estate in Cowra. In 1995 Jeremy moved to Yenda in the Riverina to take up the position of manager of the MIA Vine Improvement society. During this time he helped develop and then implement the National
Vine accreditation scheme with the Australian Vine improvement Association. He then joined the MIAVIS board where he continues to serve. In 2004 he took up the position of Viticulturist with De Bortoli Wines at their head office in Bilbul, where he was responsible for the development of De Bortoli’s first organic vineyard.

Andrew followed in his father’s footsteps and was granted early acceptance at the Charles Sturt University Oenology course (Wine Science degree) and joined the family business as an assistant winemaker. Today Andrew spends his time spreading the word about the Calabria family wine portfolio. “The best part about my job is that wine is universal and I have the opportunity to see the reaction of the consumer when they try my families wine. This is the best marketing research that money cannot buy!” In 2017 Andrew became President of the Riverina Winemakers Association.

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Sam is a 2nd generation wine-grape grower and producer in Mudgee, who runs the family business, Vinifera Wines, alongside parents Tony & Debbie. Sam oversees all aspects of the business including vineyard management, cellar door operations, sales and marketing. Sam holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and is currently completing further studies in viticulture. Sam sits as the secretary of the Mudgee Wine Association and head of the Mudgee Wine Association Promotions Committee.

Fergus began his working life in Fine Dining, acquiring a love of wine through tasting the classics. He’s worked vintages as a cellar hand in The Hunter Valley, Cowra and Canberra District while also working in Fine Wine Retail for Vintage Cellars and the Coles Group. Fergus was also a wine writer for the Canberra Times from 2002-2014.

He’s been in his current role as Marketing Manager at Mount Majura Vineyard since 2010.

He sits on the Canberra District Wine Industry Association committee as President.

Born in Canberra, Jeff was raised on a sheep farm on the Murrumbidgee near Bredbo. His father was an agricultural scientist and his mother was a wine aficionado from Lithuania, so there was always wine on the dinner table. After school he started making wine with renowned Canberra District winemaker Tim Kirk and completing a degree in Oenology at Charles Sturt University.

Jeff is now the owner/winemaker at Tractorless Vineyard. Working together with the local community and other farmers in the Southern Highlands, Jeff is leading the regions charge into a more sustainable long term wine industry. Embracing a combination of Biodynamic techniques coupled with the integration of animal systems in vineyards.

James is the owner of Ross
Hill Wines in Orange NSW. Working in the wine industry is a natural combination of James Robson’s love of the land and his skill set in hospitality, and is a great formula for running a successful wine business that produces exceptional quality cool climate wines.

James’ passion for the land and the environment was a predominant driver for Ross Hill becoming the first Climate Active certified carbon neutral winery in Australia.

For 38 years John Quarisa has consistently been recognised
and rewarded for his winemaking skill. John has received some of Australia’s top wine honours and in 2004 he was part of the team that was awarded the Jimmy
Watson Trophy and Stodart Trophy.

In 2005 John decided to take a risk and start his own company, Quarisa wines. Quarisa Wines has been flourishing as John knows what it takes to make a flawless wine that is recognised by not only the critical wine show circuit but the consumer as well. 

Casella Family Brands

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Jeffrey is a Public Affairs professional with over 10 years’ experience across media,
government, industry relations, crisis management, as well as strategy. Jeffrey has policy experience spanning trade, agriculture, water, hospitality, vocational training and regional development across both corporate and government. As Global Director of Public Affairs for Treasury Wine Estates, Jeff leads a team across ANZ, the Americas, Asia and EMEA with responsibility for the company’s industry & government relations.

He is committed to the continued growth of the Australian wine sector. Jeffrey is also a board member of Australian Grape & Wine and college chair of large
wine makers.