The Cellar Door Podcast

Send us Fan MailWine is full of simple stories.Old vines are better than young vines. Great vineyards are all about terroir. Climate determines quality. Pick the right variety, put it in the right place, and the rest takes care of itself.They're neat stories. They're marketable stories.According to this week's guest, they're also dangerously incomplete.Dylan Grigg is one of the most respected viticulturists in Australia. He's a consultant, researcher, vineyard owner, international speaker, former Australian Viticulturist of the Year, and a man whose work takes him from the Barossa Valley to Tasmania, Western Australia, California, Spain and beyond.In this conversation, we explore the extraordinary complexity that exists beneath the surface of every vineyard. We discuss old vines, epigenetics, vine memory, climate variability, regenerative viticulture, and why so many of the questions wine lovers ask can never be answered with a simple yes or no.We unpack Dylan's remarkable journey from a young apprentice chef in the Barossa to earning a PhD, before relocating his family to Catalonia and building an international reputation as one of the wine industry's most respected vineyard minds.Along the way, Dylan explains why vineyards aren't spreadsheets, why experience matters as much as science, and why the best viticulturists often spend their lives becoming more comfortable with uncertainty rather than less.This is my conversation with Dylan Grigg. A huge thanks to Dylan for joining meSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn Part 1 of my conversation with wine industry commentator, producer, and recovering wine critic Robert Joseph, we explored a deceptively simple question: where do wineries actually make their money?But that conversation quickly led to a much bigger one.What happens when the traditional wine business model comes under pressure?In this second part, we move beyond profitability and into the forces reshaping the global wine industry. We discuss ageing vineyard owners, succession challenges, private equity, direct-to-consumer sales, wine tourism, changing consumer behaviour, and why adaptation may be the defining challenge for wineries over the next decade.We also tackle the role of wine critics and traditional wine media, and Robert offers some characteristically frank views on Australia's place in the global wine market and whether we've lost clarity about what Australian wine stands for internationally. Buckle up for this section team. Whether you're a wine producer, retailer, marketer, or simply fascinated by the business of wine, there's plenty here to challenge conventional thinking.And if you'd like to explore these ideas further, I highly recommend following Robert's work through Wine Thinker and his Substack, where he continues to ask some of the most important, and often uncomfortable, questions facing the wine industry today.This is Part 2 of my conversation with Robert Joseph.Support the show

Send us Fan MailFor a long time, the wine industry has sold itself on romance.The rolling vineyard. The family story. The passionate winemaker chasing perfection in a bottle.But behind every bottle of wine is something far more complicated: a business model. And right now, many of those models are under enormous pressure.In this conversation, Robert Joseph returns to The Cellar Door Podcast to unpack one of the most important, and least understood, questions in wine:How does the wine industry actually make money?From tiny family growers to giant corporations, cooperatives, negociants, supermarkets, private labels, cellar doors and direct-to-consumer sales, Robert peels back the layers of an industry where agriculture, luxury, hospitality, branding, land value and distribution all collide. We talk about why some wineries survive while others struggle, why owning vineyard land is not always the asset people think it is, how supermarkets and distribution chains shape the entire market, and why the future belongs to producers who think beyond simply growing grapes and making wine.This is one of those conversations that changes the way you look at the wine business, and maybe the wine bottle sitting in front of you.Here is my conversation with Robert Joseph.Support the show

Send us Fan MailOver the last year, while speaking with people across the Australian wine industry, one name kept unexpectedly coming up in conversation in connection with the Queensland market, not a winemaker, not a sommelier, but a lawyer.Today’s guest is Travis Schultz, founder of Travis Schultz & Partners, philanthropist, wine writer, and someone who has quietly built some of Queensland’s most respected wine events.Through events supporting charities including SunnyKids and LifeFlight, Travis has used wine not simply as a product, but as a powerful tool for connection, bringing together winemakers, professionals, community leaders, and wine lovers to raise millions of dollars for good causes.We discuss everything from the anatomy of a great wine event, to why wine creates a different kind of conversation, through to the upcoming Noosa Concours d'Elegance activation, where Travis and his team will host an exclusive winemakers lunch in the middle of one of Australia’s most spectacular luxury events.But beneath the wine, the stories, and the philanthropy, this conversation is really about something deeper: the role wine plays in bringing people together.Ladies and gentlemen, this is my conversation with Travis Schultz.Support the show

Send us Fan MailLate last year I had the pleasure of speaking with Pipa Nielson who gave an exciting and colourful introduction to the Western Australian region of Geographe wine region. Following that first course in Geographe education, Pipa arranged a second: a conversation with wine rockstar, Kim Horton, of Willow Bridge Estate.After growing up in the Swan Valley, Kim has made wine across multiple regions in WA, and in this conversation I get to ask him what makes Geographe, and the broader WA wine scene, so very special. Kim’s story is also fascinating, with early aspirations in the finance sector… aspirations that took a remarkably different turn.What follows is a deep dive into a young region that’s still defining itself. We talk about the diversity of Geographe, from coastal plains to the elevated Ferguson Valley, and how that translates into a wide spectrum of wine styles. This is a conversation about people and craft. Kim shares what it’s really like to be a winemaker: the highs, the setbacks, and the reality of building a career in an industry that’s anything but predictable.This is Geographe, through the eyes of someone living and shaping it.A huge thanks to Kim Horton for joining. Support the show

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Send us Fan MailTo borrow from Monty Python: now for something completely different.This episode steps away from the usual B2B conversations and industry stories, and into something I don’t usually focus on… wine tasting.When a mystery box of wine appeared on my doorstep, filled with a collection of genuinely exotic and intriguing bottles, I did what anyone would do: I tracked down the sender. That trail led me to none other than the talented, guitar-shredding, wine-slinging Marc Malouf of iHeart Wine, and a very generous supporter and benefactor.So I thought, why not lean into it?In this episode, we put the usual format to one side and let Marc guide us through a flavour-filled journey across a lineup of wines that are as diverse as they are exciting.For those who are interested, the lineup includes:A fun 2020 Nebbiolo blend from the Muraje label in Piedmont;A 2024 Vermentino from La Magia in Tuscany;The 2022 Definitus Pinot Noir from Tapanappa’s Foggy Hill Vineyard in the Fleurieu Peninsula;A 2023 Mas Jullien rosé from France’s Languedoc region;A 2023 Clos Marie Manon, also from the Languedoc region;And finally, a Blanc de Blancs from Boll & Cie in Champagne.Along the way, we’re joined by a special guest, my brother-in-law Mac, bringing a fresh perspective as a passionate foodie discovering these wines in real time, whenever I let him get a word in. Yes, I know I can yap.I hope you enjoy this different style chit chat, and a massive thanks to Marc and Mac for joining me.Support the show

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Send us Fan MailThe Hunter Valley occupies a special place in the story of Australian wine. It is, in many ways, the spiritual birthplace of the industry - a region where generations of families have wrestled with the climate, the soil, and the vagaries of the market to produce wines of remarkable character.My guest today, Garth Eather, represents one of those families.Garth is the co-founder of Meerea Park Wines, a winery he established with his brother Reese in 1991. But the Eather family story in Australia goes back much further than that,  all the way to the arrival of the Second Fleet in 1790, and more than two centuries of agricultural history in what would eventually become the Hunter Valley wine region.In this conversation, Garth shares that remarkable family history,  from convict beginnings to grape growing, and eventually to building one of the Hunter Valley’s most respected small wineries. We also talk about what it really takes to survive as a small producer today: the reality of direct-to-consumer sales, the challenges facing regional tourism, and why some of the best wines the Hunter Valley has ever produced are being made right now, even as the market becomes harder than ever.Along the way, we dive into the character of the Hunter Valley itself, its legendary Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz, its fiercely site-specific vineyards, and the deep sense of history that still shapes the region today. You cannot help but hear the pride Garth has for the Hunter and its stories, and this is reflected through their wines. We talk through three of their releases and we discuss what I describe as the bold strategy underpinning the Etherial (sorry for the pun) Stratos Chardonnay. This is a conversation about wine, certainly, but also about family, resilience, and the stories that define a place - because that is really what wine is all about. A huge thanks to Garth for joining me. Support the show

Send us Fan MailAustralian wine once rode a remarkable wave of success in the United States — built on strong personalities, passionate importers, and wines that connected with everyday drinkers. Today, the picture is more complicated.In this episode, I sit down with Chuuuuck Hayward, a 40-year veteran of the American wine trade to unpack what’s really happening on the ground in the US. We revisit, the rise of Australian wine in the US, the role boutique importers played in building the category, and why the loss of ambassadors, changing distribution networks, and shifting market priorities may now be reshaping its future.We also dive into some tough questions:Have everyday wine drinkers been forgotten? What happens when distribution keeps changing? And how should Australia position itself in a crowded US market?This is a candid conversation about the challenges, the history, and the opportunities ahead for Australian wine. A huge thanks to Chuck for joining me. Support the show

Send us Fan MailPhil Conway embraced adventure and the unknown when he moved from Ireland to Melbourne in Australia. Phil describes a love of food from an early age, a love and passion that placed him on an inevitable collision course with wine. These passions took him across the globe while also launching him onto the set of Australia’s masterchef. Phil describes his passion for food and wine as extensions of himself rather than descriptions of what he does or his occupation. Food and wine are central to his entire life. In this conversation, we discuss Phil’s role as wine buyer for Barrel and Batch, purchase trends in Melbourne, his journey from Ireland's Galway to Melbourne and Phil corrects some misconceptions I have about everything Masterchef. An extremely fun conversation. A huge thanks to Phil for joining me. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWill Taylor is one of the most insightful voices in Australian Wine - and its not hard to see why. His perspective is as unique as it is dialed in. As the managing partner of the wine group at Finlayson’s law, he spends his days analysing the aspects of the wine trade and industry that get the least attention - the least sexy aspects of the trade, that are the most important when it comes to building a viable trade and industry. In this chat I get to ask Will about his key takeaways from 2025, while he also unpacks what he perceives to be necessary to sprout the green shoots that will place the national industry on an upward trajectory. As always, an absolute pleasure and privilege talking with Will Taylor, a huge thanks to Will for joining me.  Support the show

Send us Fan MailCyndal Petty has spunk. She describes her drive and oodles of energy from an early age, her parents placing her in the gymnastics arena and her early success in it until injury caused her to pivot. But the foundations of drive and dedication had set hard, and when Cyndal found herself as an apprentice chef at age 15 years old, it was only a matter of time before she set her eyes on a new goal and shot out in pursuit. Her goal: to learn and absorb everything she could about wine. Fast forward some years and Cyndal has become a multidimensional force: she writes, presents, consults and curates. Most importantly, she works tirelessly and endlessly to hone her skills and improve. This was an extremely fun conversation with someone who is backing herself to achieve exciting things. A massive thanks to Cyndal for joining me on the CDP. Support the show

Send us Fan MailDaniel Sangermani has embraced the challenge of bringing the prized wines of Switzerland to the sun kissed shores of Australia. Switzerland exports less than 2% of its total production but consumes the 4th most wine per person of any country in the world. Many, if not most people, particularly in Australia, have little familiarity with Switzerland's deep and historic wine culture, its six wine regions, and its approximately  320 grape varieties that they use to craft some of the prettiest and most elegant wines I have tasted in recent memory. Building awareness of a product and industry in a market with next to no awareness of it is indeed an unenviable task. However Daniel is indeed the man for it. His story is as incredible as his many diverse skill sets, and his passion for Swiss wine is contagious. In 2025 Daniel launched Invidia Wines, Invidia being Italian for envy. I think we will see a lot from Daniel in the coming months and years. From my perspective I am indeed envious of the magic Daniel is bringing to our shores. But my envy is out-shon by the gratitude I have to Daniel for taking the time to sit with me and record an incredible conversation about his journey from Ticino in southern Switzerland to the Australian Shores and the epic that has culminated in him setting up Invidia Wines.. A huge thanks to Daniel for joining me on the CDP.Support the show

Send us Fan MailI was lucky enough to spend the New Year in South Australia, dividing my time between the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley. while I was in the Barossa, I took the opportunity to call into Nuriootpa High School to record a third - and final - chapter on a school project that is as innovative as it is interesting.I’m joined once again by Milly Hoffmann, and this time by a special guest: her wine mentor, Richard Mattner - who also happens to be Head Winemaker at Pepperjack Wines, part of the Treasury Wine Estates stable. Richard reflects on his involvement in the early precursor program that would eventually evolve into the school’s now-established Vines and Wines program, and on what it means to help shape the next generation of potential wine industry talent.We also taste through several of the students’ 2024 releases - wines that aren’t just educational exercises, but fully realised bottlings that are available on the market that I think are value for money.Taken together, it’s a conversation about education, mentorship, and the long view of wine: how skills are passed on, how confidence is built, and how a school project in the Barossa can quietly produce wines that deserve to be taken seriously.Support the show

Send us Fan MailI last spoke to Gordon Little of Little Peacock Wine imports as the final episode to the 2024 season. When asked how the 2024 year had been, I distinctly remember him describing it as “weird”. Gordon and I have stayed in touch, with occasional correspondence, and we thought it might be both fun and interesting to reconvene at the start of 2026 to get his hot takes on the 2025 season and projections (if at all possible) for 2026. As expected, his comments on the US market are interesting, forensic and steeped in experience. Gordon has been surfing the complex and competitive US market since 2011 and I am delighted to share that 2025 proved to be their most successful year to date. However, everyone will be acutely aware of the added complexities that look like they will continue to play out over the coming years, making predictions nigh-on impossible. Regardless, however it is beyond encouraging to know the Australian market has champions like Gordon out there doing incredibly hard work on the ground and relaying vital information. As always it was an honour and a privilege chatting with Gordon a huge thanks to Gordon Little of Little Peacock Wine imports for joining me on the CDP.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this first episode of the New Year, I chat with Brendan Carter on his recent documentary covering the plight of the Riverland and his thoughts on navigating the way forward.Support the show

Send us Fan MailToday on The Cellar Door Podcast, I’m joined by Liam Van Pelt, winemaker at the legendary Ashton Hills. I first met Liam at the cellar door, where he, his sister, and the world’s coolest dog poured a lineup that completely reset my expectations: sparkling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and a tour through one of the highest, coldest, wettest pockets of the Hills.In this episode, we dig into what makes that site so distinctive, why Piccadilly Valley fruit carries such a signature, and how Liam works in a region where disease pressure, altitude, and climate make every vintage a battle but a battle worth fighting.We talk Pinot Noir, how Ashton Hills blends to build perfume, spice, and depth. We explore Chardonnay, Liam’s current “favourite child,” and why he thinks the Piccadilly Valley may be Australia’s most exciting source of cool-climate expressions. And we dive into the rise of Gamay in the Hills and the momentum behind this increasingly bulletproof, joyously fragrant variety.Liam also shares his own journey, from Broken Hill to hospitality to almost walking away from wine entirely, until a vintage with the legend Andrew Thomo Thomas reignited his spark and a fateful meeting with Stephen George changed his trajectory. Today, he’s carrying forward one of Australia’s great Pinot legacies with instinct, patience, and quiet determination. This is Liam’s story. A massive thanks to Liam for joining me on the CDP.Support the show

Send us Fan MailToday on The Cellar Door Podcast, I’m joined by someone whose work shapes how Australia understands its own wine: Katrina Butler, Head of Tasting at the Halliday Wine Companion.Katrina arrives at a busy moment, preparing the next edition of the Companion, fresh off the latest awards season, and deep in the yearly cycle of tasting thousands of wines from across the country. In this episode, she lifts the lid on how the Companion is actually put together: blind tastings, regional specialists, the shortlisting process, and how major awards are decided.We also explore the evolution of the Companion itself, from a single, iconic book to a multi-platform wine media brand, and what it means to communicate wine for the consumer in a rapidly changing media landscape.Katrina shares insights from her own tasting regions, including the energy coming out of the Riverland and the classic expressions emerging from Kangaroo Island. And she tells the story of her own path into wine, from pastry chef to writer to leading one of Australia’s most influential tasting programs.A huge thanks to Katrina for joining me on the CDP. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIt’s been a while between drinks - but David LeMire MW has been busy flying the flag for Australian wine around the world and returns to The Cellar Door Podcast after a whirlwind year that’s seen him travelling through Portugal’s Douro and Dão regions, opening a new award-winning tasting room at Tolpuddle Vineyard, and collecting yet another round of trophies for Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle Chardonnay.In this episode, we dig into David’s recent article inspired by marketing guru Mark Ritson - unpacking what it really means to market wine well. From the discipline behind good strategy, to why sometimes the smartest move is deciding what not to do, we explore six key lessons every wine business can learn from.An absolute privilege chatting with David and massive thanks to him for joining me on the CDP. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe are about to head to Western Australia - but not to Margaret River. We’re going a little further north to discover one of the state’s best-kept secrets: the Geographe wine region.My guest is Pippa Nielsen, co-owner of Vineyard 28, a producer that’s made its mark by championing Italian varieties like Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Fiano. Pippa shares how this coastal-meets-hillside region is carving out its own identity - balancing tradition, innovation, and a deep sense of community.We talk about Geographe’s rich history, its bold alternative varieties, and how collaboration, not competition, is driving the region forward.It’s a story of pioneers, passion, and a piece of Western Australia that’s quietly redefining what great wine can be.Here’s my conversation with Pippa Nielsen of Vineyard 28.Support the show

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Send us Fan MailWe are going deep into the heart of Coonawarra, but through a lens few could have imagined: blockchain, NFTs, and quality Coonawarra wine. My guest is Jack Burston: former Goldman Sachs banker turned unlikely vineyard owner and innovator who’s shaking up the Australian wine scene with a project that fuses old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.Jack’s journey began on what locals teasingly call the “wrong side of the railway line,” where his label *Over the Line* was born. But it’s not just a great name,  it’s a story about challenging assumptions, championing organics, and rethinking how wine reaches the glass. From a chance partnership with veteran wine maker Peter Douglas of Penfolds and Wynns fame to an exciting collaboration with Club de Vin, Jack’s work sits at the crossroads of tradition and tech.We talk about Coonawarra’s identity as the spiritual home of Cabernet, the rebirth of its vineyards, and how the future of fine wine might just live on the blockchain.This was a thoroughly enjoyable conversation,A huge thanks to Jack for joining me.Support the show

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Send us Fan MailEd Cavanagh’s wine writing stands apart. He somehow fuses the flair of a journalist with the depth and precision of a scholar — a rare combination, but then again, few writers in the wine world have a background quite like his.Many of you will know Ed from his work across the Limestone Coast wine industry, or from his time in cellar doors throughout South and Western Australia. But his story stretches much further — from the world of law and academia, including a Cambridge Fellowship, to the vineyards and communities that now shape his writing.When Ed fell in love with the wine industry, he brought with him a remarkable set of tools — a sharp analytical mind, a storyteller’s instinct, and a genuine curiosity about people and place. It’s no surprise that his work has been recognised, recently earning him a shortlist spot at the Australian Wine Communicator Awards.Anyone who has read Ed’s writing knows how he operates: he doesn’t just tell the story of wine — he digs into its context, the politics, the culture, and the consequences that often ripple beneath the surface.It was an absolute privilege to sit down with Ed to unpack one of his recent pieces. There’s so much more to explore, and I’ve no doubt this will be the first of many conversations with him. But for now, a huge thanks to Ed Cavanagh for joining me.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis weekend I got a text from John Hesketh, letting me know that Keeda Zilm had done it again. Keeda, and her Vickery Riesling, struck again at the Adelaide Wine Show, walking away with a back of accolades. Everyone seems to be in agreement that Keeda Zilm is the capable custodian of something very special. Named in honour of the late, great John Vickery, often described as the Max Schubert of Australian white wine, the Vickery label has become synonymous with exceptional dry, flavour-driven Riesling and a legacy that helped shape the nation’s understanding of this remarkable variety.In this conversation, Keeda joined me from Adelaide to share how she’s carrying that torch, balancing tradition and innovation, working with growers across Watervale, Polish Hill, and Eden Valley, and even exploring new frontiers in Tasmania. We talk about the technical precision behind dry Riesling, the challenges of climate and water, the future of the style in Australia, and Keeda own remarkable journey, to becoming one of the most respected voices in Australian winemaking.It’s a conversation that dives deep into craftsmanship, culture, and the quiet power of a variety that has always told the truth of its place.It was an honour and privilege to have Keeda on the CDP, a massive thanks to Keeda for joining me. Support the show

Send us Fan MailJoe Fattorini shares some secrets on how to maximize your entertainment value as a presenter during a wine tasting! Support the show

Send us Fan MailLadies and gentlemen, he’s back — Michael Juergens: Orange County finance consultant, wine industry pioneer, and one of our most colourful guests. Michaels back to share an update on the current state of the US wine economy and the progress with the Bhutan Wine Co., with updates on their very first auction and fresh insights that highlight just how exciting this project has become.As always, it’s a rollercoaster of a conversation with Michael, and I’m thrilled to have him back on the show. A huge thanks to him for joining me.Support the show

Send us Fan MailI first came across Unico Zelo almost a decade ago, in a wine shop in Kansas City. The owners poured me a skin-contact white from South Australia, a wine I’d never seen before. I was immediately struck by its vibrant label, its unusual blend, and its perfectly fitting name: Esoterico. That was my first introduction to Brendan Carter and his work at Unico Zelo.Since then, I’ve watched in awe as the brand has expanded, pivoted, adapted, and expanded again - a cycle that has become part of its DNA. What began as a cult label is now much more: an international presence, with Bottle Shock TV bringing stories, insights, and entertainment to a global audience, and a wine bar experience that is immersive, unpretentious, and undeniably fun.At the heart of it all are Brendan and his wife, Laura, who has been alongside him since the very beginning. But Brendan isn’t one to keep the spotlight for himself. He consistently highlights the next generation of talent - Henry, Noah, Simon, and the wider Bottle Shock and Unico Zelo teams - emphasising them as an integral part of the future.Brendan’s leadership, vision, and infectious energy have left a clear mark both in Australia and abroad since the inception of Unico Zelo in 2012. After nearing a record two-hour conversation on the Cellar Door Podcast, I can honestly say Brendan is a confident, thoughtful visionary with the track record to prove that whatever he’s doing, it’s working.It was an absolute privilege to speak with him and hear his insights. A huge thanks to Brendan Carter for joining me.Support the show

Send us Fan MailJoe Fattorini shares some secrets on how to maximize your entertainment value as a presenter during a wine tasting! Support the show

Send us Fan MailPatrick White is the lead Somm and Cellar Master at the Adelaide Club. With a resume like his, it's no wonder he has the trust of both the Club and the wider industry. An Adelaide local, Patrick has been a somm since 2001, working his way across the country, from top end restaurants in Sydney to the Penfolds Maggill Restaurant and the Mt Lofty House Estate in the Adelaide Hills where he was nominated for both wine list and somm of the year. Patrick also was a participant in the 2010 Len Evans Tutorial. So with his credentials firmly established, my goal was to identify the interrelationship between a  formal education and training and the practical skills a hospitality professional uses day to day to create incredible experiences for patrons. Patrick’s experience is apparent and it was a real pleasure to host him on the CDP. A huge thanks to Patrick for joining me. Support the show

Send us Fan MailToday’s guest is Adam Coward, someone who’s worn a lot of hats across his career, from tourism in the Top End, to retail and fast-moving consumer goods, and now, to helping wineries unlock growth through Vin Creative and Uno Vino.Adam’s journey is fascinating because he’s not from a wine background originally, yet he’s bringing in ideas and lessons from other industries that could reshape how wineries think about sales, marketing, and customer experience. We talk about the tough realities small wineries face, why intimacy with customers matters more than ever, and how technology can be used without losing the human touch.This is a big-picture conversation that still comes back to the cellar door, that pivotal moment when someone walks in, tastes your wine, and decides whether they’ll come back for more.A huge thanks to Adam for joining me. Support the show

Send us Fan MailMilly Hoffmann, or Miss Hoffmann to the students at Nuriootpa High School, has been working tirelessly with her class on a remarkable mission: raising the funds to travel to their sister city, Grapevine in Texas, USA. At its heart, this connection is about more than a trip; it’s about cultural exchange, shared experiences, and building relationships that last.Milly also plays a leading role in the school’s Vines and Wines Program, a certificate-based course designed to create real pathways into the wine industry. The students aren’t just learning theory: they’re hands-on, producing 12,000 bottles of Barossan wine each year. Programs like this one, and the similar initiative run by Marcus Cook at Upper Yarra Secondary College, who first connected me with Milly, are where the next generation of the wine industry is cultivated, nurtured, and inspired.So in this episode, I invite you to hear Milly’s passion, discover the impact of her students’ work, and maybe even find a way to support their incredible mission. A huge thanks to Milly for joining me.Support the show

Send us Fan MailMike Madaio loves history, sandwiches, and above all, wine—and the industry that brings it to life. A respected wine writer, his long-form pieces have featured in Wine Enthusiast and on his own blog, Life at Table. While Mike has a deep appreciation for traditional forms of media and communication, he is equally attuned to the modern world of user experience (UX)—a factor that can make or break a business.Mike believes UX is one of the most overlooked elements of the wine industry, and he’s made it his specialty, writing passionately about how it shapes everything from the cellar door to a winery’s website and online presence. In this conversation, we explore his unique perspectives on UX, its role in building meaningful wine experiences, and—of course—his definitive take on the best Philly sandwich.A big thanks to Mike for joining me on the podcast.Support the show

Send us Fan MailStephen Mok is on a mission to make sure the wine industry doesn’t miss its moment with artificial intelligence.As Founder of Vintage Labs, Stephen has spent the past few years embedded in the practical reality of AI experimenting, prototyping, and testing what actually moves the needle for wine businesses. He has built automations, stress-tested emerging tools, and logged countless hours separating hype from true opportunity.Stephen didn’t arrive at wine technology through the usual path. His early career in sales drilled home the fundamentals of trust, value, and problem-solving. Later, as a product leader in Seattle, he specialized in turning big, complicated visions into working solutions. At every step, he honed the same craft: translating technical complexity into results that matter.Now, at Vintage Labs, Stephen applies that discipline to wine. He’s not here to sell a magic AI solution, he’s here to share what works, what doesn’t, and why the time to start experimenting is right now. His message to wine business leaders is simple: don’t wait. Every day, the gap between adopters and laggards grows wider.On today’s episode, Stephen brings hard-earned insights, stories from the AI frontlines, and a clear-eyed view of how wine can embrace innovation without losing its soul. A massive thanks to Stephen for joining me. Support the show

Send us Fan MailJacob Ner-David is, in many ways, the quintessential entrepreneur. He’s built and led multiple pioneering companies, including DeltaThree, one of the first to offer internet-based telephony, dramatically reducing the cost of international calls, and NomadIQ, which specialised in location-based internet services.But alongside his startup successes runs a deep and enduring passion for wine. Jacob is the co-founder and chairman of Jezreel Valley Winery in Israel, and managing director of VinoVentures, a wine trading fund. Moshe Weizman, whom listeners will remember from Episode 28 of Season 4 and his groundbreaking company Wining, told me that Jacob’s story is not only fascinating, but essential to hear.I’ve always found it compelling when accomplished business leaders bring their entrepreneurial vision into the wine world, driven by a desire to see the industry grow, evolve, and innovate. With that in mind, it’s an honour and a privilege to welcome Jacob to the Cellar Door Podcast and share his story with you.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEveryone in marketing knows Mark Ritson. He’s built a reputation for being direct, sharp, and unapologetically honest in how he approaches both the practice and teaching of marketing. With a career that includes advising major global brands like LVMH, Mark now focuses his energy on the Mini MBA, an online course designed to give students what he sees as the core foundations of marketing and brand building.I was first introduced to Mark’s work by my friend and mentor Joe Fattorini, who pointed me toward some of Mark’s more pointed critiques of modern marketing thinking. Mark considers that marketing has drifted away from its foundations, losing sight of core principles in favour of flashy tactics and surface-level creativity.Mark challenges the idea that marketing is just about flair or instinct. For him, it’s a serious discipline—one that requires structure, evidence, and proper training.As it happens, Mark also has a real love of wine. So I was especially pleased when he agreed to join me for a conversation—not only about how marketing is (or isn’t) working in the wine world, but how it’s faring more broadly across industries.It was a genuinely insightful chat, and I’m very grateful to Mark for taking the time to join me.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEarlier this year, while in Sydney, I had the pleasure of grabbing a quick bite with two locals behind one of Australia’s fastest-growing wine communities. I was curious to meet the duo behind the WinedUp podcast—and to see whether their personalities matched their mission.It was a short but memorable session. Over a bottle of German Riesling and some outstanding Thai food, I came away thinking: they really are who they say they are—two Aussie mates on an unapologetically unfiltered and unpretentious wine journey. No snobbery. No fluff. Just two of the most grounded guys you’ll meet, deeply passionate about sharing their love for wine.But their work goes beyond wine chat. In today’s industry, wine communicators are increasingly community builders, educators, and even logistical bridges in the supply chain. Trent and Jason understand that. They’ve built more than a podcast—they’ve cultivated a community. And they’ve done it with a clear sense of purpose, a smart strategy, and a strong support system behind them.Today, I had the chance to dive deeper into how they do it. Their passion for wine is unmistakable, but it’s matched by thoughtfulness and drive. This conversation made me reflect on just how important modern wine communication has become—and I can’t think of two better blokes to be leading the charge.A huge thanks to Trent and Jason for joining me.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn 2024 Coles took steps testing its One Brand Brand Strategy, which included the conversion of all Vintage Cellars Stores to Liquor Land. Bill Rooney is the CEO at 6one5 Retail Consulting. He has consulted for a range of companies including Silicon Valley’s Intel. Bill has been watching the Coles transition unfold, from the implementation of the pilot program, to execution and whilst understanding of the foundation strategy, he has been highly critical of its execution. Bill’s thought leadership has been on display recently, with the publication of a series of articles discussing the strategy and execution of the Coles rebranding. I found the articles extremely insightful and was excited when Bill agreed to share his insights on the CDP. This was a thoroughly engaging chat, a huge thanks to Bill for joining me on the Cellar Door Podcast.  Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis is the third and final installment of my conversation with Professor Gerald McDermott. We start by focussing on case studies that demonstrate innovation in action. What can the wine industry, or any industry for that matter, learn from the evolution of Silicon Valley? Or from the crash of the Chilean Salmon Industry? Professor McDermott shares principles that are vital for any industry to keep in mind when facing uncertainty and change. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. This was a fantastic way to bring this series to a close. A massive thanks to Professor McDermott for joining me. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Mid May of this year I had the pleasure of releasing a short chat with Jackson Family winemaker Chris Carpenter in which we spoke about the magic of the Hickinbotham Vineyard, the Hickenbotham label and the wider magic of Clarendon. To get that one in full Check out episode 25 of Season 5. Chris and I discussed a great many things during my time in Clarendon, that we did not include in that initial chat, so we recently caught up for a riveting part two. In this conversation we take a focussed dive into Chris’s background and what makes him a truly unique specimen in the wine world. We talk about Jackson Family Wines, the role large wine operations play in the modern commercial ecosystem and we also talk about the opportunity Chris and the wider Jackson Family see in working in and with the Australian wine community and the genuine excitement that generates. Chris says it as he sees it and accordingly, when he shares his perspectives it's a true pleasure to sit back and listen. A massive thanks to Chris Carpenter for joining me. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Professor Gerald McDermott and I continue our discussion on systems and innovation. With the background and context to Gerald’s Mendoza case study established, we start to go deeper into the foundational concepts, and what a healthy system might look like, along with its different component parts. To start part 2 of our conversation, I ask Gerald whether it's possible to spot telltale signs that a system is ripe, ready for or in need of innovation. We will pick the conversion up with his answer. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the fundamental of nailing your sales pitch.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode began with a curious email landing in my inbox. Not that the sender — my good friend Priscilla Hennekem — was mysterious, but rather the contents of her message were. It was brief and enclosed an attachment: a paper by Professor Gerald McDermott, titled “Public-Private Institutions as Catalysts for Upgrading in Emerging Market Societies.”I scratched my head, opened the file, and started reading.Now, Professor Gerald A. McDermott is the department chair and professor of international business at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Earlier in his career, he focused on how industrial networks shaped economic governance in post-communist countries. But what does any of that have to do with wine?At first glance, nothing — until Gerald married a wonderful Argentine woman, which eventually led him to take a systems-deep dive into the Argentine wine industry. His paper charts how Argentina’s wine sector evolved from a state of chaos to one of cohesion and success. For Gerald, that success was no accident: it was a slow, transformation powered by the right systems and inputs. In other words, an industry thrives when it develops the right networks — diverse knowledge networks, diverse resource networks, and the right kinds of actions within those networks that encourage innovation and disruption when necessary. In Argentina, this emerged through effective public-private institutions.I encourage you to read the paper yourself when you have time (seriously, make the time!). But for now, enjoy this fascinating two-part interview, which offers a completely fresh way to think about the health and development of an industry.A huge thanks to Professor Gerald McDermott for joining me.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the most fundamental aspects of a business sales plan.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn mid-2024, I found myself in the heart of Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley—an enchanting sub-AVA that has quietly, but confidently, shaped America’s wine identity. With a history that stretches from pre-Prohibition endurance to present-day renaissance, Dry Creek is a place where multigenerational family wineries continue to define what authenticity in American wine really means.At the core of this region’s soul is Zinfandel—a grape often celebrated for its bold fruit and generous spirit, but in the hands of Dry Creek’s best, it becomes something more nuanced, expressive, and site-driven. For the families who’ve worked this land for generations—the Rafanellis, the Mauritsons, and today’s guests, the Nalles—Zinfandel isn’t just a heritage grape. It’s a medium for elegance and for storytelling.Andrew Nalle, winemaker and steward of the Nalle family legacy, describes Zinfandel as one of the most rewarding grapes to work with. It’s sensitive, demanding, and characterful—and when treated with respect, it produces wines that are both layered and profoundly expressive of character.On this visit, I had the great pleasure of experiencing Nalle Winery’s hospitality firsthand, thanks to my Bostonian friend Brandon Farrell, and to April Nalle—educated in South Australia and now back in California, continuing a legacy that bridges continents and generations.In this episode, I sit down with Andrew to talk about Zinfandel’s journey—from its pre-Prohibition roots to its evolving role in today’s fine wine conversation. We dive into Dry Creek Valley’s unique position in American wine and what it means to craft wines that are both timeless and forward-thinking.A huge thanks to Andrew for joining me.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss CRM's, what they are and why they are an integral aspect of any wine business chasing success.Support the show

Send us Fan MailYouTube launched in 2005, founded by three former PayPal employees—one of whom uploaded the platform’s first video, Me at the Zoo. Just a year later, Google acquired it for $1.65 billion. Today, YouTube is the world’s largest video platform, reaching 2.5 billion users every month and shaping how we consume content.While written media still holds value, there’s been a clear shift toward digital platforms like YouTube and social media. These spaces offer creators the chance to reach millions—but they’re fiercely competitive. Only the most consistent, compelling content rises to the top, and that takes skill, grit, and a clear sense of purpose.Wine media has been slow to fully embrace this shift, but there are pioneers trying to change that—among them is today’s guest, Dr. Matthew Horkey. An American wine personality who recently pivoted to YouTube, Matthew brings the mindset of an entrepreneur chasing something meaningful.This episode is less about wine itself and more about ambition, creative risk, and building something from the ground up—though, fittingly, wine is the thread that ties it all together. I found myself opening up more than usual in this conversation, and I’m grateful to Matthew for making space for that.Support the show

Send us Fan MailSpain is a land steeped in tradition—rich in culture, history, and of course, wine. Few regions embody this legacy more than Rioja, with its age-old dedication to blending, oak maturation, and patience. But even in Rioja, time doesn’t stand still. The region now finds itself at a crossroads, reflecting on long-held practices and facing the challenge of adapting to a rapidly evolving global wine world.At the heart of this transformation is an unexpected figure—Australian winemaker Jackson Brooke. Before fate led him to Rioja, Jackson was already crafting fine wines in Australia. Today, he’s the head winemaker at Cosme Palacio, one of Rioja’s oldest and most respected labels. With a global perspective and a deep respect for place, Jackson is quietly spearheading change in the Rioja Alavesa, embracing regenerative agriculture and nudging the region toward a more thoughtful future.In this episode, Jackson shares his insights on where Rioja has been, where it might be headed, and why now is the time to evolve. We cover everything from vineyard philosophy to cultural shifts—and just when I thought the conversation was winding down, a surprise guest from Jackson’s past popped in for a cameo.This was a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking chat. A big thank you to Jackson for joining me.Support the show