James Hook is one of McLaren Vale’s most respected viticulturists and agronomists, known for his practical knowledge, innovative approach, and deep commitment to sustainable grape growing. As co-founder of DJ’s Growers, he works hands-on with vineyards across the region, helping growers restore and improve blocks, adopt new technologies, and prepare for the challenges of climate and market change.
He played a leading role in creating McLaren Vale’s Sustainable Winegrowing program, which became the model for Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, and today supports thousands of growers nationally. Recognised by WSET and IWSC as one of the global wine industry’s Future 50 leaders, James combines science, community, and storytelling to highlight the importance of how grapes are grown in shaping the wines we love.
Sneak preview from the upcoming interview with James Hook.
Liz Riley is a true pillar of Australian viticulture, with more than 30 years working across vineyard management, biosecurity, sustainability, and industry leadership.
Based in the Hunter Valley, Liz runs her own consultancy through Vitibit, helping growers build healthier, more resilient vineyards. She also manages her family’s vineyards at Scarborough Wine Co, and plays a vital role in education through her teaching at Tocal College, passing on her skills and knowledge to the next generation of viticulturists.
Respected for her practical wisdom and big-picture thinking, Liz is as comfortable talking about soil microbes as she is about the future of the wine community.
Sneak preview from the upcoming episode with Liz Riley
Sami Gilligan is at the heart of two worlds that keep South Australia’s wine industry moving. As the co-owner of Flex Logistics, he’s carted countless loads of grapes from McLaren Vale vineyards to wineries, and expanded into mining transport. He also owns and runs The Wetlands Vineyard, where he’s working to restore biodiversity through the EcoVineyards program, planting native species, creating microbat habitats, and thinking long-term about land health.
On top of that, he sits on multiple industry bodies at regional, state and national level, while championing gender diversity in leadership and building businesses that reflect those values.
Sneak peek at Sami Gilligan's amazing interview,
Sue Bell and Jordan McAnaney are two voices in wine who crossed paths only last year but have already found plenty of common ground. Sue has built a reputation over decades for her focus on community, sustainability, and climate-appropriate wine at Bellwether, while also drawing on her Aboriginal heritage and a deep respect for the land.
Jordan, still early in his winemaking career, brings curiosity and courage to the table, stepping away from more traditional farming to reshape what a vineyard could be, and putting his ideas into practice straight away.
Since connecting at the Langhorne Creek wine show last year, they have shared ideas, supported each other, and found that bringing together different experiences can push the industry forward.
Sneak peek at the upcoming epsidoe with Sue Bell & Jordan McAnaney.
Andrew Kenny and Ben Castine are part of a new wave of Clare Valley growers blending respect for tradition with a push for more sustainable and regenerative practices.
Andrew runs Kenny Wine, a label focused on showcasing the best of single-vineyard fruit while caring for the land. Ben and his wife manage their own vineyard at Watervale alongside his work with EcoGrowers, helping farmers shift toward more resilient, environmentally friendly systems. Both have been recognised as Young Guns of Wine for their forward thinking, showing you can farm for the future without losing what makes this region great.
They’ve faced challenges like oversupply, water security, frost damage, and the mental toll of working in a tough climate, but they’re driven by a belief in community and a healthier way forward for wine.
Sneak preview from the next great episode, featuring Andrew Kenny and Ben Castine.
Jesslyn Francis Collins and Jessica Grozdanov are two emerging talents bringing fresh energy and diverse skills into the Australian wine industry. Jesslyn grew up in Toronto and has spent 15 years working in wine and hospitality, earning her sommelier certification and gaining vintage experience in Canada and Australia. She’s now in her third year of a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Adelaide, drawn here by its global reputation.
Jessica, originally from Wollongong, started out in engineering and advanced manufacturing before discovering wine during a vintage on the New South Wales south coast. That spark led her to Adelaide, where she is wrapping up her master’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology and preparing for an internship in Sonoma.
Together, they are part of a new generation working to blend innovation, sustainability, and a sense of community into the future of wine.
A sneak peek from the upcoming interview with the two Jess's.
Nick Dugmore is the driving force behind Stoke Wines, with vines rooted across both Kangaroo Island and McLaren Vale. A Young Gun of Wine winner, Nick brings a thoughtful approach to regenerative farming and a passion for the connection to people and place that makes wine special.
Receiving a shock stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis at 39, Nick’s had a major rethink on everything from his relationship with alcohol, to how we look after the land, our health, and each other. Not one to shy away from the tough conversations, he’s now putting his voice out there, co-hosting The Power of Awareness Podcast, to help inform and inspire people living with cancer.
He’s passionate, determined, and not afraid to call for change where it’s needed, if you ask him, he’ll tell you he loves wine even more since cancer, for the connection and joy it brings when we treat it — and ourselves — with respect.
A sneak preview from the upcoming interview with Nick Dugmore.
The Follett family has been embedded in Langhorne Creek for the past century, making a living off many years of dairy farming before transitioning over to winemaking under the Lake Breeze label in the 90’s.
Eldest son Roger, Winemaker Greg and Vineyard Manager Tim have built on the foundation laid by their dad Ken, running their ever-growing business alongside a list of other family members, with its nexus based around candid kitchen table conversations, food and rude jokes served by matriarch, Marlene.
This is a chat about navigating the complexities of family dynamics in the industry, getting along, and getting ready for the next generation.
Here’s Greg, Tim and Rog…
Sneak preview from Roger, Greg & Tim Follett's upcoming episode on Healthy Minds Healthy Vines, the well being podcast for growers.
Proudly brought to you by the Wine Grape Council of South Australia, sponsored by PIRSA.
Nigel Blieschke and Tom Bartholomaeus are the viticulturalists behind Torbreck’s towering presence in the Australian wine industry, responsible for making the most of some of the oldest grape vines in the world.
The responsibility of custodianship over such special vineyards isn’t lost on Nigel, who’s knowledge and respect for nature was passed down from his grandfather, growing up in the Flinders Ranges. Tom is a sixth generation Barossa grower known for his soft pruning methods that he learned in Italy.
Having developed his craft over decades, starting in the booming 90’s, today Nigel and Tom work from the ground up to ensure things are looked after for the future ahead, while producing fruit in the here and now that’s better than ever.
Here's Tom and Nigel…
Sneak preview of Nigel and Tom's upcoming episode on Healthy Minds Healthy Vines, the well being podcast for growers.
Proudly brought to you by the Wine Grape Council of South Australia, sponsored by PIRSA.
Sheridan Alm is at the helm of the Riverland’s ‘Starrs Reach Vineyard’, and recently took out ‘Innovative Vineyard of the Year’ at the Young Gun of Wine awards. Sheridan’s family history in the region stretches back six generations, with she and husband Craig now carrying thetorch into unknown territory.
As a mum of 5, Sheridan’s always on the go, and if she’s not careful, can run out of time and energy to look after herself when parenting and wine come first. As her latest award suggests, they pride themselves on doing things differently at Starrs Reach, with a focus on alternative varieties and sustainability setting them up for success.
Here’s Sheridan…
Sneak preview of Sheridan's upcoming episode on Healthy Minds Healthy Vines, the well being podcast for growers. Proudly brought to you by the Wine Grape Council of South Australia, sponsored by PIRSA.