The Winemaker

Born in Australia into an Italian winemaking family I first trained as a Town Planner, but soon after completing my degree I joined Brian Croser to help put the finishing touches to the then new, Petaluma winery in Piccadilly Valley. A few more years at the University of Adelaide and also Charles Sturt University completed the career transition to winemaking.

In 1990, I heeded the call and moved to Italy as an Oenological consultant. After a few intense years in Europe, my young family and I returned to Australia and to Petaluma. In 2005 I partnered with Gavin Jones of Jebsen Fine Wines and together we developed Twinwoods Estate in Margaret River.

Twinwoods is a 25 hectare property planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon is located in Wilyabrup in the heart of Margaret River. Production is limited to 3 red wines made from Estate grown grapes including the flagship Optivus, plus a small amount of Chardonnay which we purchase.

Over the 35 years in the wine industry I have been involved as a Judge and Senior wine judge in regional wine shows, some Australian Capital city wine shows and International wine shows. I have been a councillor on the Australian Wine Export Council, Chairman of the Japan Exports Committee, and President of The Adelaide Hills Wine region. I am one of Export judges for the Australian Wine and Brandy compliance section. My family and I own and manage a small Vineyard in Piccadilly Valley which produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.