Founded in 1994, WNC brings decades of winemaking, viticulture and business experience to its projects around Australia and the world. From its original base in Hawthorn, to today’s office in the heart of the Yarra Valley WNC has always held a forward-looking, global view of the wine world.
Its projects continue to take the team far and wide, and have included locations as diverse as China, India, England, Japan, New Zealand, Vietnam, Turkey and Thailand.
Each member of the Wine Network Team is a highly respected professional with extensive experience in their selected field, making Wine Networking Consulting one of the most recognised, regarded, and valuable resources for the Wine Industry both in Australia, and internationally.
vIn 2020, Gary received a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to oenology as a winemaker, consultant and judge, and to professional associations.
With university qualifications in biochemistry and wine science and many years experience in senior winemaking and management roles, wine-show judging, wine research and extension, Gary is one of Australia’s most respected wine professionals.
Mark joined WNC as a Director and Consultant in 2013 after working as a Senior Winemaker for one of the largest Australian wine companies. He works with wine businesses across Australia and around the world including China and England, with earlier projects in India and the Canary Islands.
One of Australia’s most successful winemakers, Steve’s first career was in food, working as a chef and cheesemaker. Later he worked across France, was winemaker at Leeuwin Estate (Margaret River) and Yarra Burn (Yarra Valley) before joining Giant Steps in 2003. He is a Len Evans Tutorial Scholar and experienced wine show judge. In 2016 he was awarded the Australian Gourmet Traveller Magazine Winemaker of the Year award and in 2019 was announced as Wine Communicators Victorian Legend of the Vine.
Samantha is an expert in Australian and New Zealand viticulture, with a PhD in Vineyard Ecology. Her most recent role as Accolade’s Director of grape supply across Australia and New Zealand, has further established her connections and knowledge of international wine business.
After 20 years at Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley, Adam joined WNC as a consultant in 2021. His time at Chandon saw him also make wine in California (Chandon), Margaret River (Cape Mentelle), Marlborough (Cloudy Bay) and India (Chandon).
With a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology from the University of Adelaide, Mavis Zhang is one of the leaders of the emerging generation of Chinese-born wine professionals. Today she brings more than five years of professional production experience with top-flight producers such as Bass Phillip and Vasse Felix, along with Rob Dolan and Sunshine Creek in the Yarra Valley.
Sneha’s experience as a winemaker and involvement in the Indian wine industry, gives her a unique insight into this market and the global wine world. She was a key part of launching one of India’s first premium wine labels, KRSMA Estate Wines in Karnataka, also introducing it to the US export market. This coupled with her work at established wineries such as Big Banyan Wines in Bangalore, led to her being the recipient of DelWine’s Top 10 Indian Women of Wine award, before moving to Australia.
Nicole been associated with WNC since 2009; is a qualified pharmacist & winemaker; and has extensive production, strategic, operational and business management experience. Nicole has been broadly involved in the Australian Wine Industry for almost 20 years, holding senior winemaking & management positions at Capel Vale wines in WA, Rutherglen Estates in Rutherglen, Victoria and most recently Coombe Farm in the Yarra Valley. She is an experienced wine show judge and sits on several Wine Industry Boards & Committees.
Mr Peter Hayes has extensive experience across education and training, R&D investment and management, viticultural operations, irrigation sector and government and industry affairs in a 30+ year career in the wine industry. Mr Hayes is a society ‘fellow’ of the ASVO, a title given to members who have made a particularly outstanding and meritorious contribution to the grape and wine industry. The criteria for this award include making a major contribution in an industry, scientific, educational or Society role and having been a member of the Society for at least 10 years.
Dr David Jordan is a Viticultural Scientist. He has a Doctorate (PhD) in Viticulture from Oregon State University, USA and an Honours degree in Horticultural Science from Lincoln University, New Zealand. He has developed significant commercial experience during his involvement in the international grape and wine industry since 1983, and established his consultancy business Vine to Wine to Market in 1994. Based in New Zealand, David consults to many wineries, vineyards and wine businesses in Australia and internationally.