John is the current generation of an Italian/Australian family winemaking tradition that dates back over six generations to the land of his forefathers in Calabria.

He completed Applied Science at the Phillip Institute of Technology and Wine Science at Melbourne University before commencing his career as a winemaker. John’s first position was a cellar hand followed by eight years of technical research and development in the local citrus industry. He joined Qualia Wines in 1996.

A lot of large wineries have “bean counters” at their helm but with John steering the ship, Qualia Wines has its roots planted firmly in winemaking.

Gary is a “local” having grown up in Red Cliffs in the Sunraysia region only 10 kilometres from Irymple and Qualia Wines. His first wine industry experience was in 1985 as Winemaker’s Assistant at Deakin Estate in Sunraysia. Whilst at Deakin Estate, Gary completed a Wine Science Degree at Charles Sturt University and gained his Winery Cellar Procedures Certificate. In 1996 Gary moved to South Australia’s Riverland and during his eight vintages at Kingston Estate, he was appointed Senior Red Winemaker. The quality of the wines made from the Petit Verdot in these inland regions were awarded gold medals at national wine shows but Gary is particularly proud of the two trophies won at the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge.

Despite this success, Gary returned to Mildura as Senior Winemaker with Evans and Tate followed by a contract winemaking position at Constellation’s Stanley winery. Gary brings a wealth of inland winemaking experience to Qualia Wines.

Sharon has more than 30 years of experience in administration in many different industries, the Wine Industry being her most recent. She relishes the challenges of variability in her current role at Qualia Wines.

Sharon moved to the warmer climate of the Sunraysia in 2013 after working in the lush, green, cooler grape-growing area of Coonawarra.

A born and bred South Australian, Sharon is a one-eyed Collingwood Supporter by heart, don’t hold that against her.

With over 40 years of experience, the business of wine is a way of life for David.

Starting as a cellar-hand in the Barossa, he graduated from Roseworthy Agricultural College from where his career progressed into commercial roles within both family-owned and corporate enterprises with postings in the UK and USA. He joined what was to become Qualia Wines in 2003.

“I love this industry and the people I work with. I get to enjoy their passion with each mouthful of our wine”.

Dan has over 28 years of experience in various senior positions in the wine industry across Australia and New Zealand.

Driven by the art of the “business of wine” and equally passionate about the final product. Dan brings a unique combination of skills and experience ranging from online, traditional retail, import/export, sales and marketing.

Greg has over 25 years of commercial experience and has worked in agriculture, horticulture, viticulture and winemaking. Greg’s family has been involved in the Australian agricultural sector since the 1850s principally in cropping and livestock. Early in his career Greg like many young agriculturalists supplemented his income by working in the hospitality industry. After working in a bar in Acland St, St Kilda, Greg had an epiphany on how to combine his agricultural pursuits with hospitality – work in the wine industry!

Before joining Qualia Wines in December 2014, Greg spent nearly 13 years with one of the largest Australian corporate wineries where he worked as both a viticulturist and a winemaker. These roles included local and national responsibilities. Greg was involved with both production and research whilst at this company, conveying both technical and practical information to various audiences.

Greg considers the role of Grower Liaison Officer as the nexus between grape and glass. He said; “Mildura and the surrounding areas from which Qualia Wine Services sources its fruit make it a pleasure to get out on the vineyards and ‘kick some dirt’. It’s a great place to live and raise a family because sporting, cultural and artistic pursuits meld together. It is possible on a weekend to watch your kids play one of the many sports available within the district in the morning, attend a local performing arts group in the afternoon, and take in a national or international artist perform in the evening. In the vineyard, this diversity is also reflected in the grape varieties grown and the wines we make.”

For Utku, wine is essentially a natural product with an infinite variation of different areas, grape varieties and winemaking cultures. It is more than an alcoholic beverage that can be shared with family, friends or in good company.

His homeland, Turkey, has a long association with wine.

His winemaking career started after his college graduation in food science and engineering in Turkey. He acquired his master’s degree in viticulture and oenology from Montpellier SupAgro winemaking school in France.

His background includes positions at Stag’s Leap in Napa Valley; Villa Maria and Delegat in the Marlborough region of New Zealand as well as work and research experience in Rhone Valley and Bordeaux in France.

With over 30 years of experience in administration roles, Karen is new to the wine industry and is enjoying the steep learning curve and challenges her current role gives her.

Growing up in Broken Hill, Karen loves the lush green surroundings she experiences daily working at our Irymple winery.

When not working, Karen enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Barry has been with Qualia since 2009 as Logistics and Purchasing manager. He has comprehensive knowledge of bulk and case wine export and the production and distribution of domestically bottled products. Barry also possesses broad experience in dealing with shipping Lines, freight forwarders and suppliers to round out his impressive portfolio.

With over 30 years of experience in management and finance within the wine and horticultural industry, Corey brings a wealth of expertise in strategic leadership, operational optimization, and financial management.

Passionate about driving growth and innovation, Corey thrives on navigating challenges and delivering results in this dynamic sector.

Jeff has been with the company since March 1997 and has held several different roles in that time, from being a general cellar hand to Lab Technician before heading back to school to study Occupational Health and Safety.

Jeff is passionate about keeping all stakeholders safe within the workplace (his number one priority) but also loves playing his part in the making of our quality wines. Outside of his passion for winemaking, Jeff loves the footy, fishing, caravanning and catching up with friends for a few wines!