Gary is a “local” having grown up in Red Cliffs in the Sunraysia region only 10 kilometres from Irymple and Qualia Wines where he is the Senior Winemaker – Operations. 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.

It’s a happy hunting ground for me. It makes sense that there is a natural flow and balance of the warmth and generosity of the region and its people to its grapes and then our wine. I’m pretty passionate about keeping that balance.