Healthy Minds Healthy Vines

Pauly Vandenbergh grew up on the West Coast of South Australia with a strong sense of cultural identity and connection to Country. He went on to play professional basketball in the NBL before building a career spanning sport, community, and enterprise. Today, Pauly wears many hats — from founding Munda Wines, to leading the Tjindu Foundation, establishing the Aboriginal Basketball Academy, running Wanna Mar seafood in Port Lincoln,...

Kim Longbottom’s story is one of adaptability, resilience, and quiet determination. Originally from New Zealand, she built a life on the Limestone Coast, growing a highly successful wine brand with her husband Mark in Padthaway.

When Mark was diagnosed with cancer in the early 2000s, they faced it with defiance and optimism, always believing he'd make it through. Years later leukaemia tragically claimed his life when their daug...

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 creati...

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 Coll...

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 lon...

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, steppi...

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...

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 b...

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 ...