I was born in Basel, Switzerland close to the famous Alsace wine region of France. My father was very interested in viticulture and he became involved in a tiny vineyard in our village. Family weekends and holidays were often spent in picturesque wine regions of France and Northern Italy. Following our return to Australia in 1987 we planted Cabernet Shiraz and Merlot on the rolling ironstone hillside near Tallarook in Central Victoria.

During my Science /Arts degree at Monash University where I majored in microbiology, immunology, and history, I was fortunate to have an opportunity to do some work experience as a cellar hand for Don Lewis at Mitchelton, followed by a vintage at Wirra Wirra. I decided I wanted to further my studies in Oenology and was fortunate to be able to attend Adelaide university to achieve this goal. I gained further experience with vintages in Barolo [Northern Italy], Bordeaux, northern Rhone and Portugal. I worked as an assistant winemaker at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley with Steve Flamsteed and Team for 3 years, fuelling my passion for Cool Climate wines, especially Pinot Noir.

Marlborough has interested me since the days of working in a bar while I was at university. I was forever asked by customers for a Marlborough 'savvy'. This successful brand fascinated me, and when I looked into it and found that a diversity of wine styles as well as many other varieties were grown here, my curiosity was sparked. This, coupled with the unique cool climate, lots of sunshine and interesting sub-regions (as well as the spectacular surroundings) all conspired to convince me that this was where I wanted to live and make wine.

To me, Catalina Sounds wines have finesse, beautiful fruit intensity, are well balanced and elegant. The fruit is the focus - sourcing the best possible from passionate growers in Marlborough is fundamental for all the varietals. My winemaking techniques are very non-interventionalist! I prefer the fruit to express itself. I love wines that are food-friendly, not over-the-top. Subtler, elegant wines are what I like to drink and therefore what I will strive to produce.