About NSW Wine

Executive Office & Public Officer
Appointed in 2022, Matthew joined NSW Wine with over a decade of experience in trade, investment, government relations and economic development.

Passionate about the wine industry, and co-owner of Jessop Wines in Orange, Matthew is a strong advocate for grape growers and producers to government with a breadth of experience delivering bespoke initiatives that help businesses grow and become more resilient.

President
Mark is the owner of Cuttaway Hill Wines and the longest serving wine producer in the Southern Highlands with 20 + years’ experience as a grape grower, viticultural consultant, winemaker and brand manager. Founding president of the Southern Highlands Vignerons Association, he is also an AG&W Board and National Wine and Grape Industry Centre Board Member.

Mark is a passionate advocate at regional, state and national levels and his commitment to the Southern Highlands and the NSW Wine Industry is stronger than ever.

Treasurer
Will has over 20 years experience in financial services and executive management with PwC, where he ran a wine advisory group, and later at Goldman Sachs, JBWere, Macquarie Bank and for his own advisory business which advised wineries, government and technology businesses.

Throughout this time, Will has held a passion for the Australian wine industry and has worked alongside his family in De Beaurepaire Wines. He recently scaled back his other roles to dedicate his time to De Beaurepaire Wines where he is responsible for wine production, sales and marketing. 

Vice President of Promotions & Hunter Valley Representative
After growing up on a vineyard in the Hunter Valley, Andrew’s early mentor was the legendary Murray Tyrrell before he launched Margan in 1989. In 2015 he was awarded Hunter Valley Viticulturist of the Year and in 2021 Winemaker of the Year. Andrew’s wines are a testament to his winemaking experience and commitment to sustainable farming practices. 

A passionate advocate, Andrew has previously led the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association, played a leading role in the regions fight against coal seam gas mining and inappropriate land use management.

VP Research & Development
Born in Canberra, Jeff was raised on a sheep farm on the Murrumbidgee. With agricultural scientist father and a wine aficionado mother from Lithuania, there was always wine on the table. After school Jeff started making wine with renowned Canberra winemaker Tim Kirk while completing a degree in Oenology at CSU. 

Owner and winemaker at Tractorless Vineyard in the Southern Highlands, Jeff is leading the regions charge to a more sustainable future along with other local farmers by embracing a combination of Biodynamics and the integration of animal systems into vineyards. 

Secretary
Philippe re-joined Cassegrain Wines in 2020 after spending time outside the industry. With a passion for NSW wine, and as an International Business graduate, Philippe’s focus has been to increase the reach of Cassegrain both national and internationally. 

Philippe is currently a Port Macquarie Tourism Association Board Member, where strengthening the tourism economy is essential to their coastal Cellar Door success.

Riverina Region Representative
Andrew followed in his father’s footsteps by being granted early acceptance for Oenology at Charles Sturt University before joining the family business as an assistant winemaker.

Today Andrew spends his time spreading the word about the Calabria family wine portfolio. “The best part about my job is that wine is universal and I have the opportunity to see the reaction of the consumer when they try my families wine. This is the best marketing research that money cannot buy!”. In 2017 Andrew became President of the Riverina Winemakers Association. 

Riverina Winegrape Growers
Jeremy is CEO of Riverina Winegrape Growers. He over 30 years experience in the wine industry, starting in 1993 as a vineyard hand with Rothbury Estate in Cowra. In 1995 Jeremy moved to the Riverina for a role with the MIA Vine Improvement Society, during which time he helped develop and implement the National Vine Accreditation Scheme with.

He subsequently joined the MIAVIS board where he continues to serve. In 2004 he took up the position of Viticulturist with De Bortoli Wines where he was responsible for the development of De Bortoli’s first organic vineyard. 

Canberra District Representative 
Fergus began his working life in Fine Dining, acquiring a love of wine through tasting the classics. He’s worked vintages as a cellar hand in The Hunter Valley, Cowra and Canberra District while also working in Fine Wine Retail for Vintage Cellars and The Coles Group.

Fergus was also a wine writer for the Canberra times from 2002-2014. He’s been in his current role as Marketing Manager at Mount Majura Vineyard since 2010. He is the Canberra District Wine Industry Association President. 

Mudgee Representative
Sam is a second generation wine-grape grower and producer in Mudgee, who runs the family business Vinifera Wines. Sam oversees all aspects of the business including vineyard management, cellar door operations, sales and marketing. Sam hold a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and is currently completing further studies in viticulture.

Sam has previously sat on the Mudgee Wine Association Board and as head of the Mudgee Wine Association Promotions Committee. 

Corporate Member
Owner of Rowlee Wines in Orange, Nicole is an experienced executive and non-executive director with over 20 years in the corporate strategy and business transformation. Nicole brings a wide range of skills and wealth of experience from start-ups, ASX-listed companies and not-for-profit organisations. Nicoles holds a Bachelor of Business, an MBA and is a graduate member of the Australia Institute of Company Directors.

Nicole has previously been a Board Member and President of the Orange Region Vignerons Association.

Corporate Member
Geoff is General Manager and part owner of Brokenwood Wines. With over 30 years’ experience in the wine industry, Geoff oversees all facets of production, marketing, cellar door and domestic sales and is actively involved in building export distribution and sales globally.

Geoff has served as a member for the National Independent Liquor Wholesalers Association and helped to build brands such as McGuigan Wines, Champagne Lanson and Louis Jadot Burgundy. This is Geoff’s second time sitting on the NSW Wine Board.

Corporate Member
James is the owner of Ross Hill Wines in Orange. Working in the wine industry is a natural combination of James’ love of the land, his background in hospitality and is a great formula for running a successful wine business. 

James’ passion for the land and the environment was a predominant driver for Ross Hill becoming the first Climate Active certified carbon neutral winery in Australia. 

Corporate Member
For 38 years John Quarisa has been recognised and rewarded for his winemaking skills. John has received some of Australia’s top wine honours and in 2004 he was part of the team that was awarded the Jimmy Watson Trophy and Stodart Trophy. 

In 2005, John decided to take a risk and start his own company, Quarisa wines. Quarisa Wines has been flourishing as John knows what it takes to make a flawless wine that is recognised by not only the critical wine show circuit but the consumer as well. 

Corporate Member
Nic is currently the Senior Winemaker and Grower Services Managers at Casella Family Brands. He grew up in the Riverina region in a family with a diverse range of irrigated farming land including significant portion of vineyard. Nic went to CSU in Wagga to complete degrees’ in Wine Science (Oenology) and Viticulture and has since worked in the wine industry for over 15 years. 

He has also judge at multiple Regional and national wine shows including being part of the judging for the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy over multiple years.