John Schwartzkopff

"I grew up in the Riverland area of South Australia in a town called Berri. I was bright at school and winemaking appeared to be a great career option in the mid-seventies so away I went...

My winemaking has not strayed too far from when I grew up. I currently look after the Irrigated supply for the Cellarmasters Group and Dorrien Estate. The last few years have seen a determined drive to pick wines earlier with better structures and lower alcohols which I have endorsed. I also rely keenly on the advice of growers who supply us with their fruit - they know best the condition of their fruit. We know and trust each other and work well together as we chase the moving target of your average Australian vintage.

We consider ourselves to run a very green outfit - we're always striving for minimal intervention in the vineyard and optimum efficiency in the winery.

What I love about my job... I do enjoy getting on the road (in my old Holden) and disappearing for a few days doing the rounds of vineyards and wineries we work with during vintage. Probably why my nickname is "Agent", as in secret... as I'm always off somewhere. I love listening to the old hits when I'm cruising along... And talking of cars, I once sold my 1978 Holden Premier (V8 with Whitewall tyres for those in the know) to help fund my winemaking studies at Roseworthy college. It still hurts - but well worth it of course."