The Wine Tasmania Technical Committee is a group of volunteers from our producer members. The primary functions of the Technical Committee are:

Prioritise Research, Development and Extension activities through the development of the Tasmanian Wine RD&E Strategy
Advise the Wine Tasmania board of Research, Development and Extension priorities and activities and provide technical feedback
Promote the Tasmanian wine sector as a vibrant, professional place to work

The members of the Technical Committee are volunteers who give their time freely for the benefit of the entire Tasmanian wine sector.

Members

Ben Pietsch (Chair)

Ben Pietsch is the Tasmanian Viticulturist for Brown Family Wine Group, managing Tamar Ridge vineyards along with winery grower fruit supply. He brings years of experience in cool climate viticulture ranging from regions such as the Grampians, Yarra Valley and now beautiful Tasmania.

VISIT TAMAR RIDGE

Penny Jones

After more than 10 years spent working in the Adelaide Hills for Petaluma, Penny Jones returned to her home state of Tasmania in 2013 to join the Bay of Fires winemaking team.

VISIT BAY OF FIRES

Hugh McCullough

Originally from the States, via the UK, Hugh came to Tasmania in 2015 and now owns and runs two wine companies with his wife, Natalie Fryar: the main focus being traditional method sparkling and Riesling, based in Pipers River.

VISIT WELLINGTON AND WOLFE

Astrid Walters

Astrid is manager and co owner at Boomer Creek Vineyard, alongside her parents & husband Max. She also spends time helping out in the winery each season over vintage at Spring Vale Vineyard in Cranbrook.

VISIT BOOMER CREEK VINEYARD

Jake Sheedy

Jake is the Managing Director and Vigneron of newly established Sisu Wines vineyard and soon to be winery / cellar door in the Coal River Valley

VISIT SISU WINES

Baden Mills

Bio coming

Manulife Investment Management

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?

You can download the full bios for Wine Tasmania's Technical Committee by clicking on "Read More" below.