Strategic Wine, Tourism & Viticulture | Business Enterprise
Overview
My Garden & Field vision began with a weekend of immersive wine experiences in Queensland’s Stanthorpe region, where guided tastings and vineyard walks revealed the artistry and lifestyle of fine wine production. Unlike my childhood experiences on large-scale cotton, beef, and cereal farms in the outback, these experiences showcased wine hosts blending multiple talents with entrepreneurial skills across the agritourism sector; I was hooked.
Within months, South Australia’s Barossa Valley became home, and my city-based adolescent lifestyle shifted toward viticulture. I developed formal and practical skills that paved the way for the creation of a new wine label, grounded in authenticity, storytelling, and sustainable practices. This journey reflects not only a personal passion for wine and life on ‘the land,’ but also a strategic approach to brand development and experiential tourism.
Learn more about our story: Garden & Field
“Your Gomersal Road Shiraz scored 95 points, which is a huge score for me, achieved by fewer than 10% of the Barossa wines I tasted this year”
Wine Writing | Tasting Notes | Blog
Social Media Copy
Soil to Sip: The Story Behind Our Eden Valley Artisan Reds
Barossa's Eden Valley is more than a wine region; it’s a storybook where each vineyard tells a tale of resilience, craft, and nature’s harmony. Our Garden & Field wine story began on a dry-grown site when we resurrected an 1850s farming entity to establish one of those “dream” artisan brands. Here, sustainability meets tradition, and yielding wines is as much a reflection of what we envisage as how we live our passion.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Eden Valley, our vineyard thrives without irrigation, relying solely on nature's gift—rainfall. This dry-growing method is not just a nod to traditional winemaking but a commitment to sustainability and quality. The vines dig deep into ancient soils, drawing out character and complexity that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Each grape variety we nurture—Shiraz, Cabernet, and the rare Refosco—carries its own story…
Wine Production | Click Image To View Tasting Notes
By 2009, we had successfully restored and established Barossa vineyards while supporting grape-growing ventures for competitors in the industry. Strategic partnerships with leading producers, including Penfolds, enabled us to pursue our ambition in cultivating Barossa’s finest Shiraz.
A pivotal milestone occurred in 2015, when our barrelled wines were bottled and entered into Australian wine shows, earning gold medals and best-in-class accolades, despite challenges posed by dry-land conditions and supply limitations.
“There is no longer any boundary fence between vineyard and winery, and after decades of watching and learning, Raymond’s winemaking skills were just waiting for the call”
Strategic Communications
In recognition of our viticultural achievements, I prepared a submission for a national award, documenting key vineyard practices and showcasing contemporary, authentic grape-growing techniques.
Among 6,000 entries, the submission earned Garden & Field the title of Young Gun of Wine Top Vineyard Finalist (2017), highlighting the vineyard's quality, sustainability, and innovation.
🍷 Shiraz: Known for its rich, velvety textures and vibrant notes of dark fruit, chocolate and spice, our Shiraz is a tribute to Eden Valley’s terroir. Every sip whispers tales of sun-drenched days and cooler nights, defining this region.
🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured and elegant, our Cabernet speaks of patience and precision. Notes of cassis, blackberry, and hints of mint deliver timeless balance.
♥️ Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso: An unexpected gem in the Barossa, our Refosco is for the adventurous palate and foodies! Its bold, earthy undertones, hints of violet, clove and whispers of wild berries embody tradition and innovation.
Media Release | WineState Magazine 2022
As Company Director and Communication & Marketing Manager, I oversee operations from vineyard to bottled product, managing production, wine label and packaging design, and strategic marketing initiatives across print and digital channels.
I lead content creation, campaign strategy, and copy across Shopify, social media, eNewsletters, and Mailchimp CRM, with SEO and analytics optimising engagement.
High-quality visual and written content, including wine writing developed through passion, WSET, AWRI training and industry expertise, communicates provenance, vineyard practices, and regional narratives that inspire, educate, and connect audiences globally.
Driving communications through wine award submissions enables the Garden & Field brand to establish credibility, build awareness, and create opportunities for sales growth.
I utilise wine shows as a strategic, cost-effective platform rather than a standalone activity.
In 2021 and 2022, the Garden & Field Cabernet–Refosco and Shiraz wines received Gold Medals via WineState Magazine Annual Awards.
By creating media releases and blog posts across owned media, I amplified audience reach through engaging content for wine journalists and stakeholder networks, and extended story capabilities across shared and earned digital channels. This integrated approach across paid, earned, shared, and owned media contributed to a 30% increase in wine sales and strengthened brand and market presence.
The Garden & Field story began with entrepreneurial vision: restoring an 1857 Barossa Valley homestead to develop a majestic vineyard and create a premium wine brand celebrating the region’s unique terroir.
Combining meticulous viticulture, innovative winemaking, and compelling storytelling, Garden & Field engages domestic and international audiences, elevates regional awareness, and drives commercial growth while fostering long-term relationships with consumers, trade, media, and tourism stakeholders.
