How it all Began

Meet the Team

• BRETT

  Leadership and Chief Executive Officer

  

  Having grown up in the Riverland amongst orchards and vineyards, it was probably inevitable that Brett ended up in the vineyard industry. Brett is focused, dedicated and a hard-working family man. He is receptive to new ideas and encourages innovation; it is his passion and he now deals with the everyday challenges of maintaining vineyards across the Valley, supporting the local growers and working in conjunction with wineries to achieve the best possible quality fruit.

  Brett has previously managed 300 acres of vines achieving high-level grade fruit in the Barossa Valley. Brett is passionate about his work and focuses on quality because he realizes that you cannot make great wines with inferior fruit.

  Brett was formerly the Secretary to BGWA Grape Barossa Committee, has completed the BGWA Next Crop Leadership Course, gained a Diploma in Agribusiness Management, and is involved in the Wine Grape Council South Australia Grower Focus Group 2018-2019. Brett has completed Kerwin Rae’s ‘Nail It & Scale It’ course which delivers the very latest innovations in business growth strategies and actionable tactics that simply work and provide outstanding results through the implementation of strategies. Brett is a member of K2 Elite Mastermind which is an Exclusive Business Accelerator course that is by Application Only for business owners who are dedicated to the ongoing delivery of the latest and most effective methods, tools, ongoing support, coaching, and training available for small business owners. We work together creating the leadership framework and culture that attracts great talent and loyal clients. K2 Elite is run by successful business owners for business owners looking to create a successful and sustainable growth environment.

  We show dedication and commitment to the vineyards that we maintain. Vineyard Mates are regularly updating our equipment and range of vineyard equipment to ensure we can manage your vineyard as efficiently as possible. Our qualified staff and fully equipped workshop ensure that all of our modern plant and tractors are kept in excellent condition. This minimizes downtime and eliminates inconvenience to our customers.

• TRINA

  Leadership and Chief Financial Officer

  

  Trina grew up on a vineyard property in Bethany. Her family has grown grapes in the Valley for 6 generations. Most weekends/holidays were spent ‘helping out’ on the property picking grapes, tying on, vine training, etc which are the types of jobs that all kids on the land were expected to do growing up on vineyard property. Trina has gained extensive winery knowledge across a 17 year career at Yalumba Wines  covering everything from reception, to winemaking and export before beginning her own business, Vineyard Mates. Trina is passionate about viticulture and agriculture and its role in Australia. Trina has faith that there is a promising future for viticulture and agriculture, now and for future generations.

  Trina’s has completed the BGWA Next Crop Leadership Course, gained a Diploma in Agribusiness Management, has been a committee member of BGWA Grape Barossa Committee, was Treasurer to Barossa Vine Improvement committee 2017-2019 and is involved in the Wine Grape Council South Australia Grower Focus Group 2018-2019. Trina completed Tamsin Kate’s LEAD ID Women in Business course, and has completed Kerwin Rae’s ‘Nail It & Scale It’ course which delivers the very latest innovations in business growth strategies and actionable tactics that simply work and provide outstanding results through the implementation of strategies. Trina is a member of K2 Elite Mastermind which is an Exclusive Business Accelerator course that is by Application Only for business owners who are dedicated to the ongoing delivery of the latest and most effective methods, tools, ongoing support, coaching, and training available for small business owners. We work together creating the leadership framework and culture that attracts great talent and loyal clients. K2 Elite is run by successful business owners for business owners looking to create a successful and sustainable growth environment.

  Vineyard Mates wants to remain competitive, profitable and sustainable whilst continuing to evolve and stay true to our values.

  We enjoy the connection that we have with our customers and wineries. The Barossa Valley is a beautiful place to live and doing something that we are both passionate about and enjoy means it doesn’t feel like a job, but a fantastic lifestyle. It’s a brilliant feeling achieving high standards for our growers and being able to adapt to the industry’s ever-changing needs.