The Intrepid Wino

My name is James Scarcebrook, and my wine career started in 2004 at my local chain liquor retailer, where the only thing I enjoyed about the work was learning about wines, and sharing my enthusiasm for them with the customers. In the following years I worked for a winery in cellar door and marketing, then returned to independent retail while I completed my Masters of Wine Business with the University of Adelaide. As the wine buyer I had the chance to be exposed to many Italian wines as well as some of the Italian varieties that had been planted in Australia and the wines they produced.

Upon completion of my studies I decided to spend 16 months travelling around the wine world, 12 months of which was spent in Europe. Unquestionably the place that resonated with me the most was Italy; such generous and humble people, with a deep understanding and pride in their natural resources and traditions. I discovered that Italians truly appreciate the good things in life and sharing them with others. It was exciting to explore the myriad grape varieties in the many and varied regions. I am indebted to the wine producers who welcomed me into their wineries and homes, and to their Australian importers who introduced me to them.

As a wine professional and communicator I have been passionate about furthering the understanding and appreciation of both Italian wines and Italian grape varieties in Australia. I saw so much potential with these grapes, but wanted to take things to a new level by starting my own project selecting the varieties that are not only better suited in general to the Australian climate and soil, but have a region-specific focus. Since the 2016 vintage I have been using my experience - studying, tasting and travelling - to test my theories and make delicious approachable but also surprising wines.