About Us

Founders in Australian vineyard at sunset

Our Story

Australia for Wine Connoisseurs began as a passion project in 2010 when two friends, Emily Parker and James Wilson, both certified sommeliers with a deep appreciation for Australian viticulture, noticed a gap in the market for expertly curated wine experiences that truly showcased the diversity and excellence of Australian wines.

What started as informal tasting events for friends in a small Brisbane venue quickly grew into a respected enterprise as word spread about their knowledgeable approach and ability to connect wine enthusiasts with Australia's hidden vinous treasures. By 2013, they had established their headquarters on Queen Street and expanded their team to include viticulture specialists and wine historians.

Today, we've guided over 10,000 wine lovers through personalized tastings, educational workshops, and immersive vineyard tours across Australia's premier wine regions. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition from the Australian Wine Industry Awards as "Best Wine Education Provider" three years running.

While we've grown significantly, our founding philosophy remains unchanged: to demystify the world of fine wine and create memorable, knowledge-enriching experiences that deepen appreciation for Australia's winemaking heritage and innovation.

Our Mission & Values

The principles that guide everything we do

Education

We believe knowledge enhances appreciation. Our programs are designed to educate wine enthusiasts at all levels, making complex wine concepts accessible without diminishing their depth. We're committed to creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged and questions are welcomed.

Sustainability

We're dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible viticulture and supporting wineries that implement sustainable practices. We believe that the future of Australian wine depends on preserving the unique terroir of each region through ecological stewardship and climate-conscious approaches.

Community

We're passionate about supporting small, family-owned vineyards and emerging winemakers. By fostering connections between consumers and producers, we help sustain Australia's diverse wine ecosystem. We believe that the stories behind the bottle are as important as the wine itself.

Meet Our Team

The wine experts behind your exceptional experiences

Emily Parker

Founder & Lead Sommelier

With WSET Level 4 Diploma and 15+ years in the industry, Emily has an exceptional palate for detecting subtle flavor notes. Her specialization in cool-climate varietals and sparkling wines has made her a sought-after expert at international wine competitions.

James Wilson

Co-founder & Viticulture Expert

A fourth-generation winemaker from Barossa Valley, James combines traditional knowledge with modern techniques. His deep understanding of terroir and growing conditions allows him to explain how vineyard practices influence the final wine character.

Sophie Zhang

Wine Historian & Education Director

With a PhD in Wine History from the University of Melbourne, Sophie brings context to every tasting. Her research on immigrant influences on Australian winemaking traditions provides fascinating insights into how cultural exchange shaped regional styles.

Michael Thompson

Sensory Analysis Expert

With dual backgrounds in enology and neuroscience, Michael specializes in the science of taste perception. His interactive workshops on developing your palate have become our most popular offering for both beginners and experienced connoisseurs.

Our Achievements

Milestones that mark our journey in the world of wine

Award ceremony for wine education excellence

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Industry Recognition

Named "Best Wine Education Provider" by Australian Wine Industry Awards for three consecutive years (2020-2025)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Community Impact

Educated over 10,000 wine enthusiasts through our workshops, tastings, and vineyard tours
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Sustainability Initiative

Partnered with 35 sustainable vineyards across Australia to promote environmentally responsible viticulture
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Research Contribution

Published comprehensive study on emerging Australian wine regions that has become reference material for sommelier certification programs
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Expert Curation

Developed relationships with over 200 Australian wineries to offer exclusive tasting opportunities for rare and limited-production wines

What Our Clients Say

Experiences shared by wine lovers who've joined our programs

"As someone who always felt intimidated by wine terminology, the approachable style of Emily's workshops completely changed my relationship with wine. I learned more in one day than in years of casual drinking, and now feel confident selecting wines that match my preferences."

Rebecca Harris

Brisbane, Australia

★★★★★

"The vineyard tour exceeded all expectations. James's deep knowledge of viticulture combined with his ability to explain complex concepts in accessible terms made this an incredible learning experience. Getting to meet the winemakers and understand their philosophy transformed how I think about wine."

David Chen

Singapore

★★★★★

"As a wine collector for over 20 years, I was skeptical that I'd learn much from the masterclass, but Michael's scientific approach to tasting revealed blind spots in my evaluation process. His techniques for developing sensory memory have completely refined my palate. Absolutely worth every penny."