Welcome to 'Grape Growers Untold,' an oral history initiative of the Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association. Join us as we talk to the stalwarts of the Clare Valley Grape Growing community, taking a journey behind the vines to the stories of days gone by growing grapes in the beautiful Clare Valley.
Former ABC Broadcast Journalist and Clare Valley local Annabelle Homer explores the insights of seasoned growers spanning different generations, who offer a rich perspective on decades of viticultural work.
From Crayfish to Cabernet – The Steele Family Story
In this episode of Grape Growers Untold, we sit down with father-son duo Paul and Jarrad Steele.
Paul’s story begins in Penwortham, where days were spent picking grapes by hand and nights were backed by the relentless work ethic of a father running two jobs to keep the vineyard alive. By 16, Paul was already deep into vineyard life at the Mortlock Experimental Station and went on to help introduce mechanical harvesting to the Clare Valley.
Jarrad, now head winemaker at Paulett Wines, took a different route - from working trades to crafting award-winning rosé. He reflects on growing up among vines, studying winemaking while working at Kilikanoon, and the creative journey that led him to where he is today.
Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association
https://clarevalleywine.com.au/ (https://clarevalleywine.com.au/)
Valley VineWorks
valleywine.com.au (valleywine.com.au)
Paulett Wines
https://www.paulettwines.com.au/ (https://www.paulettwines.com.au/)
23 Feb 2026
Rooted in Leasingham – The Eaton Family Story
This episode takes us to Leasingham in South Australia’s Clare Valley to meet the Eaton family - grape growers with a legacy spanning over 100 years.
Hear from father and daughter, Robert and Melissa Eaton, who share their unique perspectives on life tied to the same patch of soil. From horse-drawn ploughs to modern tractors, early vine-pruning lessons in the schoolyard to facing brutal frosts, their story is rich with grit, innovation, and a deep love for the land.
Despite the challenges of limited work on their family vineyard, Robert and Melissa show how creativity and determination can pave the way forward - including Melissa’s journey launching her own viticultural services business.
Tune in and start with Robert’s early beginnings.
https://clarevalleywine.com.au/ (https://clarevalleywine.com.au/)
Valley VineWorks
https://www.facebook.com/valleyvineworks/ (https://www.facebook.com/valleyvineworks/)
16 Feb 2026
Growing Change – The Castine Family’s Farming Journey
Meet Kym and Ben Castine - generational farmers whose story offers an authentic look at how farming has evolved over the decades.
In 1996, Kym made a bold move: planting the family’s first vineyard amid a slump in wool prices and a surge in grape growing. Balancing livestock, crops, grapes, and family life alongside his wife Rose, Kym laid the foundation for a new chapter.
Fast forward nearly 30 years, and their youngest son Ben - trained as a neuropsychologist - has returned to the farm with fresh energy, sustainable practices, and a forward-thinking vision.
In this episode, we explore generational transition, native cover crops, straw mulching, and why strong relationships with winemakers - and being open to new ideas - matter just as much as what’s planted in the soil.
Tune in to hear how the Castine family’s story began and where it’s headed next.
https://clarevalleywine.com.au/ (https://clarevalleywine.com.au/)
More about the Castine family
https://younggunofwine.com/vineyard/castine-morella-vineyard-clare-valley/ (https://younggunofwine.com/vineyard/castine-morella-vineyard-clare-valley/)
https://ecovineyards.com.au/meet-the-national-ecogrowers-2022-2025ben-jess-castine-morella-vineyards/ (https://ecovineyards.com.au/meet-the-national-ecogrowers-2022-2025ben-jess-castine-morella-vineyards/)
9 Feb 2026
Mort and Kevin Mitchell - A Legacy Rooted in Grit
In today’s episode of Grape Growers Untold, we bring you a powerful generational story of grit, passion, and perseverance.
We follow the life of Mort Mitchell, whose journey takes us from the dairy farms of South Australia’s southeast to the vineyards of the Clare Valley. From wrangling cattle and horses in the outback to planting his own vines at just 19, Mort’s dogged determination saw him through some of the toughest chapters in the wine industry - including the Vine Pull Scheme and volatile grape markets.
But Mort’s story doesn’t stop with him. His legacy lives on through his son, Kevin Mitchell, who swapped a career in banking to establish Kilikanoon Wines in the late ’90s. Drawing on fruit from both his and Mort’s vineyards - including the now-iconic Mort’s Block - Kevin helped take their shared dream to international acclaim.
Hit play to hear where it all began - with Mort Mitchell.
https://clarevalleywine.com.au/ (https://clarevalleywine.com.au/)
Kilikanoon Wines
https://kilikanoon.com.au/ (https://kilikanoon.com.au/)
Woodvale Vintners
https://www.woodvalevintners.com.au/ (https://www.woodvalevintners.com.au/)
2 Feb 2026
Riesling Legacy – The Hughes Family Story
Welcome back to Grape Growers Untold, the oral history podcast from the Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association. Hosted by former ABC journalist and Clare Valley local, Annabelle Homer, this season brings a fresh perspective to the vineyard.
In Season 2, we pair the wisdom of seasoned grape-growing veterans with the passion of the next generation - those shaping the future of Clare Valley’s wine industry while staying true to its deep roots.
Join us as we journey behind the vines to hear heartfelt stories of resilience, legacy, and enduring love for the land.
In this episode, we share the inspiring journey of Richard and John Hughes - a father and son duo whose passion for Riesling has carved out a special place in Australian winemaking.
Richard arrived in Australia in the 1960s as a young migrant and found his calling two decades later in Clare Valley’s rolling hills. With no prior experience but plenty of heart, and guided by local legends, he planted roots in viticulture with a clear focus on one grape: Riesling.
That passion was handed down to his son John, who embraced the challenge of building a brand around Riesling. Despite early doubts - including from Richard himself - John founded Riesling Freak, a business solely dedicated to this variety. Sixteen years later, it thrives, earning accolades at home and abroad.
Today, Richard and John work side by side: Richard tending the vineyards, John crafting 17 distinct styles of Riesling from 8 growers across the Clare and Eden Valleys.
Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association
https://clarevalleywine.com.au/ (https://clarevalleywine.com.au/)
Riesling Freak
https://rieslingfreak.com/ (https://rieslingfreak.com/)
7 Apr 2024
Grape Growers Untold - Malcolm Parish and Neil Grace
In this episode, growers Neil Grace and Malcolm Parish, both long-time Leasingham growers from the Clare Valley, share their intertwined lives.
Malcolm has a rich grape-growing heritage, with his grandfather being one of the first to plant Riesling in the region. He’s led a diverse life as a surveyor, grape
grower, vineyard manager and teacher.
Neil, transitioned from maintenance manager at Quelltaler to growing grapes in his father’s vineyard. He continued to dapple in winery engineering working on some
prominent winery infrastructure projects throughout his career. He also worked for SACA for many years.
Former ABC Journalist Annabelle Homer explores their rich experiences in grape growing, relationships with wineries and the closure of Quelltaler, how much the industry has changed with employing pickers and pruners, and the impact of technology on the grape growing industry.
Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association
https://clarevalleywine.com.au/ (https://clarevalleywine.com.au/)
31 Mar 2024
Grape Growers Untold - Noel Smith and Roger Kimber
In this episode, neighbours from various generations gather for a conversation.
Roger Kimber, a fifth-generation grape grower from Stanley Flat, joined farming with his father in 1985 and took over fully after his father's passing in 2007. The Kimber family has a long history in Clare Valley's agricultural industry since the mid-1800s, with Charles Kimber, Roger's great-great-grandfather, being a
pioneer in both flour milling and fruit growing.
Roger's great-grandfather, Madden Kimber, chaired Clarevale Growers Winery, later becoming Clarevale Cooperative.
In the 1980s, Noel Smith entered the industry, buying the vineyard next to the Kimbers. Originally a shearer from Booberowie, Noel transitioned to grape growing when his father-in-law acquired the land for alleged tax reasons. Over time, Noel thrived in the industry and ventured into winemaking, establishing Cardinham Estate Winery with his sons.
The narrative takes a sombre turn, impacting not only the winery but also Noel's sons. In this open and reflective conversation, Roger and Noel share their life journeys, challenges, victories, and contemplate their future paths.
Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association:
https://clarevalleywine.com.au/ (https://clarevalleywine.com.au/)
24 Mar 2024
Grape Growers Untold - Lita Brady
Meet Lita Brady, one of the custodians of Wendouree, home to one of Clare Valley's oldest vineyards.
"Wendouree" is believed to originate from an Aboriginal term meaning "place of water." Alfred Percy Birks, arriving in 1892, partnered with his brother to farm, planting currants and wine grapes with some original vines from 1892 are still producing.
The winery, established in 1895, has maintained its practices for over 120 years. In 1917, A.P. Birks passed the reins to his son Roly, who continued the legacy for almost 70 vintages.
Roly's lasting presence saw him guiding Tony and Lita Brady when they took over in the mid-70s. Wendouree had a solid reputation, but the Brady’s enhanced it.
Lita spills some secrets to former ABC journalist and Clare Valley local, Annabelle Homer, sharing the 12-hectare vineyard's history, their use of traditional methods, and her vision for Wendouree's future in the Clare Valley.
Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association:
https://clarevalleywine.com.au/ (https://clarevalleywine.com.au/)
17 Mar 2024
Grape Growers Untold - Les Bryksy and Ian Smith
The episode introduces Watervale grower Les Bryksy and former Leasingham Wines vineyard manager Ian Smith. Les took over his father's Watervale vineyard in the '60s, after seven years in the Air Force. Ian, a share grower for Stanley Wine Company, later worked at Leasingham for 24 years. Les pioneered irrigation
in the valley, and Ian managed 1,000 acres of vineyard, staff and growers. The interview includes their stories, with wives Marie Bryksy and Judy Smith joining for a chat.
Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association: https://clarevalleywine.com.au/ (https://clarevalleywine.com.au/)
10 Mar 2024
Grape Growers Untold- Leo Faulkner and Martin Smith
In this episode, Martin Smith, a seasoned farmer and grape grower, is joined by Leo Faulkner, an experienced grafter with 70 years of viticultural knowledge. As distant cousins, they share a history in fruit gardens and ventured into wine grape businesses in the late 60s.
The conversation spans 65 years of grape growing, recalling moments like picking grapes on hands and knees and facing challenges like the 1983 bushfires. They discuss the highs of $4,000 a tonne for Chardonnay grapes in the 80s and the lows of the devastating bushfires.
The duo also reflects on growing grapes amid climate change and housing growth.
Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association:
https://clarevalleywine.com.au/ (https://clarevalleywine.com.au/)
3 Mar 2024
Grape Growers Untold - Bunny and Yvonne Peglidis
In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of Bunny and Yvonne Peglidis, celebrated figures in the Clare Valley grape growing community.
Bunny's journey began at 12 in his father's Greek vineyard, later migrating to Australia at 21. From working at Quelltaler to founding his own vineyard, their story is a captivating blend of tradition and passion.
Bunny's path intertwines with Yvonne's, marking the start of a unique partnership in both life and the grape-growing community.
For 65 years, Bunny and Yvonne have stood as a united team. Together, they've pruned, picked, and cultivated top-tier grapes, acclaimed by their close friend and winemaker, Kerry Thompson of KT Wines, as some of the finest in the valley.
Their remarkable journey has been far from easy; it's been a tale of relentless, back-breaking labour in the pursuit of grape-growing excellence.
Bunny and Yvonne stand out for their uniqueness. In running their Watervale vineyard, they adhere to traditional methods now considered obsolete in many vineyards across the country. Their commitment to heritage is truly exceptional.
Get ready for an entertaining chat with Yvonne and the unstoppable Bunny, now at a remarkable 90 years old. This conversation is a delightful journey through their life, full of stories that defy the slowing down of time.
Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association:
https://clarevalleywine.com.au/ (https://clarevalleywine.com.au/)
29 Feb 2024
Grape Growers Untold - Preview featuring James Halliday
Welcome to 'Grape Growers Untold,' an oral history initiative of the Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association. Join us as we talk to the stalwarts of the Clare Valley Grape growing community, taking a journey behind the vines to the stories of days gone by growing grapes in the beautiful Clare Valley.
Former ABC Broadcast Journalist and Clare Valley local Annabelle Homer explores the insights of eleven seasoned growers who offer a rich perspective on decades of viticultural work.
These growers tell captivating and candid stories of their lives in the vineyard that truly capture the essence of growing grapes in the Clare Valley.
This episode is a preview of what’s to come in the following six episodes.
This episode features:
James Halliday AM, International Wine Critic and Writer
Nick Ryan, Australian Wine Writer
Mitchell Taylor, Chair, Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association
Anna Baum, Executive Officer, Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association
Penny Lion, Bourke and Travers
A selection of featured grape growers
Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association: https://clarevalleywine.com.au/
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