Heathcote Winery

Vineyard Manager - Brett Winslow

Brett Winslow, our vineyard manager, has been with Heathcote Winery since 2003 after moving from Shadowfax vineyards, where he had been manager since 2000. Brett has experienced the challenges of the Heathcote wine region, which include severe frost in spring, increasing drought conditions in summer and a propensity for diseases due to humidity at certain times of the year. Brett strives not only to produce fantastic quality fruit, but takes pride in maintaining a visually stunning vineyard. He particularly enjoys working with older gnarly vines such as the vines found on our Slaughter House block, which is regarded as one of the regions best single vineyard wines. Brett is supported in his endeavours by his wife Sue and daughters Bridgid and Sophie. His interests include golf, wine, his beloved Richmond Football Club, and perhaps one day having a runner in the Melbourne Cup.

Rachel Brooker

Brett Winslow

Winemaker - Rachel Brooker

Rachel holds a Bachelor of Wine Science degree at Eastern Institute of Technology in New Zealand, which is accredited to Charles Sturt University. In her final year, Rachel received a scholarship as the highest achieving student in that year.

Rachel joined us as the vintage assistant winemaker in 2003 and 2004 and in between our vintages was engaged by Adelsheim Vineyards in Oregon USA as Vintage Intern, gaining invaluable experience in cool climate winemaking. In September 2004, Rachel left for the UK and was employed for 16 months as Wine Supervisor at the acclaimed Quaglino’s Restaurant in London. Rachel’s return to assist with the 2006 vintage was fortuitous, and she took over as winemaker in May that year.

Rachel’s unquestioned technical competence and organizational skills, matched by her flair and passion for wine, brings a fresh positive approach to the process of making great wine at Heathcote Winery.