The People at Kuitpo Vineyards

General Manager

Geoff completed his diploma in Wine Production in 1977 and commenced employment with his family's 125 year old wine business Thomas Hardy and Sons.

In 1980 with fellow viticultralist Ian Leask he purchased the promising Pertaringa vineyard in McLaren Vale from the Gilbey organisation. Pertaringa is still owned and managed by Ian and Geoff today.  { www.pertaringa.com.au }

Since this time he has been involved in the planting of about 3000 hectares of vines and consulted to over 200 different vineyards in Australia, France and Italy. His extensive knowledge of viticulture and wine production ensures the creation of outstanding wines.

Geoff won Wine Selectors Inaugural Australian Viticulturalist of the Year in 2005.

Viticulturist

Bec completed her Viticultural Science degree at the University of Adelaide in 2003 and is currently living in London. While living in the UK she is promoting the K1 brand and studying the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma to further her knowledge of the global wine industry.

She has had six years retail experience including one and a half years at the Edinburgh Cellars at Mitcham in South Australia. As well as working at K1's Kuitpo Vineyard, Bec has also worked during vintages with Orlando Wyndham and Lion Nathan.

Office Manager

Bernadette has worked for Kuitpo Vineyard since 1996 and during this time has been an invaluable support to Geoff.
During her time at the K1 vineyard she has managed all areas of office administration and has an extensive knowledge of vineyard management and the wine industry.

Wine Business Manager

Tracey Hywood, has joined the K1 team as Wine Business Manager.
She brings with her 20 years experience in the hospitality industry including accounting and hotel management in Adelaide, Cairns and Darwin.
Being the small company we are, she is responsible for everything from accounting and stock control to courier and vintage hand. If that isn't already enough, she also has the challenging job of tracking the wine in the winery as master blender Ben Riggs tweaks the blends.

Events Coordinator

Fiona is currently completing a Diploma in Wine Marketing at the University of Adelaide.
She organises events held at Kuitpo Vineyard, including corporate events, picnics,
weddings and lunches.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Consultant

Jodie completed her degree in Agricultural Science at the LaTrobe University in 1986 and started work in the horticultural industry. In 1996 she started her own viticultural consulting business. Since 2001 Jodie has run the pest and disease management program and coordinates harvest over the 80 hectares managed by Kuitpo Vineyards.

Vineyard Supervisor

Matt has been employed by Kuitpo Vineyards for over ten years.
He is a highly skilled worker in viticulture with his tasks including harvest,
grafting and weed control.

Cellar Door Sales

Jess (the second of the Hardy kid's) is currently undertaking Bachelor of Winemaking at Adelaide University. She has had a taste of the retail side of the wine industry spending two years at Goodwood Cellars, and is now working at K1 Cellar Door. She is a passionate environmentalist, like her grandma Barbara Hardy, and is exploring biodynamic principles for the K1 vineyard.

GDB (General Dogs Body!)

Seb completed Year 12 at St Peters in 2006. In 2007 Seb “aka – GOD!” has been working as a cellar hand during vintage at Tinlins in McLaren Vale for experience before he jet sets off to Europe to work at the ‘Arrogant Frog’ in Languedoc, France. Seb continues to do various jobs in the K1 cellar door and vineyard, and will be promoting the brand with Bec in the UK.

Keeper of the Dogs

Many visitors to cellar door will have met Hannah, or at least seen her from a distance as she races across the vineyard with the dogs in tow. Don't think Hannah's age makes her immune from getting involved in the business! When Hannah is not running around the countryside, she helps out with labeling, packaging and bird scaring during vintage.