People

Russell and Katrina Leslie and Family

Owners

Wandin is owned by Russell and Katrina Leslie. Together, with their five children, they have a deep affinity with the Hunter Valley and the wine industry in general.

Russell was born in Scotland and trained as a Chartered Accountant before moving to Sydney where he eventually worked for Macquarie Bank. Katrina, born and raised in rural Queensland has worked in Australia and the USA building businesses in the HR space.

Together they have launched themselves into the Hunter Valley Wine Industry. In 2005 they bought the former George Hunter Estate and this was closely followed by the purchase of vineyards next door on Wilderness Road. From these vines they produce the Tin Soldier and Saltire wines.

In 2009 the Leslie Family furthered their commitment to the Lovedale Region with the purchase of Warraroong Estate. All these properties are on Wilderness Road are a stone's throw from Wandin. Their wine is marketed under the group banner Swish Wine Pty Ltd.

The most recent acquisition of Wandin Hunter Valley reinforces Russell and Katrina's passion for Lovedale, its wines, and its people, and adds a fabulous, historic brand to the Swish Wine stable.

Tony Brown

General Manager

Tony Brown is a much respected local businessman, community orientated, ready to take Wandin Hunter Valley to new heights in the tourism industry. Tony, previously from Tatler Wines in Lovedale, is leading the new Wandin team through many exciting & invigorating changes to 'Wandin Hunter Valley'

 

Daniel Binet

Winemaker 

Daniel “Buckets” Binet, a nickname given to him by a local Hunter identity was born on the island of Efate, Vanuatu and immigrated to Australia in the early eighties. After completing school Daniel left for Europe to explore his French heritage. After returning to Australia, Daniel embarked on his winemaking career achieving the necessary qualification to land his first job at Bimbadgen Estate working in both the vineyard and winery. A few years later Daniel met Alasdair Sutherland owner/ winemaker for Capercaillie Wines. During his time at Capercaillie Daniel learnt that the little things in winemaking and attention to detail counts and the results speak for themselves. These little lessons resulted in Daniel being twice nominated for The Wine Society Young Winemaker of The Year and Hunter Valley Rising Star, great achievements for a relatively short career. After six years with Capercaillie Daniel felt the itch to go it alone and start his own label with a little help from a good friend Ballabourneen was reinvigorated.

After being awarded a vast amount of trophies, gold & silver medals over the few years of winemaking, word was out that Daniel was the new bright star in the valley, a sought after winemaker. He expanded his portfolio of customers to include some smaller estates, and as of 2011, is the principle winemaker for Wandin & Saltire Wines.

Daniel has had extensive judging experience regionally, nationally and internationally.

Mercedes Mendoza

Weddings and Events Manager

Mercedes heads up a team dedicated to hosting incredible weddings and memorable public and corporate events. Mercedes joins Wandin Hunter Valley from previous positions held in Canberra, including the popular wedding venue The Deck @ Regatta Point and The Australian Institute of Criminology.

Born and bred in the Hunter Valley, Mercedes is passionate about the area and all it has to offer.

Talk to Mercedes about organising your next family reunion, corporate function or wedding.

Sharlene Smoothy

MARKETING & OPEARATIONS MANAGER

Sharlene is the newly appointed Marketing & Operations Manager, with the aim to take Wandin - Hunter Valley to new heights in the boutique wine industry. With exciting new marketing initiatives on the horizon and a greater emphasis on enhancing the notorious Cork Club, there will soon be new exciting avenues for customers to reach Wandin - Hunter Valley.

Talk to Sharlene about prospective advertising and marketing opportunities, or even just to chat about the Cork Club.

Kathryn Stevens

CELLAR DOOR MANAGER

Kathryn is a well known & much loved Hunter personality, that has served many a taste of wine to an endless array of wine connoisseurs over the years.  Kathryn comes to the Wandin team from Peterson's Wines, and I assure you, we are very lucky to have her on our Cellar team. She brings light to a wines characteristics & laughter to the conversation across the tasting bar.

Contact Kathryn to organise you next group wine tasting, and enjoy a truly memorable experience in the Valley.

Michael Bright

Head chef

One of the Hunter Valley's most experinced Chefs, stepping into the 10th year of his promissing career. Michael comes to the Wandin team from Tatler Wines, with a great following & reputation for providing some of the most delectable tapas dishes in the Hunter Valley. On a daily basis, he creates new & exciting dishes to add to the menu.

Michael's experience at other renowned fine dining Hunter restaurants, like Il Cacciatore, shows in his impeccable ability to cater the most exquisite ala carte menus for weddings & events.

Visit the Wandin Wine Bar & Diner to experience the full delight of Michael's workmanship. Our book you event at the Wandin Cricketers Pavilion to enjoy the delicacies Michael has invented on his function menu.

Michael is truly talented Hunter Valley Chef. A vital member of the Wandin Team.