My Role

Helping drive an incredible team to create special wines from a special place.

Helping shape the future of winemaking in the Barossa through inspiring ideas underpinning sustainable grape growing and winemaking.

Managing a winery estate - grape growing, winemaking and sales.

Fixing things. I love working with my hands and often prove most valuable when something needs fixing fast.

What I’m most proud of is building a brand rich in integrity, with an unwavering commitment to quality and our environment.

How I Ended Up Here

I’m fortunate to have been given a journey enabling me to be part of the culture of winemaking.

Born and raised in the Barossa, keeping my roots here felt inevitable. This region shapes you.

The compelling nature of grape growing — and the tremendous people I’ve met along the way - have kept the dream alive.

Favourite Place at Tscharke

There are two places.

Gnadenfrei North. Wandering the rugged slopes of this property carries an ethereal feel. Every row and every vine brims with vitality. The land feels energising and alive - it gives back when you listen to it.

The office. It’s fun, filled with inspirational people and never dull. My second family. I love them all.

Top 3 Wines

1. Gnadenfrei North Shiraz

A Shiraz which leaves many others looking dull. Powerful, alive and deeply expressive.

2. Gnadenfrei Red II

The ultimate experience of place, depth and beauty.

3. A Thing of Beauty

My go-to for a glass to turn off the mind and unwind.

Final Meal on Earth

Wild Pacific salmon grilled on the BBQ, roasted potatoes, asparagus and white sauce with cucumber and dill salad.

Paired with Gnadenfrei South Grenache, served slightly chilled.

Dining with Janine and the children, of course.

Tscharke Is…

Authentically Barossa in a glass - enriching for the soul and respectful to the environment.

My Role

A bit of everything - just not cellar door.

I oversee the vineyard, winery operations and irrigation, as well as warehouse inbound and outbound logistics. From mowing and mid-row work to undervine slashing and vineyard maintenance, I’m deeply involved in the land itself.

What I find most rewarding is finishing mowing a block and seeing the fresh-cut rows. Clean mid-rows. Undervine slashed. Many of these rows I helped plant. Seeing the result of hard work and labour - then tasting the wine made from it - brings it full circle.

How I Ended Up Here

Being Damien’s sister, he approached me to join when the winery was much smaller - about 14 years ago. It was just him and a casual at the time, and I had previous experience.

I enjoyed the variety straight away, and working alongside someone so passionate about every part of the process - from vineyard to bottle.

I’ve seen the rises and falls. But from the beginning, the same feeling has remained - a positive team environment, working alongside my brother, building something meaningful.

Favourite Place at Tscharke

Gnadenfrei South Grenache - at the top of the hill.

It’s where the Tscharkes first settled. From there you overlook the Gnadenfrei Church - where our grandparents now rest.

When I stand there, I feel pride. We’re upholding our grandfather’s legacy. We’re farming the same land and producing wines of incredible quality from it.

It carries history, responsibility and strength.

Top 3 Wines

1. Stone Well Shiraz

Powerful and expressive. A true single-vineyard statement.

2. A Thing of Beauty (slightly chilled)

Balanced, pure and easy to reach for.

3. Reserve Blanc & Blanc de Noir

Both refined and versatile - wines which suit many occasions and always deliver.

Final Meal on Earth

A medium-rare porterhouse cooked over charcoal, triple-cooked potatoes, beans wrapped in Barossa bacon with almonds and burnt sage butter.

At the table would be my fiancé and our four daughters.

The bottle: Stone Well Shiraz, single vineyard.

For me, Shiraz with steak is the ultimate pairing - bold, structured and full of flavour. Exactly how I’d want to finish.

Tscharke Is…

Respectful of the land.

My Role

As Finance and Administration Officer, I manage all things finance and admin related - accounts payable and receivable, HR, payroll, WHS, inventory, tax returns, grants and contracts.

There isn’t a quiet day in the office at Tscharke, and I never quite know what I’m walking into when I arrive. Damien always has something new on the go, which means I’m constantly learning and adapting. It keeps things interesting.

How I Ended Up Here

After more than 30 years in Local Government, I dipped my toes into the wine industry at one of the larger local (global) companies, before being made redundant 10 months later. Following some temporary contract work, I came across an advert for a part-time admin and finance role at Tscharke.

Having already had a taste of the wine industry, I was excited by the idea of working in a small winery with exposure to the entire process — from vineyard to bottle. Damien met me for a chat and offered me the opportunity to join the team. So here I am.

Favourite Place at Tscharke

Standing beside my car when I arrive in the morning, looking out across the vineyards while everything is still quiet and peaceful.

Every morning looks and feels a little different. There’s a softness to it before the day begins. It takes me back to living at home with Mum and Dad on our family vineyard property near Mengler Hill. There’s something grounding about that moment - it feels familiar.

Top 3 Wines

1. Stone Well Grenache

One of the first wines I tried here, and I still keep reaching for it.

2. Rosé

There’s always a bottle in my fridge, ready to share with the girls. I’ve yet to meet anyone who hasn’t enjoyed it.

3. Blanc de Noir

I’m a bubbles girl, and Damien’s Blanc de Noir is special. Perfect popped straight from the fridge on Christmas morning with my nearest and dearest.

Final Meal on Earth

It would have to be one of Mum’s classics - either her Christmas beef with mustard and caper dressing or her corned beef with all the trimmings.

Whichever it was, I’d want to be surrounded by family and friends, with a glass of Blanc de Noir in hand.

Tscharke Is…

Amazing. Come and see it. Experience it. Taste it for yourself.

My Role

I’m the boss’s partner - which means I do everything and nothing, all at once.

Day-to-day, I hold the home front steady so Damien can do what he does best. I look after the children, keep life moving, feed him daily, and make sure he has the space and support to pour himself into the vineyard and the wines. I’m also his biggest supporter - and very happily, his biggest consumer.

I occasionally step in at the cellar door on public holidays or busy weekends, wherever I’m needed. But mostly, my role is the quiet one behind the scenes - the stability, the encouragement, the voice reminding Damien why he started.

What I’m proud of is being part of this journey. Wine doesn’t just come from vines. It comes from people, sacrifice, belief and long days no one else sees. Supporting that journey is something I carry with pride.

How I Ended Up Here

There was no formal invitation. I fell into it by falling in love with Damien.

In the beginning, I saw the exhaustion, the pressure, the responsibility - but I also saw the passion. The way he spoke about the vines like they were living history. The way harvest season consumed everything.

What convinced me wasn’t the wine. It was him. His belief. His stubborn refusal to compromise on quality or integrity.

What made me stay is the same thing keeping everyone here - the sense this is bigger than just work. It’s purpose. It’s family. It’s legacy.

Favourite Place at Tscharke

The vineyard at sunset. When everything goes quiet.

Late-night irrigation checks where it’s just us, walking or driving hand in hand through rows of vines, with views to die for. There’s something deeply grounding about those moments.

It reminds me of the cost of building something real - and the beauty making it worth it. Early mornings. Late nights. Uncertainty. Belief. All of it lives in those rows.

Gnadenfrei North holds everything.

Top 3 Wines

1. Gnadenfrei South Grenache
Slightly chilled, earthy, fresh and delicious.

2. Stone Well Grenache
A little sweeter with more red fruits. The 2021 vintage was - and probably always will be - one of my favourites.

3. A Thing of Beauty
Because it is exactly that. It reminds me to stop and appreciate what’s been created. And how good is the 2024 vintage.

Final Meal on Earth

It would be simple.

A long table outside at Gnadenfrei North. Warm air. The children there. Damien beside me.

Good food - BBQ fillet with mushroom sauce and fresh salads.

I’d open the Gnadenfrei South Grenache.

Because it holds the story. The struggle. The belief. The love. Everything it took to get here.

And I’d sit in that moment for as long as possible.

Tscharke Is…

Sacrifice, passion and family - all poured into a bottle.

My Role

I look after and help grape babies transform into sound, delicious wines with their own personality, while bringing out the Tscharke characteristics along the way, and I get to record their transformation from grape to bottle.

My role covers all things winemaking, including vintage duties, day to day winery and cellar work, bottling, paperwork, and everything in between.

Outside of the busy production periods you will also find me in the cellar door. I might not be the chattiest cellar door attendant, until we start talking about wine and winemaking. Tscharke wine, or any wine.

How I Ended Up Here

I first visited Tscharke in 2018 on a uni field trip. I was really impressed by Damien’s creativity and passion for the land, the cellar and the wine. I was also impressed by the price, especially for an organic and biodynamic producer.

Tscharke became one of my favourite producers from then on. I thought, if I ever ended up in the Barossa, Tscharke would be one of the places I would love to work.

And here we are, eight years later. I absolutely love the vibe, the team and, of course, the wine.

Favourite Place at Tscharke

Outside the cellar door on a sunny day. The view is beautiful in every season.

I could sit there all day with a glass of wine, or a few, to taste. Or drink. An empty brain, a glass of wine and a beautiful view.

Top 3 Wines

2025 Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz. A lovely, juicy, red fruit driven wine with just the right amount of structure. It goes so well with milky cheese and is perfect for catching up with friends, having with light nibbles, or just drinking on its own. I call it a breakfast wine, because it is so juicy. Tasting wine at breakfast was part of my job, so drink responsibly, my friends.

A Thing of Beauty. A Grenache with a bit of everything, all beautifully balanced. I am not talking about a jammy one here. It is elegant, balanced and very easy to enjoy.

Gnadenfrei North Shiraz. Very different from Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz. This is a more serious and structured Shiraz, with lovely savoury notes. A great showcase of the terroir.

Final Meal on Earth

A four flavoured hotpot. Four different flavours to pair four, or more, different wines.

Tscharke Is…

A lifestyle.

My Role

Day-to-day can take me anywhere from the vineyard to the cellar door. As the seasons change, so does my role.

Spring is mainly spent in the vineyard. Summer moves into the cellar (to stay cool). Autumn, of course, is harvest in the winery. Winter returns to the cellar (to stay dry), putting wines to barrel, working through blends and preparing wines for bottling.

Versatility - like everyone at Tscharke - is what I’m most proud of.

How I Ended Up Here

I completed my placement here during my final year of studies at Adelaide Uni. I wanted to learn more about Australia’s most famous wine region - the Barossa.

My brother Rhys introduced me to the wines first. Once I learned Tscharke was organic and estate grown and made, I thought it couldn’t get any better. So I sent an email and came for vintage.

The family was very welcoming, and I found Marananga to be a historical and community-oriented place. So I stayed. I’m still learning more every day.

Favourite Place at Tscharke

Gnadenfrei North Shiraz.

Overlooking the famous palm trees to the south and the Gnadenfrei Church to the east - particularly in spring when there’s an abundance of life - it’s still, quiet and unrushed.

Sometimes the church bell rings at 10am and it feels like stepping back in time. There’s something grounding about standing there and remembering why we farm this land.

Top 3 Wines

1. Gnadenfrei North Shiraz

For the reasons above. It’s one of Australia’s most recognised varieties, yet here it’s expressed in a completely unique way. A true food wine, made for drinking slowly around a table.

2. A Thing of Beauty

For its purity, quality and deliciousness. It can be enjoyed any time of year and suits almost any occasion.

3. Reserve Blanc

A white with both richness and freshness - almost paradoxical, yet beautifully balanced. Like A Thing of Beauty, it works year-round.

Final Meal on Earth

A BBQ over charcoal with Gnadenfrei North Shiraz.

It encourages slow drinking and enjoying the time. The texture pairs beautifully with food.

I’d be surrounded by my most gourmet friends and family - those who appreciate good wine and aren’t afraid to indulge a little.

Tscharke Is...

Ahead of its time - leading the future of grape growing and winemaking, while remaining unmistakably Barossa.

My Role

My role at Tscharke is mostly providing cellar door and Underground experiences for our guests. I answer questions about the wine, the winery, Damien, and the Barossa as a whole.

I really enjoy chatting with guests. Everyone who walks through our doors has a new and interesting story to share - whether they’re regulars or first-time visitors.

I also help in the warehouse packing orders and jump in wherever I’m needed in the office. No two days are ever the same.

How I Ended Up Here

I started at Tscharke in April 2025. I had come for a tasting the year before and just had the best time.

Initially, I was helping out on Saturdays, but after about six months a position opened up and I was asked to come on full time.

I loved how welcoming the whole team was - it felt like a family. The wines are delicious, the cellar door is beautiful, and I feel very lucky to work in such a lovely environment.

Favourite Place at Tscharke

My favourite place is the view from the cellar door, especially when everything is green. It’s beautiful and calming.

The sound of water trickling from the fountain, with classical music playing in the background, makes it such a peaceful spot to pause and take a breath - especially at the end of the day. It’s one of those moments where you can truly appreciate where you are.

Top 3 Wines

1. 2022 Montepulciano
Rich and bold in flavour. It reminds me of the kind of wine I would share with my parents when I first started drinking wine.

2. 2022 Stone Well Grenache
I love drinking it chilled in summer - perfect for sunset after a warm day. It’s also beautiful with a simple tomato-based pasta.

3. 2022 Elements GSM
The perfect medium-bodied red. So delicious.

Although I haven’t found one I don’t like yet. They’re all different, and I’m always changing what I’m drinking depending on dinner plans and the weather.

Final Meal on Earth

It would be tomato basil pasta - the one my mum used to make when I was a kid.

I’d pair it with a bottle of Blanc de Noir. It feels right to have something celebratory for a final meal.

At the table would be my family and friends… or my favourite artists. If my last meal could be with Lana Del Rey, that would be pretty cool.

Tscharke Is…

Community, fun, creativity, opportunity and friendship.

My Role

My role at Tscharke is as a Wine Experience Host. That basically means keeping things running smoothly in the cellar door, providing tastings in the Museum Room and the Underground Cellar, and making sure guests have the most enjoyable experience when they visit.

How I Ended Up Here

I actually ended up here by surprise. To my knowledge it is not often that places like this put out a call for new hires. A good friend of mine called me one day and asked if I was looking for a job. Six months later and here we are. Time flies.

Favourite Place at Tscharke

The garden out the front of our cellar door. Coming into spring it is going to be so beautiful out there. Sitting in the sun under the umbrellas with the fountain trickling in the background, sipping a glass of Tscharke’s finest. What more could you ask for.

Top 3 Wines

Top three is a hard one.

2024 Project Mataro. Light, juicy, tart, and it pairs perfectly with a nice cheese platter.

2022 Elements GSM. A great mix of fruity, peppery and earthy. It has been on heavy rotation for me.

2022 Distinction Shiraz. My number one. Bold, deep and full of flavour. It was a sad day when it sold out.

Final Meal on Earth

Kingfish crudo with green apple, fennel and green chilli oil. Followed by steak frites with a brandy and peppercorn sauce. For dessert, a classic tiramisu doused in Baileys and Frangelico, for optimum taste of course.

I would share the table with people who would have interesting conversations. Christoph Waltz would be there, and Willem Dafoe, to invoke the more philosophical side of things. I would also throw a bit of chaos in the mix, with people like Billie Eilish and Charli XCX.

Tscharke Is…

A place to unwind, sink into the calmness and beauty of the Barossa, enjoy gorgeous, intricate wines and rediscover the romance and passion involved in winemaking.

My Role

I’m responsible for making sure customers receive their Tscharke wine deliveries at their doorstep. The team and I pride ourselves on thoughtfully packaging your wine and sending it on its way as quickly as possible.

I also help with admin and occasionally at cellar door. Having a small team means we all support each other.

How I Ended Up Here

I started working at Tscharke through a friend’s referral and was made to feel welcome from the moment I walked in.

Tscharke has an integrity and kindness that’s rare to find - both in a workplace and in a product. Plus, the wine is amazing.

Favourite Place at Tscharke

The Gnadenfrei vineyard.

It’s such a special place - a small ecosystem full of life, farmed with care. I value the fact the vines are nurtured without destroying the life supporting and surrounding them. Wildlife lives in harmony with the farming and wine production.

It carries a kind energy.

Top 3 Wines

1. Blanc de Noir

Reminds me of happy times. A special wine to share on special occasions.

2. Rosé

Reminds me of relaxing with friends. I’d open it for a weekend lunch or on a Friday afternoon with some cheese.

3. Elements GSM

Balanced and versatile - like a trusty old friend. I especially enjoy it in cooler weather by the fire.

Final Meal on Earth

Pavlova topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, homemade by my daughter.

At the table would be my family and friends.

The bottle: Blanc de Noir.

Every Christmas since I was a little girl, we’ve had pavlova. Now my daughter and I make it together to continue the tradition. It holds happy memories. I couldn’t think of anything better to celebrate a life filled with love than sharing that moment with the people closest to me.

Tscharke Is…

Kind.