With the unusual fusion of Dutch Burgher and Japanese heritage, I developed a love for the complexity and culture of food, alcohol and all the moments (and repercussions!) in-between. Very unorthodox I know. My Japanese mother would fall asleep after just a mouthful of wine, though fortunately for me I didn’t inherit that trait!
Moving to Australia in the 70’s to study English, I decided to stay and learn the country and the Aussie way of life, though I’m not sure Aussie English was quite the polished education my parents were looking for! Nevertheless, the land of Oz is home and quite charming, in a rough-around-the-edges way! It was here, living amongst 9 out of the 10 of the world’s deadliest creatures that my love for wine began. Just to stay safe as you can imagine!
I started working in Cellar Doors in the Hunter Valley in the 90’s while raising a family with my gorgeous Anglo-Indian husband. I was very blessed to have had the opportunity to turn one of my passions into paid work. I followed the natural progression into Winery and Cellar Door Management, Marketing and Operational roles. I am a people person so the role is a natural fit. I’m able to talk all day and maintain a balance by having a glass of wine in one hand and a bottle in the other.
The wine industry is not always the “wine and dine” and “glamour” image that people see. It’s physical work, long hours and constantly being at the whim of mother nature. There are a lot of egos, tears and tantrums that need to be managed. Styles of wine that are normally produced can change based on the current market and the quality of fruit. Wines should differ hugely from year to year.
It’s an art to stay ahead of the game and I spend a lot of time doing research. Ok, the research involves drinking! But I love the part where I try my competitors’ products! Nevertheless, when one is passionate about all things wine and food, it isn’t just a job, it is a way of life and certainly not something I am even considering stepping away from!
There’s wine in the cask yet…at least another 30 years of nurturing, teaching and encouraging the next generation of wine lovers and winemakers…anyway, who can retire from a way of life that they love and enjoy???
Living and working in the Hunter Valley, you cannot not have something to do with wine and that excludes merely quaffing bottles of it. Though that’s also fun! Bonnie moved from Japan to Oz with the excuse of learning English but stayed to build a family and career in Wine. With roles in Cellar Door management, Marketing and Ops, she is the consummate wine professional. And a great cook to boot – the 2 driving passions in her life! A marriage made in Heaven!
