Neil Pike – Chief Winemaker
Neil grew up amongst his father’s vineyards in Padthaway and Langhorne Creek. After doing a vintage at Wynns Coonawarra in 1977, Neil decided to study Wine Production and Marketing at Roseworthy College. After he graduated in 1980, he worked in the Clare Valley as a winemaker for various wineries for the next few years before starting Pikes with brother Andrew in 1984. After 10 years working as full time Winemaker for another winery (and for Pikes after hours and weekends), Neil decided to focus on Pikes fulltime in 1993.
Andrew Pike - Viticulturist
Andrew was introduced to the wine industry at an early age through his father’s (Edgar) own vineyard developments at Langhorne Creek and Padthaway. Andrew attended Roseworthy Agricultural College, graduating in 1976 with a Diploma in Agriculture, and immediately joined Wynns Coonawarra Estate. After almost 4 years at Coonawarra, Andrew left the south east and joined Penfolds Wines in October 1979 to establish a new vineyard project at Clare in the mid north of South Australia. (The ‘seeds’ for Pikes Wines were almost immediately sown, as Andrew quickly realized the potential of the Clare Valley). Andrew rapidly progressed through the viticultural ranks of Penfolds, ultimately his role became General Manger Vineyard Operations for the Southcorp Wine Group where he was responsible for over 6000 ha of corporate vineyard and all grape supply for the Group on a global basis. During this time Pikes Wines was being established in the Polish Hill River Valley sub region of Clare. In 1998 Andrew resigned his position at Southcorp to assist his brother Neil in the running of the Pikes family business.
Michael Harrold - Vineyard Supervisor
Born in the Clare Valley, Michael is from a third generation grape growing family, his father being vineyard supervisor for Penfolds Clare Estate and his grandfather establishing his own 10 ha vineyard at Penwortham. After working as a farm hand for two years, Michael joined the team at Pikes in 1999 as vineyard operator, and has since graduated in viticulture at TAFE and taken on the role as Vineyard Supervisor, overseeing the day to day operations of Pikes 80 ha of vineyards.
John Trotter – Winemaker
After a number of years in the hospitality industry both here in Australia and overseas, culminating as a Sommelier in a 3 Michelin Star restaurant in the U.K., John became more interested in wine, and more importantly the making of wine. On his return to Australia, he studied Oenology at the University of Adelaide and after vintages at Hardys, Tintara, Cassegrain, Mountadam and viticultural stints in the Yarra Valley, he then joined Pikes in time for the 2000 vintage. During his time at Pikes his role has evolved from Assistant winemaker to Senoir Winemaker, where he is now responsible for the day to day winery operations in conjunction with Neil and Winemaker Steve Baraglia.
Steve Baraglia – Winemaker
Born and raised in the Barossa Valley, the wine industry was always a big part of Steve’s life. From an early age Steve was involved with working the family’s small vineyard at Williamstown in the Barossa Valley, which ultimately lead to a career in wine. After finishing an Oenology degree and a Viticultural diploma at the University of Adelaide he took up a position at Pikes in 2003. He is passionate about making wine and loves working with Riesling. Steve, and his family live on their small vineyard property, at Sevenhill. Steve has been shortlisted for The Wine Society ‘Young Winemaker of the Year’ award, two years running with his own label.
Peter Bentley – Sales and Marketing Manager
Peter started his career in retail in Melbourne in 1990, while working for local Yarra Valley wineries on his days off. After a couple of years he decided to become a winery sales representative first working for Angove’s and then Yalumba. In 2002, Peter moved to Washington DC and ran the Mid-Atlantic Region for Negociants USA. After returning from his stint in the US, Peter then worked for Negociants with domestic and imported wines. In 2004 he joined Taltarni as their global brand manager. Which gave Peter valuable exposure to markets all over the world.
Peter joined Pikes in 2007 as Sales & Marketing Manager and has assisted in creating many new destinations for the Pike Family wines both here in Australia and abroad.
Pud Smith – Cellar Door Sales Manager
Damien or “Pud”, as he prefers to be called, is a local Clare lad – born and bred. He has worked at various local Clare restaurants, pubs and wineries over the years and has even studied winemaking at Charles Sturt University. Pud is in charge of the day to day running of our cellar door and is also involved in some Pikes events outside of the winery.
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