Farewelling our Vineyard Manager and friend, Andrew Mills.

On Wednesday last week, our leadership team had a lovely lunch in the city to bid farewell and best wishes to our long term Vineyard Manager, Andrew Mills. Those of you who have participated in our annual Pick & Stomp event in March will remember him fondly.

Andrew has lovingly managed both our Healeaville and Kangaroo Ground vineyards for 14 years. There isn’t a square centimeter of either property that he hasn’t trodden a million times. Early morning starts, freezing cold, searing heat, snakes, kangaroos, deer, he’s health with it all.

It all starts with the fruit. You can make bad wine out of good fruit but you can’t make good wine out of bad fruit. Without exception, Andrew has produced exceptional fruit year on year despite the challenges of weather and environment. It is his incredible fruit that has been the building block of our consistent premium wine.

Over the journey, Andrew became far more a friend than a colleague. Always willing to help where it was needed, Andrew has had a significant impact on our entire business. One of life’s true gentlemen, Andrew’s knowledge, passion and love of the industry and sharing this with others always shone through.

As Andrew moves into the next chapter, we are left in highly capable hands with Andrew’s prodigy and our new Vineyard Manager, Ben Craig. Ben has been working in Yarra Valley vineyards for 15 years and has been working closely with Andrew at Boat O'Craigo for the last two years.

Andrew, words fail me at this time. On behalf of myself, Steve and your Boat O family, a heartfelt thank you for your friendship and everything you have done over the last 14 years to get us to where we are today. We wish you all the very best for your next chapter. You will be sadly missed my friend.

- Travers Graham