Ray Nadeson & Maree Collis,
Ray and Maree came to the wine industry from academic/research backgrounds in Neuroscience and Chemistry. Their passion for wine led them to pursue an alternate pathway culminating in the establishment of Lethbridge Wines in 1996. Although Ray and Maree already held PhD’s in science their respect for knowledge sent them back to Uni where they achieved their Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) degree from Charles Sturt University.
Maree and Ray have both worked ‘hands on’ across all aspects of the business, including viticulture, winemaking, sales, marketing, export etc. Their current roles are slightly more defined with Ray employing his creativity and his exceptional palate as Head Winemaker and Maree undertaking the role of General Manager of Lethbridge Wines
ray@lethbridgewines.com | maree@lethbridgewines.com
Vassily,
My name is Vassily Pestretsov. I was born in Crimea, the land where the roots of winemaking goes as deep as 3000 years in human history.
Before coming to Australia I worked as a winemaker in Crimea and internationally.
During one of my trips in search of something interesting to taste around Geelong, I came to Lethbridge Wines and it was a stunning experience.
I was absolutely enchanted by Ray and his wine! In 2019 I got the chance to join the Lethbridge team.
I believe Lethbridge Wines tries to play a very ambitious role. On one hand Ray as custodian of classical winemaking makes a great effort to deliver unique flavours of aged wines to the customers, on another hand he is so open for the ultra “nouveau” styles and trends in winemaking.
Corrie,
Corrie joined Lethbridge in 2015 to assist Maree with office administration having had a close association with the Geelong Wine Industry for over 25 years. Every day presents something different, there’s always a challenge and some fun to be had.
Corrie loves nothing more than spending time with her family and friends sharing good times and a Lethbridge bottle or two. What’s her all time favourite? Why the next glass of course, probably a Pinot.
Pete,
Pete has a long association with Lethbridge Wines having planted his own Shiraz vineyard in Mount Duneed in 2000 with Ray and Maree making the wine.
Having worked in corporate Sales and Marketing for over 30 years Pete joined the Lethbridge team in 2017, initially to manage the new Lethbridge @ Hat Rock Cellar Door but is now also looking after exports and our ever growing Wine Club.
Pete has worked across many areas of the wine business, has completed WSET Level 3 and is currently studying for his Diploma of Wine (WSET).
Annette,
Annette has been working at Lethbridge since mid 2019 running the cellar door during the weekends. Annette has worked extensively in the hospitality and wine industry for the past 25 years. Annette has a Bachelor of Hospitality and Business Management.
Joey,
No Winery is complete without it’s meet-and-greet person. Joey our extremely cute Poodle has taken up this responsibility with gusto, following in the best traditions of our much loved Jack Russell, “Bosun” and Border Terrier ‘Harry’.
To Find Out More
As grapegrowers and winemakers, our story revolves around land: where grapes are grown and where our vineyard is located.
We have developed a special appreciation of where we live, and feel honoured to acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants, and the traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.
The Lethbridge winery and vineyard are situated on the land of the Wathaurong people of the Kulin nation and we acknowledge that this land was never formally ceded.