In 2003 and 2004, Michael ventured to the Rhone valley in southern France, to take part as a Flying Winemaker for the European vintages. Being just 40 minutes south of Chateauneuf du Pape, in the Cote du Luberon, Michael produced wines of different quality from Apellation Controllee to Vin de Table, with varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre and Sauvignon Blanc.

Michael’s experience of the Old World and New World winemaking techniques have lead him to always strive for perfection in every wine he produce’s.

Michael believes strongly in blending wines from different soils and climates as each contributes its own character to the blend. Michael quietly through his intuition and training goes about improving wines each vintage from the vineyard through to the bottle.

Michael’s natural talents and abilities have been enhanced by his education at Charles Sturt University, which has helped enable him to create fresh and vibrant wine styles for Montego Estate since May, 2005.