The United Nations

Maybe it’s a sign that the economic downturn is driving people to look elsewhere for work but whatever the reason, our grape picking team this year is a lively combination of European nationals, such as we’ve never had before. Accordingly it has been nicknamed the United Nations. Walking around the vineyard, it’s possible to hear animated discussion of kite surfing in French, singing of love songs in Italian, or just quiet chatting in German. In fact, there are so many internationals they complain that by travelling with their compatriots, they don’t getting enough practice speaking English.

The international theme continues in the winery, where we have two Americans helping us, Nicolas Cueva and Louis Dixon. “Nico” is from California, and has a degree in Environmental Science from UCLA. He became interested in wine quite literally by drinking and enjoying it. After working in a wine store he decided making wine was more interesting than selling it and he began his new career. Most recently he worked at the famous Kosta Browne winery at Sebastopol, in Sonoma County. Having decided it was time to experience the world of wine outside the USA, he chose to come to Australia and in particular Margaret River. His reasons are simple – it’s the best place to make wine and go surfing! Perhaps we shouldn’t mention that there also seem to be a smorgasbord of girls here as well! Nico has added an incredible level of culinary quality to the lunchroom, where his food choices are well above the norm. His Mexican and family restaurant background means he comes in with all sorts of impeccably presented and exotic choices, all far more interesting than toasted sandwiches!

Louis, a recent convert to the wine industry, hails from Portland, Oregon and has a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. His interest in wine evolved through travelling and enjoying wine with friends who have good wine knowledge. Having worked in medical device industry, specialising in pacemakers, he was tempted by a career change. The hands-on work and the opportunity to experience and understand the process, lured him to the wine industry. He was attracted by the chance of being able to work overseas and was drawn to Margaret River by its reputation for high quality wine and the fact that it’s coastal and isolated. As a keen snow skier, Louis is determined to master surfing while here and when he’s not doing that, he’s running several projects, including home brewing beer, very successfully. Dubbed “Ribbon Vale Ale”, it is proving a popular choice for the after work beer.