Healthy Minds Healthy Vines

The Follett family has been embedded in Langhorne Creek for the past century, making a living off many years of dairy farming before transitioning over to winemaking under the Lake Breeze label in the 90’s.

Eldest son Roger, Winemaker Greg and Vineyard Manager Tim have built on the foundation laid by their dad Ken, running their ever-growing business alongside a list of other family members, with its nexus based around candid kitchen table conversations, food and rude jokes served by matriarch, Marlene.

This is a chat about navigating the complexities of family dynamics in the industry, getting along, and getting ready for the next generation.

Here’s Greg, Tim and Rog…

Sneak preview from Roger, Greg & Tim Follett's upcoming episode on Healthy Minds Healthy Vines, the well being podcast for growers.

Proudly brought to you by the Wine Grape Council of South Australia, sponsored by PIRSA.

Nigel Blieschke and Tom Bartholomaeus are the viticulturalists behind Torbreck’s towering presence in the Australian wine industry, responsible for making the most of some of the oldest grape vines in the world.

The responsibility of custodianship over such special vineyards isn’t lost on Nigel, who’s knowledge and respect for nature was passed down from his grandfather, growing up in the Flinders Ranges. Tom is a sixth generation Barossa grower known for his soft pruning methods that he learned in Italy.

Having developed his craft over decades, starting in the booming 90’s, today Nigel and Tom work from the ground up to ensure things are looked after for the future ahead, while producing fruit in the here and now that’s better than ever.

Here's Tom and Nigel…

Sneak preview of Nigel and Tom's upcoming episode on Healthy Minds Healthy Vines, the well being podcast for growers.

Proudly brought to you by the Wine Grape Council of

Sheridan Alm is at the helm of the Riverland’s ‘Starrs Reach Vineyard’, and recently took out ‘Innovative Vineyard of the Year’ at the Young Gun of Wine awards. Sheridan’s family history in the region stretches back six generations, with she and husband Craig now carrying thetorch into unknown territory.

As a mum of 5, Sheridan’s always on the go, and if she’s not careful, can run out of time and energy to look after herself when parenting and wine come first. As her latest award suggests, they pride themselves on doing things differently at Starrs Reach, with a focus on alternative varieties and sustainability setting them up for success.

Here’s Sheridan…

Sneak preview of Sheridan's upcoming episode on Healthy

Steve Schiller is a two-time state pruning champion, and the man behind Tractor Tread Vineyards in the Barossa. Joining him on this episode is the vivacious Rebecca Weatherill, a Coober Pedy girl with an affinity for the wine industry, Rebecca had a change of life direction after enduring a number of devastating events, leading her to start her resilience-based business, ‘Workplace Wellbeing SA’.

Rebecca recently pioneered a series of wellbeing workshops for Barossa growers, bringing mental and physical health management to the forefront. Steve was one of many growers who participated in the workshops and is an advocate for speaking up when times are tough, despite the discomfort.

Here’s Rebecca and Steve…

Sneak preview of Steve and Rebecca's upcoming episode on Healthy Minds Healthy Vines, the well being podcast for growers.

Proudly brought to you by the Wine Grape Council of South Australia, sponsored by PIRSA.

On a mission to express the best the Adelaide Hills has to offer, Simon Tolley was in the army, before trying his hand at viticulture and starting his own brand, ‘Simon Tolley Wines’.

Taking inspiration from his father Andrew, Simon’s modus operandi is producing small matches of high-quality wines and striving to improve each season.

Simon’s business was one of many to be burnt by the Cuddlee Creek bushfire. A blaze he fought himself with hose in hand, attempting to stop it destroying his property. Flames ripped through 25,000 hectares devastating the Adelaide Hills, with the effects still being felt today. Determined to find a silver-lining, Simon’s managed to use smoke-tainted fruit to create uniquely sellable products.

He’s also raised a family in the Hills where he’s lived for decades and can often be spotted cruising the curves in his restored 1965 Morris mini-van.

Here’s Simon Tolley...

Sneak preview of Simon Tolley's upcoming episode on Healthy Minds Healthy Vines, the well being podcast for growers.

Proudly brought to you by the Wine Grape Council of