Healthy Minds Healthy Vines

Jenny Venus has spent more than two decades working alongside grape growers in Langhorne Creek — and she knows that growing grapes is about far more than what happens between the rows of vines.

After starting her career as an apricot breeder with SARDI, Jenny took a vine scouting job in 1999 and never looked back. Today, she works across vineyards large and small, collaborates with researchers and advocates for growers through industry boards and committees.

With growers facing enormous pressures, Jenny believes collaboration, relationships and making sure growers are heard have never been more important.

We talk about the challenges facing grape growers, the value of sharing knowledge and why the industry needs to work together to find a way forward.

What does the future of South Australian wine look like — and who will shape it?

Ben Pike spends his days teaching the next generation of viticulturists, winemakers and agricultural professionals at Adelaide University’s Waite Campus, while also managing the university’s vineyards and orchards.

At a time when there’s plenty of doom and gloom surrounding the wine industry, Ben sees something different in the young people coming through: energy, curiosity and a determination to find their place in the industry.

We talk about the importance of education, mentorship and sharing experience — and why giving the next generation the skills and confidence to adapt may be one of the most important investments the industry can make.

A sneak preview of tomorrow's special guest.

Brad Cameron is a fifth-generation grape grower from McLaren Vale. Working in the vineyard was simply part of growing up, and long before he had a paid job, Brad was already pruning vines, planting vineyards and operating machinery.

Today, he works alongside his father Derek as a viticultural agronomist — while also taking the family legacy in a new direction with his own label, Camwell Wines.

But Brad’s story isn’t just about vines and wine. He’s open about his own struggles with mental health and the importance of therapy, friendship and staying connected with the people around you.

We talk about family, farming, winemaking and the realities of working in an industry where it can sometimes be easy to feel like you’re on your own.

A sneak preview of tomorrow's special guest.

What makes a bottle of wine mean something?

For Jane Ferrari, it’s the people, places and stories behind it.

Jane has spent more than 25 years telling the stories of Australian wine, including time with Wolf Blass, Rockford and Yalumba. She has travelled the world sharing the stories of Barossa growers and families — bringing to life the characters and communities behind the wine.

Now working independently, Jane continues to champion those stories at a time when many growers are doing it tough.

We talk about the power of storytelling, the importance of pride and connection, and why sometimes humour, honesty and simply talking to each other can make all the difference.

Because wine isn’t just what’s in the bottle. It’s the story of the people who made it.

Jane has spent more than 25 years telling the stories of Australian wine, including time with Wolf Blass, Rockford and Yalumba. She has travelled the world sharing the stories of Barossa growers and families — bringing to life the characters and communities behind the wine.

Brendan Carter is one of the most dynamic voices in Australian wine. Alongside his wife Laura, he’s the co-founder of Unico Zelo in the Adelaide Hills, a label built on sustainability, accessibility and a deep respect for Australian ingredients. Together they also run Applewood Distillery, celebrating native botanicals through spirits and cocktails, and they’ve grown a reputation for pushing boundaries while staying true to their roots.

Brendan is passionate about reimagining what wine can be in this country — not just a product, but a reflection of place, culture, and community. He’s also a fierce advocate for education, innovation and storytelling, drawing on lessons from great wine capitals around the world while championing South Australia as a leader in its own right.

Sneak preview from the Brendan Carter interview. Stay tuned!

PREVIEW for the wonderful interview with Pauly Vandenbergh