Team Motivator (!) - Ben Sayer

General Manager - Alison Sayer

Cellar Door Staff - Steph Rhys-Jones Bordeaux - Grape Quality Control

Were Estate is owned by Gordon and Diane Davies who purchased the property in 1993. The property was the 'home paddocks' of the Karendale Horse Stud. Karendale had been in the Forrest family since 1947 and was used mainly as a horse stud and agistment of brood mares. The vineyard was planted on the property in 1998.

The current owners were enchanted by the charm of the property and the remnants of the horse stud that remained, such as the stockyards, stables, 'strapper's flat' and racetrack. To preserve this charm the 'strappers flat' was converted into the cellar door. The 'strapper' was the young apprentice that looked after the horses in the adjoining stables and the 'flat' was his/her residence. There is only one horse on the property today plus several cows, sheep, chooks and geese.

As of 2009 vintage, we are delighted that Were Estate's wines will be made by Clive Otto. In November 2005, Otto was named Australian Winemaker of the Year by WineState magazine following 16 years of winemaking at Margaret River's Vasse Felix winery. His Heytesbury Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 was named Wine of the Year, from over 10,000 wines tasted during the year. 

The wine business and vineyard is managed by Gordon and Diane's youngest daughter, Alison Sayer. Alison has a degree in Zoology and Marine Biology and took an interest in the vineyard early on. She became responsible for the marketing and export in 2003 and has gradually assumed the position of General Manager, overseeing all aspects of the wine business and vineyard. She is currently completing a Masters program in Wine Business at the University of Adelaide. Alison's husband Ben managed the vineyard for three years and although he has returned to full-time work as an engineer, remains a motivating force to the business. His enthusiasm and passion for the wine industry helps to sustain the momentum of Were Estate.

The vineyard and property are managed by Jim MacKenzie, who joined the team at the end of 2007. Jim's attention to detail and judicious approach mean that the vineyard is in the best possible condition year round.

The Were Estate cellar door is manned by Stephenie Rhys-Jones.Steph joined Were Estate on a full-time basis in 2003 and works at the cellar door on the weekends and during busy periods. During the week she assists Jim in the vineyard and around the property.

Last, but not least, we can't forget to mention the vineyard dogs. It seems no vineyard is complete without them  and the staff's dogs are often on site. It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Bordeaux, our black and white Border Collie. Bordeaux was in a great deal of pain due to arthritis in his back legs and is now buried under the big gum tree near the back paddock where he loved to chase the cows.