Our Story
The Beginning Of It All
In 2007, an overseas adventure led Leigh to the world of Winemaking.
After fruitlessly chasing a dream to work as a safari guide in East Africa, he found himself in Tanzania, out of money and searching for options.
The opportunity came to go and work the wine vintage in the Golan Heights of Israel, he found himself in the north of the country cramming winemaking books and soaking up as much knowledge as he could.
The experience opened his eyes to an industry where he could balance science with creativity, hard work and passion and all resulted in a product that you held in your hand, made for others to enjoy.
For him this was the beginning of it all.
Building experience, perspective and approach
Leigh worked two more harvests before heading to Adelaide to complete his Masters Degree in Oenology.
He spent the years 2011-2014 ‘vintage hopping’ jumping between Southern and Northern Hemisphere vintages, gaining vineyard and winery experience in different regions throughout South Australia, NSW, Victoria and California.
His time in California focussed on premium boutique estates, predominantly in the Napa Valley. This led to him spending over 7 years working in the States with and alongside some of the Country’s most prestigious vineyards, wineries and winemakers.
These years had the most significant impact on his overall approach to the craft; focussing on high quality, developing an inquisitive outlook and adopting the approach that you’ve never made your best wine.
He returned to Australia for the 2019 harvest and has since worked with some of Australia’s most established wineries including; Brokenwood, Best’s Great Western, Stanton & Killeen and Mitchelton.
Young Tree Wines Is Born
The concept of Young Tree Wines has been ruminating since 2012, it wasn’t until 2022 that the opportunity finally presented itself for Leigh to begin.
Young Tree allows him the freedom to express his individual approach to winemaking, to strive to achieve the best wines he can craft and offer them to the world.
Leigh’s approach will continue to evolve into the future, the learning never ends.
The seed has been planted and now set it’s roots as it begins to grow into the Young Tree.
Growth and blossoming
Whilst working the 2022 vintage at Mitchelton Winery, Leigh met then General Manager – Steve Bamford. Over the subsequent 2+ years of working together a strong friendship developed between Leigh and Steve, built upon a foundation of mutual respect.
In early 2024, Steve made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and prioritise personal freedom and a simpler way of living, with Leigh also leaving Mitchelton shortly afterwards. After a couple of months of informally throwing around potential business ideas, it became clear that Young Tree Wines was the perfect vehicle for them to pursue their dream of running a business together. A business that is built on authenticity and integrity, both in the wines they make and the way they conduct themselves.
Steve’s extensive business and financial management experience compliments Leigh’s winemaking and viticulture experience to form a strong foundation from which Young Tree Wines is set to continue to flourish.
We are delighted to have you join us on this journey.
– Leigh and Steve
