Col was born and raised in London. He studied agriculture at college and came to Australia in search of land to cultivate. In 1992, working with a small one-acre block, he made his first wine - a Cabernet Sauvignon (which still drinks very well today). He then planted another 15 acres from which he unashamedly produces low-yielding wines that reflect the vintage and vineyard site.

These days, with the help of son Michael - who recently returned from his own stint in the UK - Col also produces structured Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that give strong hints to both the vineyard and spiritual home of these varieties.

Col believes his job is made much easier as “Orange is a great place to grow grapes. The high altitude, cool climate allows these varieties to express themselves and the natural acidity lends well to matching with food”.