James Hopper, Viticulturist and General Manager

James has been working in the wine industry for just under 25 years. After high school, James studied and worked as a metallurgist but soon realised that it was not his true passion. A decision to follow a growing interest in wine led James to enrol and study Bachelor of Applied Science – Viticulture at Charles Sturt University. 2 years later James completed his first vintage at Barossa Valley Estate before going on to work in vineyards in Langhorne Creek, SA and Cowra, NSW in what he calls his apprenticeship years.

In 2006, seeking international adventure James left Australia for the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia for a 3 year contract that lasted 12 years. During this time he honed his skills in what can truly be considered Cool Climate Viticulture. During that time he was fortunate enough to spend time in California, Oregon and Washington State, as well as tours to Bordeaux France, Trentino – Alto Adige, Northern Italy and the Rhinegau, Germany.

Having made the decision to return to Australia in 2018, James moved to the Canberra District where he has been polishing his small vineyard skills. James couldn’t be happier to be joining a premium Canberra District Winery. ‘I am very proud to be at Mount Majura Vineyard. I hope that I can continue the legacy that Frank and the team have built over the past 25 years and I am excited about the future as we set about off on the next chapter of Mount Majura Vineyard.’

Fergus McGhie, Sales and Marketing

President of the Canberra District Wine Industry Association and the region’s representative on the board of the NSW Wine Industry Association, Fergus is a passionate advocate for the wines of the Canberra District.

With more than 30 years of industry experience, Fergus has built a career spanning wine writing, judging, fine wine retail, hospitality and winemaking. A respected wine writer and judge, he began reviewing wines for The Canberra Times in 2003 and has also contributed to numerous other publications including, Vintage Cellars Cellar Press and WinePilot.

His extensive retail experience includes managing Coles Flagship Canberra Store, Vintage Cellars Manuka and 1st Choice Phillip. His knowledge of the retail wine market is complemented by hands-on winemaking experience in the Hunter Valley, Cowra and Canberra District.

Fergus joined Mount Majura Vineyard in 2010, overseeing sales and marketing and building relationships with restaurants, retailers and wine enthusiasts across Australia.

Known for his sharp wit, encyclopaedic wine knowledge and keenly honed palate, Fergus wears out plenty of shoe leather championing our wines.

Fergus McGhie can be contacted at fergus@mountmajura.com.au.

Jeremy Nascimben, Winemaker

In 2023, Jeremy crafted a wine that took home Australian wine’s most coveted trophy — the 2024 Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show.

The achievement is a standout moment in Jeremy’s already impressive winemaking career, reflecting the depth of experience, technical expertise and passion he brings to every wine he makes.

Jeremy’s connection with wine started much earlier. Growing up in Griffith, NSW, he spent countless weekends and afternoons at a local winery with his father, a Winery Engineer. It was there that his fascination with winemaking began — eventually becoming a career that would take him around the world and back again.

After completing a double degree in Winemaking and Viticulture at Charles Sturt University, Jeremy gained international experience undertaking vintages in New Zealand, Canada, Germany and France, before returning to Griffith for more than 10 years with Calabria Family Wines.

Jeremy’s commitment to developing his craft was further recognised when he was awarded a prestigious Len Evans Scholarship, one of the global wine industry’s most highly regarded opportunities for emerging wine professionals. The scholarship provides an intensive opportunity to taste, learn and engage with some of the world’s great wines alongside leading figures from the Australian wine industry.

Today, Jeremy calls the Mount Majura Vineyard and the Canberra District home, bringing with him a wealth of hands-on experience, international perspective and more than 15 years of wine show judging experience.

His approach is simple: combine deep technical knowledge with an understanding of what makes great wine truly distinctive — and let the character of the vineyard shine through.

Jeremy Nascimben can be contacted at jeremy@mountmajura.com.au.

James Hindle, Marketing & Events

Originally from the UK, James joined Mount Majura Vineyard after ten years in Singapore and five in Hervey Bay, Queensland. With a WSET wine qualification and extensive experience in marketing and hospitality, he brings specialist wine knowledge and an international perspective to the team.

A self-described “refugee from the film industry”, James spent his early career helping to finance several Hollywood productions, including Oliver Stone’s epic Alexander.

James Hindle can be contacted at jhindle@mountmajura.com.au.

Keir Rowland, Cellar Door Manager

With more than 15 years of experience in hospitality and retail, Keir brings extensive industry knowledge and a genuine passion for wine to his role as Cellar Door Manager at Mount Majura Vineyard. He also oversees the Mount Majura Wine Club, acting as the primary contact for members and prospective members, offering wine recommendations and assistance with membership enquiries.

Having worked across a variety of hospitality venues and retail businesses in Canberra, Keir has developed a strong understanding of customer service, complemented by formal wine studies with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

At Mount Majura, Keir oversees the Cellar Door experience, introducing visitors to our wines, sharing the stories behind them and ensuring every guest enjoys a welcoming, informative and memorable tasting.

Combining a thoughtful approach to hospitality with a keen interest in wine, Keir takes particular pleasure in helping visitors discover the distinctive varieties and character of Mount Majura Vineyard.

Keir Rowland can be contacted at keir@mountmajura.com.au.

Peter Scholfield, Vineyard Hand

From a farming and shearing background, Peter helps keep the vineyard in top shape, and doesn’t waste any time cutting grass between the vines with the tractor if he can get some sheep to do it for him.

Frank van de Loo, Owner and former General Manager and Winemaker

Frank grew up in the Adelaide Hills, at the time when market gardens were being replaced with vineyards. He took no notice, studying agricultural science and going on to a research career in plant biology. Finally, in 1998 and living in Canberra, he twigged to the fascination and the challenge of growing and making wine. A couple of vintages working in Burgundy taught him the importance of terroir, and good bread. Frank has guided the Mount Majura Vineyard business from its first expansion in 1999 through to its latest expansion in 2021, with all the refinements along the way. Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year Finalist, 2018, ASVO Winemaker of the Year Finalist 2020.

Frank is now pursuing a new career in another industry and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours. As an owner of Mount Majura Vineyard he continues to provide guidance, support and knowledge.