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

Fergus wears out a lot of shoe leather selling our wine. Great at building relationships, he has a sharp wit, and an even sharper palate. Fergus has a background in restaurants, hospitality and wine retail and reviews wine for Wine Pilot.

Fergus McGhie can be contacted at [email protected].

Jeremy Nascimben, Winemaker

Originally from Griffith in NSW, the whole winery scene was a large part of growing up for Jeremy. He would spend countless hours on weekends and time after school at the winery with his father, who was a Winery Engineer in Griffith. After too long, Jeremy quickly realised a passion for all things winemaking and decided to embark on the winemaking journey. Completing a double degree in Winemaking and Viticulture at CSU Wagga Wagga, and soon thereafter, travelling the world undertaking vintages in New Zealand, Canada, Germany and France. He then settled back home in Griffith with Calabria Family Wines for over 10 years, before making the move to the Canberra District.

Jeremy also brings a wealth of wine show judging experience, with over 10 years of wine show judging knowledge and skill. Jeremy’s most recent accolade is making the 2024 Jimmy Watson Trophy winning wine at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show for the 2023 Four Winds Vineyard Shiraz also from the Canberra District.

Kate Hibberson, Marketing & Events

For Kate, nothing is too much trouble. She works closely with Ferg and Keir, organises events in her sleep, and knows so much about wine that her progress through the levels of WSET was best described as meteoric.

Kate Hibberson can be contacted at [email protected].

Keir Rowland, Cellar Door Manager

Keir is your friendly neighbourhood Cellar Door Manager. Always ready for a laugh and a chat about good wine.
With experience across multiple hospitality venues and retail outlets across Canberra, nothing pleases Keir more than to meet new people and learn their story.

Keir Rowland can be contacted at [email protected].

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 that 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 MMV business from its first expansion in 1999 through to its next 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. Of course as an owner of Mount Majura Vineyard he will continue to provide guidance, support and knowledge into the future.