Winemaker & The Team

• BRUCE DUKES

  Viticulturist & Winemaker

  Bruce studied Agricultural Science at the University of Western Australia and gained a Master of Science degree in Viticulture & Enology from the University of California Davis.

  Eighteen years of postgraduate industry experience has been shared between Niebaum-Coppola Winery in the Napa Valley of California; Margaret River Vineyards and his own small custom crush winery, Naturaliste Vintners. He approaches winemaking and viticulture as a single and continuous process; striving to integrate the winegrowing with a sense of balance and style, which pays its respects to the traditions of the Old World, as well as exercising the freedom and science, which we enjoy in the New World.

  “Laurance Vineyard is now well advanced with its sustainable viticultural management practices. My main focus over the past six years has been soil husbandry with the objective to reduce herbicide application by the use of mulches and cover crops. Analytical results to date have confirmed increases in the soil health; the by-product being healthier and happier vines which parent greater flavour concentration and complexity in the wines.”

• BRENDON CARR - SON

  Executive Director

  Every great wine starts in the vineyard.

  Over the past 8 years, Laurance has established one of the most focused and dynamic young teams in the region. Laurance’s Winemaker, Bruce Dukes is not only trained in winemaking but is a microbiologist and viticulturist providing a clear and precise direction to the crew in order to produce great wines.

  "I can't thank our team enough but I can say with everyone's hard work, we are now producing some of the region's leading wines."

  Brendon and his wife Kerrianne have three healthy beautiful children, Halle Angel, Chad Spencer & Cruz Christopher - the next generation at Laurance.

• DANNY CARR - SON

  Director, Special Events Manager

  Danny’s involvement in the hospitality industry spans many years with emphasis on weddings, corporate functions and special events. He was employed at Sea World on the Gold Coast and, during this time, was directly involved in a number of special events on a weekly basis. This “hands on” role required negotiation skills with the client; liaison with suppliers and management of staff to ensure that each and every function ran smoothly and was a resounding success. He also worked for various private catering companies and 5 star establishments in Sydney and Perth gaining a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of hospitality.

  "With such an exceptional and unique venue, it's a pleasure to work with wedding parties and corporate clients in making their special day or event a wonderful memory. Being family operated, I hope my eleven year old son Blake will eventually be involved in this wonderful business."

  
  

• CHERYL DOVE

  CEO

  Cheryl joined Laurance in 2002 after returning from an overseas working holiday in the UK.  Her career spans some 25 years working in various corporate organizations including State politics; property development; management consulting and engineering. She has been an integral component in the formation and ongoing development of the business working closely with Dianne Laurance. 
  
  “I have welcomed and enjoyed the challenges and hurdles associated with the metamorphosis of this outstanding boutique wine facility.  Every day is a new challenge and one I look forward to conquering.  Dianne has provided me with the opportunity to “spread my wings” and participate in a vibrant industry which is a changing landscape.”

• STUART DICKINS

  Vineyard Manager

  Stuart has experienced nature’s grip on the land from an early age growing up on his family’s broad acre farm north of Perth.

  He has a wealth of experience and knowledge having worked at Moss Wood and Glenmore before moving to Wills Domain where his association with Winemaker Bruce Dukes began.

  Laurance commenced a new approach to farming of the vineyard in June 2005 with the purpose of taking the wines to the next level.  The journey involved holistic viticulture – growing from the ground up by reducing chemical inputs and activating the microbiology of the soils under vine, as well as adjustments to trellising to optimize solarisation of the fruit.

  “Attention to detail, uniformity and accountability is now the motto of the vineyard crew who are passionate about producing fine grapes to go into Laurance premium wines.”

• KALE ROBERTS

  Head Gardener

  Kale has worked on the vineyard property for many years and the Cellar was an exciting and challenging project which involved the transformation of a cattle paddock into what is arguably one of the most beautiful and intriguing gardens in the region.  This involved feats of engineering and earthmoving that took some 18 months to complete.

  The magnificent rose garden featuring 1,000 bushes from the newer style Hybrid Tea roses to the more traditional David Austins ensures flowers for many months of the year.   The Oriental Plane trees; stately hedges; mass plantings of Marigolds & Geraniums; Olive grove and manicured lawns provide a truly spectacular vista.

  Work and planting has commenced on a native Australian bush walk which will open in 2011.

  “Laurance provides a magnificent garden to work in and to have been part of its creation was a privilege and a most rewarding task.  Nothing was left to chance in the creation of Laurance and I believe that it shows as the end result is nothing short of amazingly beautiful.”