Tim Adams
Owner and Chief Winemaker
As the son of a bank manager who favoured rural postings, Tim Adams' formative years were spent in the township of Clare in South Australia's Clare Valley. As a Clare Valley lad growing up among pioneering grape growers and winemakers, it was no surprise that in his final year of school Tim eschewed studying in favour of writing to Clare Valley wineries seeking employment.
The recipient of one such letter was Mr Mick Knappstein at the Stanley Wine Company, which led to Tim securing a position as winery cellar hand in 1975. A fortuitous beginning for Tim, who found himself mentored by a revered pioneer of the modern Australian wine industry. Mr Mick retired in 1985 after 57 years at the winery, and in 1987 was awarded an Order of Australia for services to the wine industry.
With encouragement and financial assistance from Mr Mick, Tim undertook a Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) at Charles Sturt University via correspondence.
Graduating in 1981, Tim was by that time assistant winemaker and the following year was appointed winemaker, responsible for day-to-day operation of the winery, which then employed as many as 60 people.
The first release of wines under his own label was in September 1986, by which time he had left the Stanley Wine Company. 'Mr Mick' continued to encourage the young winemaker and to consult at tastings, embracing Tim as his last apprentice, a relationship that continued until him passing in 1997.
Tim is still the Chief Winemaker and owner at Tim Adams Wines, and has a finger on the pulse of all business and winery operations. On any given day he could be found out in the vineyard, in the winery or office, or hosting wine tastings from Hong Kong to London.
Pam Goldsack
Owner and General Manager
In 1982 Pam, then a registered midwife, moved to Clare to work at the local hospital and was introduced by a family friend to Tim. By 1987 Pam was somehow dividing her time between shift work at the hospital, helping to establish and run a winery with husband Tim and raising a baby. Pam now works fulltime as the indispensable owner and General Manager of Tim Adams Wines.
Stephen 'Sterm' McDermid
Site Manager
Stephen ('Sterm') McDermid joined Tim Adams Wines in August 1995, bringing with him many years of winery experience in the Clare Valley. He takes care of the day-to-day management of the winery, making sure that equipment is in top shape and that various supplies are adequate.
Sterm's job is particularly critical in the run-up to vintage, when crushers, presses, pumps, hoses, etc have to be ready for the winery's hectic period. Outside vintage he keeps himself busy managing barrel work, wine movements, filtering, etc.
Brett Schutz
Assistant Winemaker
A graduate of Adelaide University with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Oenology), Brett completed vintages in the Barossa, Riverland and Tasmania's Tamar Valley before moving to the Clare Valley for vintage at Leasingham Winery. Having fallen in love with the region and the people, Brett and his family decided to put down roots and build a home in Watervale. Joining Tim Adams Wines in 2010, Brett brings a fresh outlook, passion for his chosen career and a wicked sense of humour to the team.
Mick Plumridge
Vineyard Manager
Mick Plumridge moved from Sydney to the Clare Valley in 1996, having realised that there was more to life than working, and in search of a career he could be genuinely passionate about. He joined Tim Adams Wines in July 2000, after completing five vintages at Leasingham Wines.
His work as vineyard manager involves maintaining our own vineyards and liaising with the growers who supply us with fruit, helping them with spray programs, establishment of pruning levels, etc.
Vintage finds him out in the vineyards in the early hours of the morning checking mechanical harvesters and controlling the sulphur levels to ensure the fruit arrives at the winery in optimum condition.
Leigh Victor
Cellarhand
Flexibility is the key to success as a cellar hand, a trait Leigh has in droves. Proficient in crusher and press operation, fruit receival, barrel work including racking, filling and emptying, Leigh is a man of many talents who can be found in any area of the winery on any given day.
Shannon Parker
Engineer and Assistant Vineyard Manager
Shannon spends most of his time in the vineyard, but is dragged away during vintage to manage red ferments. He is also the go-to metal fabrication man, completing Certificate 3 in Food Processing (Viticulture and Wine) and Certificate 3 in Boilermaker Trade. Known in the valley for his musical talents, on the weekend Shannon can be found entertaining the locals with a tune at one of the local watering holes.
Neville 'Nifty' Jacka
Senior Cellar Hand
As Senior Cellar Hand, Nifty is in charge of all cellar duties in the winery. He came to us in late 2009, bringing with him almost 20 years of industry experience both in Australia and overseas. He has completed numerous wine and wine processing courses, and when not working can be found supporting his 3 daughters in the pool or on the netball court.
