Team
Mike Garland – Chief Winemaker
Fuelled by a passion for cool climate wine styles, Mike and his wife, Julie, made the move in 1996 to Mount Barker in the Great Southern where they purchased an established mature vineyard. Mike studied Wine Science at Charles Sturt University and became a strong regional ambassador, working initially for Plantagenet Wines and then developing a vibrant contract winemaking facility (along with being a part time house builder and having 3 children). This gave a solid foundation in all aspects of the wine industry, from viticulture, marketing, logistics management and most importantly his main passion, winemaking. Mike also gained considerable experience in the Mittlerhein, Germany to expand on his fascination with Germanic style Rieslings. The opportunity to head up the Castelli Winery at Mount Shadforth was too good to refuse and in 2007 Mike helped the Castelli family’s winery dream become a reality. The central driving force behind Mike’s winemaking philosophy is that it is always about balance and structure – something that can only be truly achieved from cool climate viticulture.
Luca Castelli – Director
After a lifetime of annual visits back to his parents’ homeland, Luca grew up experiencing what was involved in viticulture through his hands-on assistance in the vineyard with his grandfather ‘Nonno’ Germino. While completing his double degree in Science and Engineering, Luca developed his knowledge of the wine industry over several years working as a cellar hand in the state’s Swan Valley. Amongst his involvement in the power generation industry, Luca oversees and coordinates the operation of the family’s wine businesses with a vision to develop Castelli Estate into a respected member of the Western Australian wine industry.
Sam Castelli – Director
Sam’s passion for wine started as a young worker on his family’s farm in Italy. Sam’s extensive history in the engineering and construction sectors saw him, with the support of his wife Maria, enter into a successful business partnership with three other Italian migrants to develop what is today the ASX-listed United Group Limited (UGL). Sam oversees the operation of the Castelli family’s various businesses and, like Luca, frequently lends a hand on the estate and in the winery with his trusty and well-conditioned toolbox. He’s also not shy of showing his truck driving ability and his friendly wine delivery service, where it’s not unusual to experience his personable approach and very Italian sense of humour!
James Majer – National Sales & Export Manager
James joined the team in 2012 as manager of sales and marketing, he started out in the hospitality industry at an early age, originally behind the scenes doing accounting and payroll for a well known Perth bar. James has gained vast experience in all areas of hospitality from venue management, retail, as well as wholesaling and importing. James’ passion for fine wine developed over a period of 8 years managing Perth’s premier wine store ‘Steves Fine Wine’ in Nedlands, where he developed a love of European wines.
Alyce Thompson – Marketing
It was a love of the Great Southern wine region that brought Alyce to Castelli Group after time at Ferngrove Wines and Wines of Western Australia. Alyce handles all the back of house, from administrative duties, to generating marketing.
