Deep involvement in the domestic and international wine industry has defined James’ career as an executive with an enduring connection to the Barossa region.
His most recent role was the Chief Executive of Barossa Australia, formerly heading up the organisation’s marketing and communications since 2010.
James completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Adelaide and then spent six years overseas, working vintages in Germany and Portugal. Before joining Barossa Australia, James worked with Wine Australia for three years across the communications and market development area and helped initiate and deliver the Landmark Australia Tutorials. He also worked in the wholesale, retail, and wine management areas in London.
Returning to Australia in 2004, he completed a book project as the author of ‘The Winemakers’ Essential Phrasebook’, a multi-lingual guide to working vintages around the world.
While working with the region’s peak industry body, he also served as a Director and Vice-Chair of Australian Grape & Wine, as Chair of the Small Winemakers’ Committee, and as an Executive Committee member of the South Australian Wine Industry Association.
James is involved with his family’s grape and wine business, Heathvale Wines, in Eden Valley, and in June 2023, James will be the General Manager of Rockford Wines in the Barossa Valley.
James joined the Board of The Barossa Co-op in 2019 and has supported the business’s rebranding and external communication strategies.
