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In the weeks leading up to International Women’s Day, we spoke with a few of the wonderful women of Xanadu, shining a spotlight on their stories and the unique value they bring to our team.
Our Xanadu team is made up of an array of brilliant women, from various backgrounds. Below, we feature words from Winemaker Sophie Ward, Alex Miller; Xanadu’s Chief Viticulturist, Caity O’Connor; Xanadu Events Manager, Kristi Kruuser; our Restaurant Manager and Sam Bradley, Xanadu Cellar Door Manager.
It’s all made possible through the dynamic relationship between our place and our people, a balance that brings out the best of both.
Sophie Ward
The thing that really drew me to the wine industry was my love of science, food and travel. With a background in biochemistry, I was drawn to the opportunity to apply my knowledge while also indulging in my passion for tasting, cooking, and craftsmanship. But what really excited me was the chance to travel the world and to explore different wine regions, meet incredible people, and gain hands-on experience in some of the most exciting wineries in the world.
Landing a role at Xanadu has been one of my proudest achievements. I’ve always loved the wines and Xanadu has a great reputation for producing quality wines. Just being in the mix was exciting, so securing the job was a moment of real pride.
Working in winery production means that no two days are the same. There’s a natural rhythm to the year, from harvest and vintage, to blending, maturation and then bottling. Each phase brings new challenges and rewards. One of the things I love most is tasting fruit on the vine, watching it develop in barrel, and finally seeing it bottled and enjoyed. That journey, from vineyard to glass, is deeply satisfying.
I also feel incredibly lucky to work alongside Glenn Goodall, who has such a wealth of knowledge. Learning from him and from the team every day is a privilege. You can never stop learning in this industry, and that’s what keeps it so exciting.
One of the most pivotal moments in my career was during my Master’s research project. I had the choice between coursework or research, and I took the tougher path in research, which led to an incredible opportunity with Pernod Ricard in Cognac. It was a lot of work, but it paid off. It reinforced the importance of pushing myself and seizing every opportunity.
That same mindset applies in winemaking. If I had one piece of advice for anyone thinking about entering the industry, it would be to back yourself. There are a lot of loud voices, but if you have the experience and knowledge, don’t be afraid to speak up and contribute.
One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is declining wine consumption, but I believe the way forward is through producing better quality wines that people truly want to drink. The work we do now will shape the future of the industry, and I’m excited to see how my role continues to evolve here at Xanadu.
Each vintage brings something different—a fresh team, new challenges, and the constant pursuit of improvement. I’ve been fortunate to taste and learn from some incredibly talented women, with exceptional palates and the ability to communicate about wine in a way that truly resonates. Their expertise continues to inspire me.
At the end of the day, what keeps me coming back is the passion and energy of this industry. Seeing a raw Cabernet in oak, watching it mature over time, and then finally experiencing the joy it brings to those who drink it. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.
Alex Miller
I’d love to say that pursuing a career in wine was a ‘come to Jesus’ moment, but it was a simple love of science, plants and a couple of wine drinking parents who steered my interest in the right direction. My passion for wine probably began during university when we learned more about the process of winemaking and realised, we could ferment a whole raft of things…including cans of tropical juice. We were a young mob, bitten by the science bug!
Since then, the seasonal nature of the work is one of the things that I find the most joy in day-to-day; Observing the land and nurturing the vines, as they change over time, is such a joy. It can be a real rollercoaster, but when you reach the end of the season and the vines you’re tending to produce phenomenal fruit, it feels pretty good. Vintage is the most exciting (and relieving) time of year. It’s the time of reward, for all your hard work, and afterwards you put the vineyard to bed for a couple of months. And take a deep breath.
I also find it rewarding, how many opportunities there are to band together with great people to create something which lives on into the future. We get to capture a season and put it in a bottle. Then we learn from that season, modify the parts that didn’t work and try it all over again. There are never two seasons the same and never a dull moment. Every year is a fresh start, with all new challenges.
I’m new to Xanadu but already I’ve had the thrill of planting a new vineyard. It is a mark in time for the property and nurturing a young vineyard, with the hopes it will become our new sparkling wine vineyard, is exciting. It’s about the camaraderie felt in the company of women in the industry, especially in production. There is room for improvement in the gender equity of the wine industry, so it’s refreshing working for Xanadu and the wider Rathbone Group, where there are great women helping drive the company, and inspiring one another.
Of all of my experiences in wine, my favourite wine-related moment would have to be our wedding; my husband is also in the wine game, so it was a focus of our celebration; Champagne, iconic Margaret River Chardonnays, Barolos and Burgs were flowing!
If I were to give advice to anyone interested in joining the wine industry, it would be to have patience. There isn’t much instant gratification involved in Viticulture. The slight tweaks that you make to the land, or a vine canopy, or even a newly established vineyard can take years to show up in the wines you see in the market. You really have to think long term with your decision making and be patient.
Sam Bradley
Wine has always been a part of my life. Growing up in the UK, I was surrounded by it—my father was a wine merchant, and he spoke about it with such enthusiasm that his passion became my own. My first wine tasting at a Swan Valley cellar door was the moment that truly hooked me. That experience ignited my lifelong love for wine, and when I made the move to Margaret River, stepping into the industry felt like a natural transition. With so many transferable skills, I quickly found my place—it feels like home.
There is nothing better than witnessing the joy that great wine brings to people. I love educating guests, helping them connect with Xanadu, and fostering real brand loyalty. Seeing familiar faces return time and again, and knowing that I’ve played a part in creating memorable experiences, is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.
One of my most unforgettable moments happened while hosting a couple for a pre-lunch tasting. They arrived early, so I took my time showcasing our wines, sharing recommendations, and giving them an in-depth experience. After lunch, they returned to join our wine club, calling it the best experience they’d ever had. The next day, they came back to tell me they had gotten engaged that night—and that their visit to Xanadu had completely transformed their day. Knowing that something as simple as a wine tasting could make such a profound impact is why I love what I do.
The community and relationships in the wine industry are incredibly special. From our local growers and industry peers to customers who come back year after year, these connections mean everything. One of my proudest moments was being nominated for and winning the Cellar Door and Tourism Excellence Trophy at the 2024 Margaret River Wine Show—a huge honour and recognition of the work I love doing every day.
That same year, I had the privilege of working behind the scenes at the 2024 Margaret River Wine Show, receiving and organising all the wine entries for judging. It was hard work but deeply satisfying, watching the empty judging tables gradually fill with hundreds of bottles, each soon to be tasted, scrutinised, and celebrated. Seeing firsthand how much effort goes into recognising excellence in wine reinforced the significance of what we do.
I am deeply passionate about mentoring my team, ensuring every guest receives an unforgettable experience. Great hospitality is about more than just serving wine—it’s about making real connections, engaging customers, and building brand loyalty. Passion is contagious, and when people feel that authenticity, they come back.
I also feel fortunate to have had incredible women in the industry guide and inspire me. Ely Jarvis, a talented winemaker and champion of sustainability, has been a mentor to me, personally supporting my journey through the 2024 Next Crop Future Leaders Program. Her leadership and knowledge continue to inspire me.
Looking ahead, I am incredibly excited about the future of both Xanadu and the wider industry. Seeing guests enjoy the curated experiences I’ve developed, from tasting flights to museum tastings, is always rewarding—especially when they take the time to write glowing reviews and recommend us to others. But most of all, I look forward to helping shape and future-proof our region. Margaret River has so much potential, and I feel privileged to be part of its story for many years to come.
Kristi Kruuser
When I reflect on the path that led me to Margaret River, I feel incredibly fortunate. This magical wine region was never part of my original plan, but sometimes life has a way of guiding us toward the places we are meant to be. Little moments, unexpected encounters, and passions that grow over time led me here.
My journey with wine began long before Margaret River, back when I was studying art history at university. I had a professor who emphasised the deep connection wine has had with civilisation, culture, and art throughout history. At the time, I was a casual wine drinker, enjoying whatever was available. While I had an appreciation for wine, I lacked real understanding, which would come later when I entered the world of hospitality.
In Europe, the hospitality industry is fast-paced and demanding—14-hour days, six days a week, working with big teams and learning the ropes of a bustling environment. But in that environment, wine became more than just a drink. It became a language of connection, a ritual that brought people together. Eventually, a former boss sent me to wine school, a decision that would forever shape my career.
I’d always dreamed of immersing myself in a true wine region, and so I found my way to Margaret River, where I found the perfect opportunity to grow and learn more about the wine industry.
Hospitality is more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about being the host, the cleaner, the psychologist, the waitress, the salesman, and the admin all rolled into one. Each day is different, and that’s part of the excitement! The best days are those quiet Sundays in the off-season, when the restaurant fills with locals—people who know each other, who are at ease, enjoying good food and great wine, and sharing stories. These are the days that make me feel truly lucky.
I am a firm believer in eating and drinking locally. After years of travel, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of local food and wine. Sharing a meal with locals is the best way to understand their culture. One of my most memorable meals was in the Nagorno-Karabakh mountains, where I had lamb wrapped in lavash with local yogurt and herbs. One of my favourite wine memories comes from a small village outside Tuscany, where a humble restaurant owner poured his own wine from a 1-liter jug—simple, authentic, and unforgettable.
At Xanadu, I strive to create an experience that is simple, personal, and relaxed. I believe that great food and wine don’t need to be overcomplicated; they need to be served with heart and authenticity. It’s all about making our guests feel at home and allowing them to experience the true essence of Margaret River.
Caity O’Connor
My introduction to wine started in 2015, backpacking around the Hunter Valley, NSW. Coming from the UK, I was absolutely in awe of the breathtaking vineyard landscapes and loved having a nosy around the cellar doors to find my new favourite drop. My travels soon led me to Margaret River and ultimately, Xanadu, where 3 months of backpacking has turned into a 9 year career that I am so passionate about – as well as a love for Margaret River Chardonnay!
I have found working within the wine industry to be both challenging and rewarding. My role as Events Manager is fun, fast paced and varied. I spend a lot of time keeping my wine and food knowledge up to date. My wine knowledge is constantly evolving and developing, and I am grateful to have learned so much throughout the duration of my career. I know I still have so much to learn, it is definitely a journey – which I tell to all my clients that come through the door wanting to learn more about wine.
There is so much to love about working in events within the wine industry. I get to connect with so many different people – other industry professionals, wine loving couples that want to host a wedding, athletes, all kinds of people from throughout the world.
I absolutely love when we get clients through the door that want to do something a bit different and quirky. It allows me to think outside the box and gets me really excited about their event.
We host a lot of weddings at Xanadu. This is hands down the most rewarding part of my job – watching a just-married couple sipping on a Xanadu Chardonnay, taking in the beautiful setting, drinking fabulous wine and receiving impeccable service with their loved ones. That really is what keeps me coming back to work every day.
My most memorable moment at Xanadu was when I was fresh on the job back in 2016. It was my first event. We were hosting a wine tasting masterclass in our barrel hall, followed by a long lunch with matching new release wines. I was terrified. I remember the event finishing; I was so proud of myself and I knew right then I wanted to pursue a career in events. There is truly no feeling like taking an idea or vision and bringing it to life.
I am a true believer in loving what you do. It keeps me engaged, excited to take on a challenge, keeps me motivated and gives me so much pride in what I am doing. When challenging days happen, I remind myself that these are the days that allow us to grow and develop our skills and resilience.
We are very lucky at Xanadu to have such a diverse team in what is stereotypically, a male dominated industry. I have always felt supported, encouraged and valued throughout my time here, especially within our hospitality department, which boasts 4 female senior managers.
There’s a harmony between our place and our people, a dynamic balance that brings out the best of both. Our women are such an integral part of this dynamic, our property experience and the wines we produce. Join us in raising a glass to the wonderful women of Xanadu!
