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It’s all made possible through the dynamic relationship between our place and our people, a balance that brings out the best of both.
DARREN RATHBONE
CEO & WINEMAKER
Darren’s love of wine started at home, growing up in a family that enjoyed coming together around wine and food – it was always part of the Rathbone’s family meals. This shared love of wine led to the establishment of Rathbone Wine Group, with the purchase Yering Station in the Yarra Valley. After earning a degree in Chemical Engineering, Darren pursued a Master of Science in Oenology at UC Davis, gaining invaluable experience across Bordeaux, Burgundy and Napa Valley. Driven by his lifelong love of learning, Darren earned an MBA from the Melbourne Business School in 2012.
Darren is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of wines at Xanadu. He believes in the power of teamwork and has built a talented crew committed to excellence. Darren’s passion extends beyond just the wines, with a genuine love for the natural beauty and vitality of Margaret River.
GLENN GOODALL
SENIOR WINEMAKER
Originally from Northland, New Zealand, Glenn first visited Australia on a surfing holiday in 1989, during which he worked at a vineyard in Port Macquarie. A vintage at Domaine La Grave in Bordeaux the following year cemented his passion for winemaking and set him on a path of global winemaking experience, spanning New Zealand, South Africa, and the USA.
Glenn completed his Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Oenology) at the University of Adelaide (Roseworthy) before joining Xanadu in 1999. Months after the Rathbone family acquired the winery, Glenn took on the role of Senior Winemaker. With an intuitive approach to winemaking, Glenn believes true quality begins in the vineyard. He is proud to lead a talented team committed to excellence, sustainability, and caring for the land.
Under his guidance, Xanadu has become a benchmark for the region, and his efforts have extended beyond the winery, caring for local landscapes and volunteering with the local ocean rescue. Glenn’s dedication has earned him recognition as Winemaker of the Year in the 2015 and 2022 West Australian Wine Guides, as well as the prestigious 2023 Halliday Wine Companion Winemaker of the Year.
SOPHIE WARD
WINEMAKER
Originally from New Zealand’s South Island, Sophie’s journey into winemaking began with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Canterbury in 2009. Her love of science, travel, food and wine led her to South Australia, where she completed a Master’s in Oenology at the University of Adelaide in 2011.
Sophie’s passion for Cabernet Sauvignon was sparked during her Master’s research with Treasury Wine Estates, which culminated in a published study in The American Journal of Enology and Viticulture. From there, she immersed herself in the craft of winemaking, taking on a research internship with Pernod Ricard, where she served as a research assistant at Orlando Wines in the Barossa Valley and Boutique Martell Cognac in France. Her winemaking adventure has spanned the globe, with vintages in Central Otago, Burgundy, and Canada’s Okanagan Valley.
But it was the allure of Margaret River—its vibrant wines and her love for Chardonnay—that drew Sophie to settle here in 2014, working as a Cellar Hand and then winemaker at Naturaliste Vintners, before joining Xanadu in 2023.
ALEX MILLER
VITICULTURIST
Alex Miller has spent over a decade championing viticultural sustainability and innovation in the Margaret River region. Growing up in Tamworth, New South Wales, Alex’s journey into viticulture began at Charles Sturt University, where she earned a degree in Applied Science (Viticulture) in the early 2000s. While at university, Alex did vintages in the Hunter Valley and Margaret River, where she developed a deep respect for both vineyard and winery operations, before travelling beyond Australian shores to Europe and the UK.
Before joining the Xanadu team, Alex played a pivotal role in the transition to certified organic farming, leading initiatives in land restoration, vine health, and environmental sustainability at Voyager Estate. Her dedication earned her the 2022 Viticulture and Sustainability Excellence Award at the Margaret River Wine Show, recognising her leadership in best practices and commitment to the region. When she’s not tending to the vines, Alex’s appreciation of the region sees her exploring Margaret River’s natural beauty with her family and their adventurous dog.
ANDREA GASPARINI
HEAD CHEF
Andrea Gasparini’s culinary journey began in the vibrant kitchen of Ipseoa Andrea Barbarigo Cooking School in Venice, where his love for food blossomed at just 14 years old. Growing up surrounded by the rich culinary traditions of Italy, Andrea’s early memories of exploring bustling markets and transforming fresh local produce into cherished family meals laid the foundation for his career. Andrea honed his craft at renowned establishments in Italy, including the two Michelin-starred Antica Osteria Cera and the acclaimed La Fontanina in Verona. These experiences instilled in him a deep respect for fine dining, teaching him the discipline and finesse required to excel in the culinary arts.
Since settling in Margaret River, Andrea has been inspired by the region’s exceptional local produce, creating energetic dishes that beautifully pair with our vibrant wines. Outside the kitchen, Andrea enjoys spending time exploring the natural beauty of the southwest.
