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Every year at Xanadu, International Women’s Day gives us a moment to pause and honour the people who shape the experience of this place — not just through what they do, but how they do it. This year, we found ourselves returning again and again to a shared theme: how generosity and collaboration create momentum.
The women of Xanadu show us daily how openness, mentorship and shared experience create the conditions for growth. Their reflections speak to how generosity in leadership and collaboration at every level help women step forward, grow and build momentum — both individually and collectively. We are spoilt to have so many influential women at Xanadu, Viticulturist Alex Miller, Winemaker Sophie Ward, Cellar Door Manager Sam Bradley, and Events & Acting Restaurant Manager Caity O’Connor — each bringing their own perspective, experience and impact to the broader wine community.
Alex Miller
Viticulturist
Viticulture is all about long-term thinking and knowing that decisions you make are sometimes for the generation following behind you. That long-term view makes sharing knowledge essential. At Xanadu, collaboration is part of how we operate, and working closely with Sophie, our winemaker, means women are visibly involved in decisions that directly shape the wines. That kind of visibility matters. It signals that women belong in these technical, decision‑making roles, even if the broader industry isn’t quite there yet.
For me, progress for women in viticulture hasn’t come from one defining moment, but from the cumulative impact of women backing one another over time. In Margaret River, I can count the number of women viticulturists on one hand. It’s a predominantly male field, and that reality hasn’t shifted much in the twenty years I’ve been part of this industry. So the support we offer one another — whether it’s sharing practical experience, acknowledging good work, or simply having someone who understands the challenges — becomes critical. Those repeated interactions, season after season, are what slowly move things forward and create a culture where women feel more able to speak up, lead projects and drive change.
Creating opportunities for women is something I take seriously, especially because the industry still hasn’t figured out how to retain women in viticulture in any meaningful way. Sometimes the smallest gesture can completely change someone’s sense of what’s possible. Not long ago, a team member told me she was expecting a baby and immediately assumed she wouldn’t have a place in the team afterwards. My response was simple: if she wanted to stay, I would rather have her in any capacity than not at all — because she’s an asset. Flexibility shouldn’t be exceptional; it should be standard if we want women to remain in these roles during the years when work and family intersect. I was fortunate to have a manager say the same thing to me when I was pregnant, and it stayed with me.
Strong collaboration across vineyard and winery is also crucial. The best wines come from cohesion between growers and makers, supported by solid science and good land. And, like any industry, the best teams are diverse in experience, backgrounds and perspectives. Our vineyard team happens to be evenly split between men and women, but I’m still the minority as a woman leading that team. I hope that by holding this role — and actively encouraging other women to stay in the field — we’ll see more balanced representation in the future.
I’ve never worked under a female leader in viticulture, nor have I had many female colleagues, which makes the lack of female voices even more noticeable. I’ve seen countless situations where a woman’s perspective was overlooked or undervalued. What I learned early on, by watching clever women navigate those dynamics, is that science is the great equaliser. When you come armed with data, evidence and sound viticultural logic, it becomes much harder for your perspective to be dismissed. Facts cut through bias. And of course, there’s the ultimate leveller: Mother Nature. She doesn’t discriminate.
There is still a long way to go for women in viticulture — but the women who are here are pushing, supporting, sharing and staying the course. That persistence creates momentum, even if slowly. And sometimes, slow momentum is still momentum.
Sam Bradley
Cellar Door Manager
In my role at Xanadu, generosity and collaboration are essential in creating momentum for women. The cellar door is a space where we’re constantly learning from one another, and I’ve found that openly sharing knowledge — whether it’s about wine styles, guest engagement or leadership — helps build confidence and capability across the team. When women feel supported to ask questions, try new things and step into responsibilities, that’s when real momentum happens.
One moment that stands out was during a particularly busy festive season. A few of our newer team members were feeling overwhelmed, and without hesitation, the more experienced women stepped in — not to take over, but to guide, encourage and reassure. That sense of “I’ve got you” shifted the whole energy. It turned what could have been a stressful period into one where everyone grew, and it reinforced how powerful women supporting women can be.
I try to create opportunities and visibility for women by giving them space to lead — whether that’s hosting premium tastings or representing the cellar door at events. Sometimes it’s also about the quieter moments: offering encouragement, acknowledging strengths they may not yet see in themselves, and making sure their ideas are heard.
A generous, collaborative culture in our cellar door team looks like openness, shared wins and genuine care. We celebrate each other’s successes, and we check in when someone is having a tough day. There’s no sense of competition — just a collective desire to lift each other up.
We also work hard to create a welcoming space for women exploring wine. That means removing any sense of intimidation or exclusivity. We meet guests where they are, encourage curiosity and make wine feel accessible rather than technical. Our goal is for women to feel confident trusting their own palate and preferences and to enjoy the experience without pressure.
Caity O’Connor
Events Manager & Acting Restaurant Manager
I first joined Xanadu in 2016 as a casual member of the waitstaff. Back then, I was mostly focused on learning the ropes and trying not to drop a tray during a busy service. I didn’t have a long-term plan — I just loved the buzz of hospitality and being part of creating great experiences for people.
Over time, my role grew, and so did I. Stepping into leadership wasn’t something that happened overnight. Honestly, it wasn’t until the last couple of years that I really started trusting myself in my role. That confidence came from being given opportunities before I felt completely ready, and from having people around me who encouraged me to back myself.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work under a female leader who has been a huge source of support and mentorship. She helped me see strengths I used to overlook and guided me through areas I once thought of as weaknesses. Having that kind of leadership, supportive and honest, has made a huge difference to how I show up at work and how I support others in return.
For me, generosity looks like letting people know when they’re doing well, backing their ideas, and sharing knowledge freely. Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures — someone believing in you during a meeting or offering a quick word of encouragement before service — that create real momentum.
In my role as Events and (Acting) Restaurant Manager, I’m intentional about creating opportunities and visibility for other women. That might mean encouraging someone to take ownership during service, highlighting great work, or making sure a quieter voice gets space. Confidence grows when people are trusted and seen, and I love being able to support that growth.
When I first stepped into the wine world, I found it intimidating. There’s so much knowledge and terminology that it can feel overwhelming. But one of the most encouraging things I discovered was how many incredible women are part of the wine community here in Margaret River. Seeing women in hospitality, winemaking and events made the industry feel more accessible — and showed me that there was room for me to grow into it.
Looking back to 2016, I never imagined the journey from casual waitstaff to Events and Acting Restaurant Manager. I’m grateful for the women who supported me along the way, and it feels pretty special to now help create that environment for others. It’s a reminder of how powerful it is when women believe in each other and work together.
