meet the maker
Here at Gill Estate, we are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate team. Our Winery Manager and Senior Winemaker, Janel Carruthers, fits the bill perfectly! We thought we’d ask her some questions so you can get to know her better.
1. What made you want to get involved in the wine industry? Tell us about your early years?
After leaving school (St Joesph’s College, Mildura) I moved to Melbourne to study Biomedical Sciences at Victoria University of Technology, in my last year of study I was offered a position as Microbiologist with Reinters Machinery at this very site!! Worlds away from Biomedical Science, I fell into the Winery Industry where I remain today! I have been fortunate enough to work with many talented Winemakers and industry professionals, across all levels of business. I Joined Southcorp Wines as Graduate Scientist moving to their different locations, every 6-8 weeks (outside of vintage period). After the two programs finished, I was based permanently as Winemaking Laboratory Supervisor with Penfolds in the Barossa Valley where my passion began to develop for Winemaking.
2. Where has your passion for winemaking come from?
Initially, my curiosity developed when my mother and father’s vineyard moved to wine grapes, it continued at Penfolds with my involvement in differing research and development and training tasting panels. I moved to Barossa Valley Estate as Assistant Winemaker/Lab Manager which also allowed my curiosity to develop further. Working with Natasha Mooney, it was great to see her passion for all things wine and people. From vineyards, to operations, through to glass, Natasha shared her passion not only with consumers but with the team she managed, being hands on, spending time with and supporting all who were curious.
3. When did you begin working at Gill Estate? Do you have a strong connection with the brand?
September 2022, I've just celebrated 12 months! I’m very excited to help grow Gill Estate and the Rivah Brand!
The Rivah Range was developed around the Murray River and the lifestyle Sunraysia offers, and the Gill family wanting to share this great location and offerings with their community. 'Growing with the land. Savouring our lifestyle’ is a catchphrase that resonated with me.
I was born and raised in Sunraysia, my children were born and are being raised here too, so I feel a strong connection with the ethos of Gill Estate. Plus, it was certainly great to be offered an opportunity to be a part of sharing the lifestyle a town on the banks of the Murray River with Mildura’s sunshine, too!
4. Can you please run us through what your winemaking philosophy is?
Creating well balanced wines with a focus on showcasing the purity and complexity of the region and variety. Utilising and adapting winemaking techniques that complement each. It all starts in the vineyard, quality fruit harvested at optimum maturity delivered to the winery should have minimal intervention.
5. What is a typical day in the life as a winemaker and winery manager? Or are no two days the same?
No two days have been the same over the last 12 months. My days are very different and as Gill Estate grows, as does my involvement in all aspects of winemaking and management.
From working in the vineyard, to running through winery requirements, export market planning, project management for upcoming bottlings, marketing, sales, wine tastings, judging, networking, all the way through to delivering wine orders to our loyal customers, there doesn’t seem to be a typical day in the life of a winemaker and winery manager!
I’m grateful for the variety of the role, it allows me to continually learn and evolve.
6. Looking to the future, what is your vision for Gill Estate?
Our team is working on some new and emerging wine brands, and I can’t wait to see these come to life. My vision for Gill Estate is to create wines to be enjoyed by all consumers and taste profiles, with the ability to grow globally. I’m looking forward to continuing building relationships and sharing Gill Estate’s services with other wine industry professionals too.