The son of department store pioneer Sidney Myer, Sidney Baillieu ‘Bails’ Myer AC was born in 1926. His career and interests spanned business, medical research, aged care, Australia-Asian relations, the arts, crafts, conservation, education and rural communities.
Bails Myer is the owner and vigneron at Elgee Park. In 1958 he and wife Sarah bought Elgee Park and immediately began to make it their own, a property that reflected their passions and allowed them the time and space to pursue their interests. These passions include wine, art, quarter horses and cattle.
In 1972 Bails planted 400 vines, establishing a vineyard that would grow to cover 4.5 hectares. He has always been hands-on at Elgee Park, working with his team to cultivate vines and plant trees. He still oversees the harvest each year.
Since 1962, Bails has bought and commissioned an impressive collection of art and sculpture, which are displayed around Elgee Park – in the vineyards and gardens, on the hills and in a new gallery space.
“Bails favourite place in the world is on his ride-on mower at Elgee Park.” Laurence Tedesco, General Manager, Elgee Park
Geraldine McFaul has an impressive background in winemaking. She is a graduate of Charles Sturt University, recipient of the Ron Potter Scholarship for winemaking, and postgraduate Assistant Winemaker. Geraldine has a passion for cool climate wines and has experienced many vintages in France and Australia.
Geraldine started working with Elgee Park grapes under Tod Dexter at Stonier Wines in 1995 and from 2003 as Stonier’s senior winemaker. Bails Myer was so impressed with Geraldine’s winemaking skills, when she moved to Willow Creek vineyard in 2008, he decided to move Elgee Park winemaking with her. Geraldine now makes Elgee Park wines under contract at Willow Creek, Merricks North.
Laurence Tedesco has a very long association with Elgee Park, beginning when he was a 10 year-old visiting on Saturday mornings and school holidays with his father, who was head gardener.
From a young age Laurence was interested in horticulture and viticulture. In 1988, after completing an apprenticeship with the Shire of Flinders, he began working at Elgee Park as a gardener. His interest in the vineyard grew and he was soon working there full-time, developing his knowledge in viticulture as he worked closely with the winemakers and consultants. In 1991, Laurence completed an Advanced Certificate of Horticulture at Burnley and continued to build his expertise by managing the many challenges that a vineyard brings. In 1998 Laurence became General Manager of Elgee Park.
Since 1988, Laurence has never missed a vintage at Elgee Park – a fantastic achievement.
“Thanks to Laurence Tedesco, our General Manager and Barry Kosic, our Viticulturalist, our grapes have earned their reputation of high quality.” (Baillieu Myer, Elgee Park Sculpture in the Landscape, p. 180)
Pat Kettlewell is a passionate spokesperson for Elgee Park wines, which she promotes and sells across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. Her energy, hard work and attention to detail have contributed to the Elgee Park brand appearing on some of the best wine lists and retail outlets in Victoria.
Pat’s background in hospitality, wines and sales is impressive. She learnt the art of service and wine appreciation at Tolarno French Bistro and was an award-winning sommelier at The Latin – at the time that Melbourne’s restaurant and bar scene was flourishing.
Today Pat is based on the Mornington Peninsula and is a valued member of the Elgee Park team.
“I’m proud to be part of a team whose winemaking principles are so ethical, where consistency means quality. And let’s not forget…’the older the vine, the better the wine’.” Pat Kettlewell
Barry began working in the Elgee Park Vineyard in 2006 and was appointed Vineyard Manager in 2007.
He has extensive experience working in gardens and vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula and has experienced testing climatic conditions, including drought and flood.
Barry continually improves the vineyard, from replacing trellises to addressing disease pressure.
“Thanks to Laurence Tedesco, our General Manager and Barry Kosic, our Viticulturalist, our grapes have earned their reputation of high quality.” Baillieu Myer, Elgee Park Sculpture in the Landscape, p. 180