The Cellar Door Podcast

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Jacob Ner-David is, in many ways, the quintessential entrepreneur. He’s built and led multiple pioneering companies, including DeltaThree, one of the first to offer internet-based telephony, dramatically reducing the cost of international calls, and NomadIQ, which specialised in location-based internet services.

But alongside his startup successes runs a deep and enduring passion for wine. Jacob is the co-founder and chairman of Jezreel Valley Winery in Israel, and managing director of VinoVentures, a wine trading fund. Moshe Weizman, whom listeners will remember from Episode 28 of Season 4 and his groundbreaking company Wining, to...

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Everyone in marketing knows Mark Ritson. He’s built a reputation for being direct, sharp, and unapologetically honest in how he approaches both the practice and teaching of marketing. With a career that includes advising major global brands like LVMH, Mark now focuses his energy on the Mini MBA, an online course designed to give students what he sees as the core foundations of marketing and brand building.

I was first introduced to Mark’s work by my friend and mentor Joe Fattorini, who pointed me toward some of Mark’s more p...

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Earlier this year, while in Sydney, I had the pleasure of grabbing a quick bite with two locals behind one of Australia’s fastest-growing wine communities. I was curious to meet the duo behind the WinedUp podcast—and to see whether their personalities matched their mission.

It was a short but memorable session. Over a bottle of German Riesling and some outstanding Thai food, I came away thinking: they really are who they say they are—two Aussie mates on an unapologetically unfiltered and unpretentious wine journey. No snobbery. No fluff. Just t...

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In 2024 Coles took steps testing its One Brand Brand Strategy, which included the conversion of all Vintage Cellars Stores to Liquor Land. Bill Rooney is the CEO at 6one5 Retail Consulting. He has consulted for a range of companies including Silicon Valley’s Intel. Bill has been watching the Coles transition unfold, from the implementation of the pilot program, to execution and whilst understanding of the foundation strategy, he has been highly critical of its execution. Bill’s thought leadership has been on display recently, with the publication of a series of articles disc...

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This is the third and final installment of my conversation with Professor Gerald McDermott. We start by focussing on case studies that demonstrate innovation in action. What can the wine industry, or any industry for that matter, learn from the evolution of Silicon Valley? Or from the crash of the Chilean Salmon Industry? Professor McDermott shares principles that are vital for any industry to keep in mind when facing uncertainty and change. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. This was a fantastic way to bring this series to a close...

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In Mid May of this year I had the pleasure of releasing a short chat with Jackson Family winemaker Chris Carpenter in which we spoke about the magic of the Hickinbotham Vineyard, the Hickenbotham label and the wider magic of Clarendon. To get that one in full Check out episode 25 of Season 5. Chris and I discussed a great many things during my time in Clarendon, that we did not include in that initial chat, so we recently caught up for a riveting part two. In this conversation we take a focussed dive into...

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In this episode Professor Gerald McDermott and I continue our discussion on systems and innovation. With the background and context to Gerald’s Mendoza case study established, we start to go deeper into the foundational concepts, and what a healthy system might look like, along with its different component parts. To start part 2 of our conversation, I ask Gerald whether it's possible to spot telltale signs that a system is ripe, ready for or in need of innovation. We will pick the conversion up with his answer. 

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the fundamental of nailing your sales pitch.

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This episode began with a curious email landing in my inbox. Not that the sender — my good friend Priscilla Hennekem — was mysterious, but rather the contents of her message were. It was brief and enclosed an attachment: a paper by Professor Gerald McDermott, titled “Public-Private Institutions as Catalysts for Upgrading in Emerging Market Societies.”

I scratched my head, opened the file, and started reading.

Now, Professor Gerald A. McDermott is the department chair and professor of international business at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Ca...

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the most fundamental aspects of a business sales plan.

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In mid-2024, I found myself in the heart of Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley—an enchanting sub-AVA that has quietly, but confidently, shaped America’s wine identity. With a history that stretches from pre-Prohibition endurance to present-day renaissance, Dry Creek is a place where multigenerational family wineries continue to define what authenticity in American wine really means.

At the core of this region’s soul is Zinfandel—a grape often celebrated for its bold fruit and generous spirit, but in the hands of Dry Creek’s best, it becomes something more nuanced, exp...

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss CRM's, what they are and why they are an integral aspect of any wine business chasing success.

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YouTube launched in 2005, founded by three former PayPal employees—one of whom uploaded the platform’s first video, Me at the Zoo. Just a year later, Google acquired it for $1.65 billion. Today, YouTube is the world’s largest video platform, reaching 2.5 billion users every month and shaping how we consume content.

While written media still holds value, there’s been a clear shift toward digital platforms like YouTube and social media. These spaces offer creators the chance to reach millions—but they’re fiercely competitive. Only the most consistent, compelling content rises to the...

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Spain is a land steeped in tradition—rich in culture, history, and of course, wine. Few regions embody this legacy more than Rioja, with its age-old dedication to blending, oak maturation, and patience. But even in Rioja, time doesn’t stand still. The region now finds itself at a crossroads, reflecting on long-held practices and facing the challenge of adapting to a rapidly evolving global wine world.

At the heart of this transformation is an unexpected figure—Australian winemaker Jackson Brooke. Before fate led him to Rioja, Jackson was already crafting fine w...

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the tension between CSR, Milton Friedman, sustainability as a marketing tool and consumer skepticism.

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It was just before 3 p.m. on Monday, 23 September 2024, when the Lebanese town of Rayak received a warning: Israeli Defence Forces were preparing to strike Hezbollah positions within the town. For the people of Rayak—including winemaker Elias Malouf—there was little time to react.

I recently sat down with Elias to hear what happened next. What unfolded is a story steeped in heartbreak and unimaginable loss, but also in quiet courage, relentless resilience, and an unshakable love for home. In the wake of devastation, Elias and his community didn’t flee...

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the use of social media in the wine marketing landscape and how it can be implemented effectively as part of a larger market strategy. 

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I’ve always believed that there are powerful forces at work—forces beyond human comprehension—that somehow guide us through our actions and decisions. Two years ago, in Episode 19 of Season 2, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vince Anter, the creator and star of V is for Vino. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and check it out on YouTube or V is for Vino TV. You won’t regret it.

The wine and hospitality world is full of generous, passionate people—and Vince is one of the best. At...

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Travel is the ultimate educator. Nothing replaces first-hand experience—being there, boots on the ground, engaging with the people, the land, and the story. When you walk the vineyards, talk with the makers, and stand among old vines, everything changes. It stops being academic—it becomes real.

For the first time, I set foot on the hallowed hills of Clarendon, nestled in the higher reaches of McLaren Vale. I’d known the wines, and admired the reputation. But until recently, my understanding was purely theoretical. That changed this p...

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the concept of product placement and its relevance to brand growth 

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I have the fondest memories of sitting beside my dad on the couch, both of us completely captivated by the film Somm. It tells the story of four friends who take on one of the most grueling academic challenges in the world—the Master Sommelier exam, administered by the Court of Master Sommeliers. This film isn’t just about wine; it’s about the pursuit of excellence. It feels more like a sports movie than a documentary, filled with intensity, anxiety, fear, and hope as these candidates inch closer to an exam that only 2...

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the concept of reverse benchmarking and its relationship with brand growth 

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Matthew Deller MW is one of the most respected figures in Australian wine today. With a global career that spans New Zealand, the United States, and now Australia, Matthew has consistently held leadership roles that blend a passion for fine wine with sharp business acumen. Currently, he serves as CEO of Wirra Wirra and Ashton Hills—an exciting, focused portfolio with bold ambitions to elevate its premium reputation.

Matthew’s path reflects a rare balance: the depth of a Master of Wine and the strategic mindset of a global executive. From seni...

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Earlier this year, I found myself on a guided tour of a winery as historic and captivating as it was charming and picturesque — and none of it by accident. Tucked away in the Victorian Highlands, in the storied town of Beechworth, just off Pennyweight Lane, sits Pennyweight Wines, a family-run gem helmed by the illustrious Morris family.

I had the privilege of being shown around by Stephen Morris Senior, who, along with his wife Elizabeth — a wonderful host in her own right — founded Pennyweight. Now, it was a bold move to give a...

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss how brands grow from a marketing perspective. 

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In 2024, a new world wine region caught my attention for a very particular reason. While many wine-producing countries were grappling with declining export values, South Africa bucked the trend — not just holding steady, but actually gaining in value. It reminded me of my conversation back in Episode 37 of Season 4, with Anthony Hamilton Russell, who spoke so passionately about South Africa’s ambition, confidence, and its ongoing quest to command greater attention on the global wine stage.

The latest numbers hinted at something more than coincidence. It looked like a long-term strategy was...

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Paul Mabray is one of the original tech pioneers in the wine industry. Though he grew up in Napa Valley, his early influences came not from vineyards or cellars, but from lines of code—his father teaching him programming instead of the finer points of swirling and sniffing. Despite this unconventional beginning, Paul eventually found himself selling wine across California, a path that sparked his deep curiosity about not just wine, but the business behind it.

There’s never been more great wine available across the globe—but selling it? That’s anothe...

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss meaningful identification of, and analysis, of consumers. 

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Many people I’ve spoken to have had an eventful start to 2025, but few have experienced as much change as Giles Cooke of Thistledown Wines. Recently, Thistledown parted ways with Alliance Wines—a bold move that, for Giles, felt like the right timing. A self-professed contrarian, he thrives on zigging while others zag, and the results often speak for themselves.

Beyond his latest venture, Giles was kind enough to offer me some feedback on a recent project of mine, which sparked the idea to bring him back on the show. Given his...

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini and in this episode we discuss the demystification of wine and whether its really a good idea from a marketing angle. 

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I first had the pleasure of meeting Travis Fuller nearly two and a half years ago when he shared the story of Kilikanoon and its deep connection to the magical Clare Valley. If you missed that conversation, you can find it in Season 1, Episode 30.

Today, Travis returns with exciting updates—not only on Kilikanoon’s latest releases but also on the winery’s strategic focus on the Chinese market. In a constantly shifting global wine landscape, understanding your target market is crucial, and Travis exemplifies this with his depth of knowledge and ad...

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. My guest is Joe Fattorini

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Michael Juergens runs a global wine consultancy practice for one of the big four consulting firms. With all the talk around tariffs I tracked Michael down to get his perspective on what is going on in the USA. Michael brought his usual energy and colour to what was an insightful catchup! 

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Tom Donegan’s wine career is nothing short of dynamic. From working as a sommelier in Melbourne to studying wine in Adelaide, he’s built a deep understanding of the industry from multiple angles. As a founding member of Hudson Wine Brokers, he tackled the complexities of bringing Australian wine into the highly competitive U.S. market. Since returning to Australia, he’s led market strategy at Voyager Estate in Margaret River and now oversees key brands—Shaw + Smith, Tolpuddle, and MADD—within the Shaw + Smith Group.

In this episode, Tom takes us b...

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. This week Joe Fattorini shares his insights on innovation, what it is and what it may look like. 

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I still remember the moment a close friend handed me a bottle of 2017 Barbaresco—Fletcher. The name stopped me in my tracks. Barbaresco, one of the crown jewels of Italian wine, and spiritual homes of Nebbiolo. And Fletcher? It didn’t exactly scream Italian heritage.

Curious, I started digging and soon uncovered the remarkable story of an Australian winemaker who had followed his passion all the way to Piedmont. Dave Fletcher, originally from Adelaide, found himself drawn to the magic of Italy, eventually becoming the head winemaker at Ceretto, where he play...

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Welcome to CDP Insights, a Cellar Door Podcast initiative where we stay up to date with market trends and get sharp industry insights. This week Joe Fattorini shares his insights on AI and how he considers it will best help industry. 

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Angus Hughson is one of Australia’s most respected wine writers, critics, and communicators. His deep understanding of wine is shaped not just by years in the industry but also by his PhD in psychology—specifically, the psychology of taste.

Psychology plays a crucial role in wine, from how we perceive flavors to the way pricing and marketing influence consumer behavior. Lately, Angus has turned his focus to Australia’s global wine presence, raising important questions about the national psyche and its impact on market confidence. He argues that Australia must take a...

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Every so often, a wine brand rises above the rest—its quality, reputation, and influence extending far beyond the bottle. Clonakilla, led by the Kirk family for two generations, perhaps soon to be three, is one such name. Their iconic Shiraz Viognier has firmly secured its place among Australia’s greatest wines, while the rest of the Clonakilla range continues to showcase the unique terroir of Murrumbateman with remarkable precision.

At the heart of it all is Chief Winemaker Tim Kirk, a true Australian wine icon. Despite his own insistence that he h...

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At the time of this recording, I’m in the heart of the Hunter Valley, right in the middle of vintage. Despite a few close calls with wet weather leading up to picking, there’s an air of optimism in the region. It’s the perfect time to reconnect with a true Hunter Valley icon and explore what makes this place so special.

Longtime listeners might remember my earlier conversation with Bruce Tyrrell—a name synonymous with the Hunter Valley and Australian wine. If you need a refresher on the incredible Tyrrells...