Head WineMaker

Andrew Thomas

Andrew's career in the wine industry was all but guaranteed, given his family background. His early inspiration came from his father, Wayne Thomas, a winemaker of distinction in McLaren Vale, the region where Andrew was raised.

From McLaren Vale to the Hunter Valley

  • Although groomed for a winemaking career in South Australia, Andrew's formative years led him to develop a deep passion for the more subtle, savory, and finely-structured wines of the Hunter Valley. After earning his Oenology degree from Roseworthy Agricultural College, Andrew embarked on his winemaking journey at Tyrrell's Vineyards. Over the course of 13 years under the tutelage of the legendary Murray Tyrrell, Andrew gained profound respect and understanding for the Hunter Valley's two signature grape varieties: Semillon and Shiraz.

  • Seeking to quench his thirst for more knowledge and winemaking experience, Andrew traveled to the renowned wine regions of Sonoma, Tuscany, Piedmont, and Provence. However, his true passion lay in creating world-class wines under his own label, a desire that could no longer be denied. In 1997, Thomas Wines was established with a clear and focused objective - to specialize in single-vineyard Hunter Valley Semillon and Shiraz. Each wine is meticulously crafted to showcase the unique signature of its vineyard and express a profound sense of place.

Assistant WineMaker

Dan Thomas

Third generation winemaker, Dan Thomas joined his father at the helm of Thomas Wines in late 2020. Ever since, he has worked in the winery and the Braemore Vineyard as well as working on improving Thomas Wines sustainability practices. Dan is followed by his shadow, Stevie, a beautiful golden retriever cross.

A Winemaking Legacy in the Making

  • Dan Thomas' journey into the wine industry was a bit of a winding path, as he initially had his sights set on a different career. Growing up, Dan was more interested in the world of sports science, not yet recognizing his true passion for winemaking. However, that all changed in 2017 when he completed his first vintage with the renowned Tyrell's winery. This formative experience ignited a newfound fascination within Dan, as he witnessed firsthand the art and science behind crafting exceptional wines. Simultaneously, Dan began pursuing a double degree in business and commerce, wisely keeping his options open and equipping himself with a diverse skillset.

  • Following that pivotal 2017 vintage, Dan's wine journey continued to accelerate. In 2018, he moved to First Creek Wines, where he went on to complete three vintages over the course of nearly four years. This extended tenure allowed Dan to truly immerse himself in the winemaking process, honing his craft and developing a deep appreciation for the industry. After his stint at First Creek, Dan took on a brief role at Tamburlane before an exciting opportunity arose - an assistant winemaker position at Thomas Wines, under the tutelage of his own father, acclaimed winemaker Andrew Thomas. In November 2020, Dan eagerly stepped into this new chapter, further cementing his place in the family's winemaking legacy.