Rachel has been a vital part of the Crooked River Estate team for the past eight years. As our Restaurant and Function Manager, Rachel is dedicated to creating exceptional dining and event experiences that leave a lasting impression.

With a deep connection to the local community and a passion for hospitality, Rachel combines her expertise with a friendly, approachable nature to ensure every guest feels welcomed and valued. Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch, an intimate dinner, or celebrating a special occasion, Rachel’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence make every experience truly memorable.

Rachel’s dedication to delivering top-class service embodies the heart and soul of Gerringong, bringing warmth, professionalism, and a personal touch to every moment at Crooked River Estate.

Dane brings a wealth of culinary expertise to the kitchen at Crooked River Estate. Trained under renowned chefs Jamie Oliver and Rick Stein in the UK, Dane has honed his skills in some of the finest kitchens, learning the art of creating exceptional dishes with both flair and precision.

After spending years abroad, Dane returned home to the South Coast, where he has brought his vast experience and passion for food to our restaurant. Known for his effortless production of high-quality, flavourful dishes, Dane ensures that every meal is crafted with care and attention to detail, using the freshest local ingredients.

His approach to cooking is simple yet refined—focus on quality, respect for the ingredients, and creating enough to satisfy without excess. Dane’s calm leadership in the kitchen fosters an atmosphere of creativity and consistency, allowing him and his team to consistently deliver exceptional dining experiences.

With a passion for crafting exceptional wines, Peter brings decades of expertise and dedication to Crooked River Estate. Trained in the prestigious Hunter Valley at Tyrrell’s, one of Australia’s most renowned wineries, Peter honed his skills alongside some of the finest in the industry.

Seven years ago, Peter made Gerringong his home, drawn by the South Coast’s breathtaking beauty and the unique terroir of Crooked River Estate. Since then, he has devoted himself to producing wines that reflect the character and richness of this special region.

Guided by a deep respect for tradition and a flair for innovation, Peter’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in showcasing the distinct flavours and qualities of the Estate’s volcanic soils and maritime environment. Ultimately, he believes “the less you do, the more the wine tells the story of the unique”. Every bottle he crafts tells a story of place, passion, and precision, bringing the essence of Gerringong to your glass.

Peter’s commitment to excellence ensures that every wine from Crooked River Estate is more than just a drink—it’s an unforgettable experience.

Steve Bottomley is the driving force behind the thriving vineyards of Crooked River Estate. With his roots firmly planted in the Hunter Valley, where he trained among Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, Steve developed an unparalleled expertise in nurturing vines to their fullest potential.

Since joining Crooked River Estate, Steve has brought his wealth of experience to Gerringong, ensuring our vineyards flourish in the unique terroir of the South Coast. From the mineral-rich volcanic soils to the cooling maritime breezes, Steve carefully manages every aspect of the vineyard to produce grapes of exceptional quality and character.

With a passion for sustainable viticulture and a deep connection to the land, Steve’s meticulous care ensures that each vine tells a story of dedication and craftsmanship. His commitment to excellence is reflected in every glass of Crooked River wine, delivering the very best of Gerringong’s beauty and bounty.

Troy brings a unique perspective to the art of winemaking, combining his culinary expertise with a growing passion for wine. Having previously worked as a chef in the Crooked River Estate restaurant, Troy developed a deep appreciation for the synergy between food and wine, which now drives his journey in the vineyard and winery.

Under the mentorship of Peter Lane, our head winemaker, and Steve Bottomley, our viticulturist, Troy is honing his craft and mastering the intricacies of winemaking. Currently undertaking a degree in winemaking, Troy blends hands-on experience with formal training to deepen his understanding of the process, from grape to glass.

Troy’s culinary background adds a distinct dimension to his work, allowing him to create wines that complement and enhance the dining experience. His dedication and passion make him an integral part of the Crooked River Estate team, ensuring every wine is crafted with the same care and creativity he brought to the plate.

The Lloyd’s love for the South Coast is the heart and soul of Crooked River Estate. Having discovered the beauty of Gerringong, they were inspired to make it their home and bring their vision of exceptional wine and hospitality to life.

With a deep appreciation for the region’s stunning landscapes and vibrant community, Ange, Rog, Kate and Soph have poured their passion into Crooked River Estate, creating a space where guests can experience the very best of the South Coast. Their dedication to quality, local values, and sustainable practices is reflected in every aspect of the Estate, from the vineyards to the restaurant to the wines they produce.

Through their vision and commitment, the Lloyd’s have cultivated not just a successful business, but a place that feels like home to everyone who visits, welcoming guests with the warmth and generosity that defines the South Coast.

Joel Walsh is at the forefront of Crooked River Estate’s sustainability efforts, ensuring that we’re not only producing exceptional wines today, but also future-proofing our operations for generations to come. With a deep commitment to environmental responsibility, Joel focuses on implementing sustainable practices that protect the land, enhance the vineyard, and reduce our ecological footprint.

From water conservation and soil health to energy efficiency and waste reduction, Joel is dedicated to making Crooked River Estate a model for sustainability in winemaking. His innovative strategies ensure that every aspect of the Estate is aligned with a vision for the future—one where exceptional wine and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

With Joel leading the way, Crooked River Estate continues to evolve as a sustainable destination, preserving the natural beauty of Gerringong while crafting wines that reflect the integrity of our land and commitment to the future.

Daisy Pring is not only the friendly face behind the exceptional service at Crooked River Estate but also a talented musician who brings an extra touch of warmth and joy to our events. As Assistant Restaurant Manager, Daisy ensures that every guest enjoys a seamless and memorable dining experience, whether it’s a casual meal or a special celebration.

Her passion for hospitality and keen eye for detail shines through in every aspect of her work, ensuring that service is always top-notch. Daisy’s combination of dedication to hospitality and her musical creativity makes her an invaluable part of the Crooked River Estate team. With her infectious energy and talent, she adds a personal and vibrant touch to every experience, embodying the true spirit of Gerringong.

Zoe is the heart of customer experience at Crooked River Estate, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a warm, welcoming presence to every interaction. A proud Kiama local, Zoe’s background in retail has shaped her commitment to ensuring that every guest enjoys a seamless and friendly experience from start to finish.

Whether answering phone inquiries or greeting visitors at our cellar door, Zoe’s goal is to make every guest feel valued and at ease. Her focus is on providing personalized service and creating memorable moments, ensuring that each visit to Crooked River Estate is met with a warm smile and thoughtful attention to detail.

With her approachable demeanour and dedication to excellent service, Zoe ensures that every aspect of the Crooked River Estate experience feels friendly, welcoming, and tailored to our guests’ needs.

Chris Roche is our enthusiastic Apprentice Chef, bringing fresh energy and a passion for cooking to the kitchen at Crooked River Estate. Eager to learn and grow, Chris works closely with Head Chef Dane Tobias and Sous Chef Ryan Smith, absorbing their wealth of experience while honing his culinary skills.

Chris’s commitment to growing in the culinary field and his positive, hardworking attitude make him a rising star in our kitchen, and we’re excited to see his career continue to flourish.

Ariel Farrell is one of the bright and eager Apprentice Chefs at Crooked River Estate, bringing passion and enthusiasm to the kitchen. With a strong desire to develop her culinary skills, Ariel works alongside our talented team, learning the craft of creating exceptional dishes under the guidance of Head Chef Dane Tobias and Sous Chef Ryan Smith.

Her dedication to mastering the art of cooking and her attention to detail ensures she plays a key role in helping to deliver the high standards of quality and flavour our guests expect.

Owen brings a wealth of experience in project and contract management from the construction industry. With a keen eye for detail and a strong background in managing complex projects, Owen ensures that every aspect of the Estate’s growth and development is executed with precision and efficiency.

In addition to overseeing the development of the Estate, Owen plays a pivotal role in organising and managing our renowned festivals. His strategic planning and organisational skills ensure that each event runs smoothly, offering an exceptional experience for our guests.

Owen’s leadership, combined with his extensive experience, makes him a key figure in Crooked River Estate’s ongoing success and growth, ensuring both our physical space and events continue to exceed expectations.

Ashleigh is the friendly and knowledgeable Cellar Door Supervisor at Crooked River Estate, offering guests a warm welcome and expert guidance on their wine-tasting journey. With a deep passion and enthusiasm for wine, Ashleigh ensures that every visitor has an unforgettable experience, whether they’re learning about the winemaking process or sampling our exceptional wines.

Her extensive knowledge of Crooked River’s wine offerings, paired with her friendly, approachable nature, makes her an invaluable part of our team. Ashleigh is dedicated to sharing the story behind each wine, guiding guests through the unique characteristics of our varietals while creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

With her commitment to excellent customer service and a genuine passion for wine, Ashleigh helps make every visit to Crooked River Estate’s Cellar Door a memorable one.