Meet Our Winery Team

Chief Winemaker

No stranger to the world of winemaking, Alister grew up on his family’s vineyards on the Bellarine Peninsula, planting vines at the age of 10.

With a science degree from Melbourne University, Alister went on to study Oenology at the University of Adelaide and graduated in 2001.

Shortly after completing this second degree, Alister started working at Shadowfax as Assistant Winemaker, a position he held for three years before moving back home to run his family’s winery Kilgour Estate.

In 2008, Alister returned to Shadowfax to manage the winery’s vineyards and establish the Little Hampton property in the Macedon Ranges, whilst working as Assistant Winemaker. Less than 10 years later, in October 2017, Alister became Chief Winemaker.

Vineyard Manager

Hailing from New Zealand, Sam developed a deep connection to the land from an early age.

After starting his career in design, he discovered his true calling in viticulture. Since then, he’s immersed himself in the world of wine - from cellars in Burgundy to the vineyards of the Macedon Ranges. Driven by a belief that healthy soils are the foundation of expressive wines, Sam is committed to sustainable, regenerative farming, guided by a philosophy of low intervention and maximum observation.

With a passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, he strives to capture the character and personality of the Shadowfax’s cool and elevated sites through thoughtful, hands-on vineyard management.

General Manager

Originally from Aberdeen in Scotland, Phil has lived and travelled around most of Europe and South America finally moving to Australia in 2006.

After studying Business and Accountancy at the University of Westminster, Phil worked in Public Practice and the digital animation industry in the UK.

Following numerous trips to the great wineries surrounding Melbourne, Phil embarked on a career in the wine industry spending six years at Langton’s Auctions as the Finance Manager before taking the position of General Manager at Shadowfax in 2013.

A family man with two children, Phil loves all sports, especially Scottish football (the round ball).

Head Chef

Having worked in some of Melbourne’s leading restaurants and hotels including The Stokehouse, Becco, The Argo, Lindrum and Le Meridian for the past 14 years, Ben’s skills in the kitchen are highly tuned.

With great adaptability and dedication to creating high-quality dishes using the best available seasonal produce, Ben knows how to produce great produce and is thriving in his role as Head Chef of Shadowfax, a position he has held since early 2012.

Restaurant & Cellar Door Manager

Matthew’s hospitality career has spanned 15 years, working with the best restaurateurs, winemakers and managers in the hospitality industry.

With 10 years experience in front of house positions at The Rocks in Mornington, Montalto Vineyard and Ten Minutes By Tractor in Red Hill, Donovans and Richmond Hill Café & Larder, Matthew moved to Melbourne in 2011 and refined his craft at St Kilda’s landmark restaurant, Donovans, before moving on to Stephanie Alexander’s Richmond Hill Cafe and Larder.

Since 2013, Matthew has overseen Shadowfax's busy restaurant and cellar door and with his can-do attitude, outstanding service skills and attention-to-detail, he has established it as one of Melbourne’s must-experience food and wine destinations.