Grape Expectations Vintners

FRANK TATE

PRINCIPAL

Franklin Tate has been in wine almost all his life. His Great Uncle was a wine importer, distributor and retailer. His father was a retailer who then started a winery in 1971 that became an Australian icon. Franklin commenced his wine career in 1987. He has worked in every aspect of the industry and has a strong interest in the marketing and sales disciplines in a wine company. Franklin and his wife Heather are the owners of Grape Expectations. He is the principal of the business and is intimately involved with all aspects.

GERARD HORGAN

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Four Score and 40,000 years ago ...Gerard was first introduced to the wine industry in 1974 when, as a 9yr old, he helped both his father and uncle plant the first vines in the nursery at Leeuwin Estate. Following in their footsteps he studied accounting and spent 12 years in the field. In search of a decent home brew he joined Salitage Wines in 1996 as the WA Sales Manager and Financial Controller – always enjoying a drink – as his physical stature will attest too – Gerard lives by the credo that “Life is too short to drink bad wine.”

JENNIFER SCHNEIDER

MARKETING + PORTFOLIO COORDINATOR

Jen got her first job in the wine industry a little over 6 years ago. As Portfolio Coordinator for GEV, her background in Graphic Design and Marketing has been fully utilized. Liaising with producers and the sales team, she ensures we have the information and tools to put our best foot forward for the wineries we represent in the field. “How can you not love this industry? So many exotic locations and amazing wines out there… We’ve put together a very impressive collection of wine, each representing their own unique terroir and heritage.”

SKYE HENDERSON

ADMINISTRATION MANAGER (IMPORTS + COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS)

Skye started with Grape Expectations Vintners in November '08 with no direct experience in the wine industry – only a keen thirst for knowledge (and a good drop!). This has seen her progress to handling our Imports and Commercial Accounts, including International purchasing and shipping, supplier accounts and our general day to day accounting tasks. It’s pretty clear that she now loves all aspects of the industry and has especially enjoyed the wine appreciation facet!

CHRIS JOHNSON

STATE SALES MANAGER

With a mother heavily involved in the food industry and a father very passionate about wine, it is not surprising that Chris is so enthusiastic about the trade. Originally using his bottleshop job for a little bit of extra money during University, Chris was then offered a position at Liquor Barons Swanbourne where, under the tutelage of Steve Perry, he found that he enjoyed both selling and tasting wine. Having worked in such a strong wine environment, as well as at Lamont’s Wine Store with John Jens, Chris hopes to remain the industry for a long time to come.

ANITA HERZBERGER

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE & PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR

Anita's love for a great drop lead her to the wine industry back in 1994, when she first worked with Franklin. Anita's undeniable gift of the gab then saw her manage a busy cellar door for nine years. Her background in wines sales, public relations and management of casual staff has held her in good stead for her new roles.

GARRY JONES

SALES MANAGER - RETAIL

Garry has worked in the wine business for nearly 20 years. Recently, he took a break to explore opportunities in real estate, but the siren-song of the wine industry proved too hard to resist and he returned to join Grape Expectations in 2010. Needless to say, he loves this industry which he sees as full of great people, great experiences and great wine.

BRAD McDOUGAL

WAREHOUSE

Brad has been with Grape for nearly 2 years and heads up the warehouse operations. An integral member of the team - we couldn't deliver the goods without him!

VANESSA NEWBY

ORDERS + RECEPTION

Vanessa joined the Grape Expectations team in June 2011. Although new to the wine industry, she is a valued member of the team and enjoys the challenges associated with her role.

NIK HARRIS

PRODUCTION & EXPORT ADMINISTRATOR

A recent recruit, Nik is new to the wine industry, but comes from a strong background of shipping and export.