Nigel  Kinsman

Winemaker, J.H. Wheeler

In 2010, The Araujo Family were excited to welcome Nigel Kinsman as winemaker for Araujo Estate, due not only to his proven track record of producing highly regarded wines across several different countries, but also his experience in biodynamic and organic farming practices. Having now been with the family for over a decade, Nigel oversees winemaking for both the newly christened J.H. Wheeler wines, as well as the family’s Cabernet Sauvignon production for their coveted Accendo Cellars.

Originally hailing from Australia, Nigel received his Oenology degree from the University of Adelaide in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. He began producing wines in Margaret River region at Australian Wine Holdings Ltd. Opportunities to work with Cullen Wines, as well as Nepenthe Wines and Mount Langi Ghiran, afforded him the experience of working with certified Biodynamic® and organic vineyard sites. Not long after, he accepted an invitation to move to Italy to work with consulting winemaker Michel Rolland at Tolaini SRL, Castelnuova Berardenga. Nigel’s career inevitably led him to the Napa Valley where, as winemaker for Krupp Brothers, he oversaw production for several additional projects such as Verasion and Black Bart. A destined partnership was formed when he joined Araujo Estate, and neither he nor the Araujo family have ever looked back.

Filled with a limitless excitement and passion for his craft and his family, Nigel continues to receive accolades for both his character and wines. His latest venture, with his wife and partner Shae, is Kinsman Eades wines.

Country born: Australia

Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years