Dr Phil Spillman is Deakin Estate's chief winemaker.

Joining the Wingara Wine Group from Villa Maria in New Zealand and prior to that, BRL Hardy and Chittering Estate, Phil brings with him significant experience, including a stint at the Australian Wine Research Institute where his already considerable theoretical knowledge was valuably enhanced.

Phil is originally from Perth, also a warm and dry climate, so he is right at home at Red Cliffs in North West Victoria. Deakin is a large estate that grows all its own fruit, giving Phil both a challenge and complete control over the production from budbreak through to bottling. His personal objective is to further develop the wine styles at Deakin Estate, particularly with an eye to their appeal in the ever-challenging international market.

"You'd be hard pressed to find better wines at their price anywhere in Australia and arguably the world."

- Paddy Kendler Wine writer, Australia