Meet the winemakers

Simon Steele, Brokenwood

Simon Steele loves to surf in his spare time, which is why he is based in Newcastle, travelling daily to the iconic Brokenwood vineyards in the Hunter Valley, where he works under the legendary Iain Riggs. With Brokenwood's reputation well established, it is a great opportunity for this former South Australian to look outside the square, to different grape varieties and wine-making styles. His first vintage was in France in 1996 – so that's a lot of harvests for someone who is only in his early 30s.

Simon Steele will feature at the Tour of the Regions dinner at Buon Ricordo on March 19.

Debbie Lauritz, Cumulus Estate Wines

Jokingly referred to as the "cool-climate junkie", Debbie Lauritz's career as a winemaker has always been in chillier climes. Is it because she hails from Brisbane? After stints in France, New Zealand and Canada, she was lured to Orange to work under the famed Philip Shaw. Since taking the reins at Cumulus in 2007, she has done great things with chardonnay and shiraz, including winning several major awards in 2012. But she has also been working hard on merlot, with a Cumulus version launching later this year.

Debbie Lauritz will feature at the Tour of the Regions dinner at Sepia on March 12.

Adrian Lockhart, Hungerford Hill

When he is not plunged up to his elbows in grapes (Hunter harvest is in full swing), Adrian Lockhart is in training for his next triathlon challenge. This 40-year-old fitness fanatic also has a passion for Hunter semillons, part of the reason he has returned to his winemaking alma mater after travelling Australia and the world. A former Young Winemaker of the Year, he is now working hard on establishing a house style for the NSW Wine of the Year-winning winery – all about elegance, finesse and moderate alcohol.

Adrian Lockhart will feature at the Tour of the Regions dinner at Buon Ricordo on March 19.