Our Winemakers

James Ceccato

James Ceccato, Winemaking Director at Berton Vineyards, has been a cornerstone of the winery since its inception in 2005. Partnering with industry visionaries Bob and Cherie Berton, Jamie Bennett, and Paul Bartholomaeus, James helped bring the first grapes across the weighbridge in January of 2006. With a lean team and unwavering determination, they crushed and processed 13,000 tonnes that year—a feat that set the tone for the vineyard's future. James’ relentless pursuit of excellence takes him across NSW, VIC, and SA, meticulously selecting the finest fruit and shaping the distinct styles that have become synonymous with Berton Vineyards. His deep understanding of viticulture and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in the winery’s growth and continued success.

Matt santos

Matt Santos' journey into the world of winemaking began at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, where he earned his degree in Winemaking and Viticulture. His passion for the craft was honed through hands-on experience at various wineries in the Riverina region. In 2013, Matt joined Berton Vineyards, initially diving into the Cellar and Laboratory during the intense vintage season. His dedication and talent quickly propelled him into a Senior Red Winemaking role, where he has since crafted award-winning wines, including the celebrated Bonsai Shiraz. Matt's innovative approach and keen eye for detail have made him a driving force behind the winery’s success.

Daren Owers

Daren Owers' journey to becoming a Senior Winemaker is a tale of passion and evolution. He started in the beverage industry as a Laboratory Technician, meticulously overseeing frozen fruit juices destined for Japan. However, the allure of winemaking captured his imagination, leading him to study Wine Science while working as an Assistant Winemaker. His thirst for knowledge took him to the vineyards of Sonoma and Napa, where he was mentored by some of the industry's finest. Daren’s vast experience spans Australia’s most iconic wine regions, from Barossa to the Riverina. His accolades, including being named the Wine Society’s Young Winemaker of the Year, being awarded Dux of the class as an AWAC graduate and winning over 200 gold medals, are a testament to his exceptional skill. Daren’s passion for alternative varietals like Fiano, Vermentino, and Lagrein adds a dynamic edge to the Berton Vineyards portfolio, making every bottle a unique experience.

Kia Millis

Kia Millis discovered her passion for the wine industry at the age of 17, starting in a local laboratory. Her journey led her to earn a Diploma in Laboratory Technology, and soon after, she relocated to Blenheim on New Zealand’s South Island to manage a laboratory during the bustling vintage season. Upon returning home, Kia pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine) while gaining diverse experience in laboratory and cellar hand positions across the globe. In 2018, her quest for knowledge took her to the UK to master the art of distilling, but the allure of winemaking brought her back to the Riverina. Now, as Senior White Winemaker at Berton Vineyards, Kia’s passion and expertise are reflected in every bottle, making her a pivotal force in the winery’s ongoing story.

James Ceccato

James Ceccato, Winemaking Director at Berton Vineyards, has been a cornerstone of the winery since its inception in 2005. Partnering with industry visionaries Bob and Cherie Berton, Jamie Bennett, and Paul Bartholomaeus, James helped bring the first grapes across the weighbridge in January of 2006. With a lean team and unwavering determination, they crushed and processed 13,000 tonnes that year—a feat that set the tone for the vineyard's future. James’ relentless pursuit of excellence takes him across NSW, VIC, and SA, meticulously selecting the finest fruit and shaping the distinct styles that have become synonymous with Berton Vineyards. His deep understanding of viticulture and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in the winery’s growth and continued success.

Matt santos

Matt Santos' journey into the world of winemaking began at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, where he earned his degree in Winemaking and Viticulture. His passion for the craft was honed through hands-on experience at various wineries in the Riverina region. In 2013, Matt joined Berton Vineyards, initially diving into the Cellar and Laboratory during the intense vintage season. His dedication and talent quickly propelled him into a Senior Red Winemaking role, where he has since crafted award-winning wines, including the celebrated Bonsai Shiraz. Matt's innovative approach and keen eye for detail have made him a driving force behind the winery’s success.

Daren Owers

Daren Owers' journey to becoming a Senior Winemaker is a tale of passion and evolution. He started in the beverage industry as a Laboratory Technician, meticulously overseeing frozen fruit juices destined for Japan. However, the allure of winemaking captured his imagination, leading him to study Wine Science while working as an Assistant Winemaker. His thirst for knowledge took him to the vineyards of Sonoma and Napa, where he was mentored by some of the industry's finest. Daren’s vast experience spans Australia’s most iconic wine regions, from Barossa to the Riverina. His accolades, including being named the Wine Society’s Young Winemaker of the Year, being awarded Dux of the class as an AWAC graduate and winning over 200 gold medals, are a testament to his exceptional skill. Daren’s passion for alternative varietals like Fiano, Vermentino, and Lagrein adds a dynamic edge to the Berton Vineyards portfolio, making every bottle a unique experience.

Kia Millis

Kia Millis discovered her passion for the wine industry at the age of 17, starting in a local laboratory. Her journey led her to earn a Diploma in Laboratory Technology, and soon after, she relocated to Blenheim on New Zealand’s South Island to manage a laboratory during the bustling vintage season. Upon returning home, Kia pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine) while gaining diverse experience in laboratory and cellar hand positions across the globe. In 2018, her quest for knowledge took her to the UK to master the art of distilling, but the allure of winemaking brought her back to the Riverina. Now, as Senior White Winemaker at Berton Vineyards, Kia’s passion and expertise are reflected in every bottle, making her a pivotal force in the winery’s ongoing story.

James Ceccato

James Ceccato, Winemaking Director at Berton Vineyards, has been a cornerstone of the winery since its inception in 2005. Partnering with industry visionaries Bob and Cherie Berton, Jamie Bennett, and Paul Bartholomaeus, James helped bring the first grapes across the weighbridge in January of 2006. With a lean team and unwavering determination, they crushed and processed 13,000 tonnes that year—a feat that set the tone for the vineyard's future. James’ relentless pursuit of excellence takes him across NSW, VIC, and SA, meticulously selecting the finest fruit and shaping the distinct styles that have become synonymous with Berton Vineyards. His deep understanding of viticulture and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in the winery’s growth and continued success.

Matt santos

Matt Santos' journey into the world of winemaking began at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, where he earned his degree in Winemaking and Viticulture. His passion for the craft was honed through hands-on experience at various wineries in the Riverina region. In 2013, Matt joined Berton Vineyards, initially diving into the Cellar and Laboratory during the intense vintage season. His dedication and talent quickly propelled him into a Senior Red Winemaking role, where he has since crafted award-winning wines, including the celebrated Bonsai Shiraz. Matt's innovative approach and keen eye for detail have made him a driving force behind the winery’s success.

Daren Owers

Daren Owers' journey to becoming a Senior Winemaker is a tale of passion and evolution. He started in the beverage industry as a Laboratory Technician, meticulously overseeing frozen fruit juices destined for Japan. However, the allure of winemaking captured his imagination, leading him to study Wine Science while working as an Assistant Winemaker. His thirst for knowledge took him to the vineyards of Sonoma and Napa, where he was mentored by some of the industry's finest. Daren’s vast experience spans Australia’s most iconic wine regions, from Barossa to the Riverina. His accolades, including being named the Wine Society’s Young Winemaker of the Year, being awarded Dux of the class as an AWAC graduate and winning over 200 gold medals, are a testament to his exceptional skill. Daren’s passion for alternative varietals like Fiano, Vermentino, and Lagrein adds a dynamic edge to the Berton Vineyards portfolio, making every bottle a unique experience.

Kia Millis

Kia Millis discovered her passion for the wine industry at the age of 17, starting in a local laboratory. Her journey led her to earn a Diploma in Laboratory Technology, and soon after, she relocated to Blenheim on New Zealand’s South Island to manage a laboratory during the bustling vintage season. Upon returning home, Kia pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine) while gaining diverse experience in laboratory and cellar hand positions across the globe. In 2018, her quest for knowledge took her to the UK to master the art of distilling, but the allure of winemaking brought her back to the Riverina. Now, as Senior White Winemaker at Berton Vineyards, Kia’s passion and expertise are reflected in every bottle, making her a pivotal force in the winery’s ongoing story.