Our Team
TRAVIS BUSH
Senior Winemaker
Raised in the Yarra Valley, it’s easy to see why Travis has such a passion for the region.
Travis’s first interest in wine began in 1993 when he joined Rob Dolan (founding winemaker) and the team at Yarra Ridge (now the home site of Sticks Yarra Valley since 2005) to work in the laboratory at the winery.
In 1996, after working alongside a team of passionate winemakers for three years and with wine running through his veins, Travis chose to spread his wings further afield working as a Flying Winemaker in Europe, working with many winemaking greats.
With a background in Analytical Chemistry, Travis went on to study in Adelaide where he did his Post graduate degree in Oenology. It was after his degree that Travis joined Rob and the team at Dominion Wines in the Strathbogie Ranges as Winemaker. This partnership continued to flourish for many years, and in 2009 Travis took over as Senior Winemaker at Sticks.
Travis’s passion lies in the picturesque Yarra Valley, making premium cool climate wines. “The Yarra Valley is quite unique as it offers such a spectrum of winemaking opportunities. The broad range of fruit styles offered by the Upper Yarra, down to the Valley floor, means there is great scope for winemaking styles”
TOM BELFORD
Assistant Winemaker
Born and raised in Yarra Glen, Tom began his foray in to the wine industry at a very young age! His first exposure was when he was given a school assignment on “Local Industry”. Tom’s Dad trundled him out to Domain Chandon for a tour, where he was instantly fascinated with the terminology and what went on behind the scenes at a winery. Needless to say, Tom’s presentation in the classroom was a huge success!
Tom followed through with this interest and started working at Yarra Ridge at 16 years of age, during his school holidays. After leaving school, Tom gained full time employment at Yarra Ridge working in both the vineyard and Cellar to gain experience. Tom then worked in various contract roles, including managing a vineyard site at Flowerdale and working vintage at Dominion, before taking on the role of Vineyard Manager of Curly Flat at Macedon Ranges.
Soon after, Tom’s appetite for learning had not been satisfied, so he undertook further education at Charles Sturt University to become a Viticulturist. It was around this time, whilst working at De Bortoli, that Tom made the move over to the wine side, working as Cellar Hand then Cellar Master.
In 2006 Tom, still on a learning adventure, went overseas with his young family travelling and working his way through five regions in France in order to satisfy his yearning for more knowledge! Tom has many special memories of his time in France from both a personal and professional perspective. Although his Australian love is his wife Sally, Tom’s French love is for Beaujolais Crus. Tom’s fascination in France extended beyond winemaking itself as he was inspired by the passion of the French with their love of terroir, the individual craftsmanship and the dedication and personal expression behind each wine.
Tom joined Sticks Yarra Valley in October 2008 and is back at home where it all began......
Darren Edwards
Viticulturist
Born and raised in Yarra Glen, Darren’s first association with wine was immediately prior to completing Year 12 in 1992. Darren worked as a vineyard hand, at Yarra Ridge, before deciding that this was his calling. He then furthered his education by studying Viticulture at Dookie College – Melbourne University.
In 2000 Darren was given the opportunity to take on a management role at Brownbrooke Estate; a small vineyard in the Yarra Valley. This proved to be the perfect path for Darren, helping him pave the way for a promising future in the industry he had now grown to love.
In 2005. it didn’t take long for the rumour to get around the valley that Sticks was taking over the old Yarra Ridge site – Darren’s old stomping ground, before he approached Rob. Having spent the last few years as Vineyard Manager and Grower Liasion, Darren is back where it all began and enjoying watching the fruits of his labour come to life!
Darren also has another talent and passion with his sharp eye for Aussie Rules. Employed as the Board Man by the Carlton Football Club, Darren spends his spare time travelling the country through the AFL season as Brett Ratten’s right hand man. Sitting in the Coach’s box each weekend, Darren advises on where the players should be positioned on the field for each and every game. It’s any wonder Darren has a great eye for selecting premium fruit, as his life consists of sifting through quality goods both in and out of the vineyard!
Rebecca Farrow
Sales & Marketing Manager
Having had a close association with the Yarra Valley her entire life, via her horses, and a love for wine and the industry as a whole, it was a natural progression for Rebecca to work with a brand that has such strong Yarra Valley roots.
With an extensive background in Sales & Marketing for companies such as Diageo and Beringer Blass, Rebecca has broad experience working on market leading brands in competitive markets. Having previously worked as promotional manager, developing on-premise channel strategies and most recently, managing the wine division for GraysOnline, she has vast experience in both sales and marketing.
"Having such a strong connection with the Yarra Valley my whole life and with a passion for brands, working for Sticks is an obvious fit for me. I am fortunate enough to be able to combine my brand building background with my sales experience and my passion for the region, in order to continue to build and sustain Sticks as one of the leading Yarra Valley brands well into the future."
Elita Vezis
Cellar Door Manager
With over 15 years of Graphic Design experience, Elita has a keen eye for detail and presentation, which is evident from the moment you step into our Cellar Door. With a strong interest in wine, and with 2 levels of WSET accreditation under her belt, Elita could no longer fight the temptation to change career paths, and eventually she gave in to her burning passion to carve a career in the wine industry. A big move for many, a natural progression for Elita! “One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is the many interesting people I meet on a daily basis.
We have many local and overseas guests to our cellar door, so to be able to take them on a mini-journey of the Yarra Valley via a wine tasting is a rewarding experience”. Elita’s favourite wine is Riesling, however she is also now having a secret affair with Yarra Valley Chardonnay!
Elita and her team look forward to greeting you next time you visit Sticks Cellar Door
