Proprietor

With a background in professional photography, Turkey Flat Proprietor Christie Schulz has a keen eye for detail, a quality that has served the iconic Barossan brand exceptionally well. Christie made the move from Adelaide to the Barossa in the late 1970s, taking her place in the fourth generation of the Schulz family to own and work the vineyard estate on Bethany Road, Tanunda.

As one of the managing partners since the inception of Turkey Flat Vineyards in 1990, Christie has combined her broad business management experience with her creative flair, shaping the winery's product development, packaging and marketing. Today, as sole Proprietor, she oversees the Turkey Flat brand in a hands-on role encompassing every aspect of the business, from vineyard to consumer. She remains closely involved in the day-to-day management of the winery and cellar door and represents Turkey Flat as one of its international ambassadors at trade events and promotional activities around the world.

When she isn't travelling or at the winery, Christie is most likely to be found in the garden. Visitors often comment on how fortunate she is to have such a "cushy job"—usually while she's covered in mud, wielding a shovel and wondering if her back agrees.

Gardening has always been in her blood. Her paternal grandmother was among the first women to graduate in Botany from the University of Adelaide and spent countless hours walking the Aldinga Scrub with Christie and her sibblings, identifying native plants and birds. Her Aunt Mary followed in those footsteps, lecturing in Botany at the University of Adelaide. Christie likes to think she inherited more than just their love of plants—although, with a spade in hand, rubber boots on her feet and wet-weather gear as her preferred fashion statement, she suspects she has embraced the family tradition rather enthusiastically.

Her appreciation for growing things started even earlier thanks to her father, who saw no reason why the family driveway couldn't double as a market garden. Much to Christie's teenage embarrassment, tomatoes, pumpkins and sweet corn were enthusiastically planted between the ornamental trees lining the drive. Looking back, she admits he may have been ahead of his time—and perhaps responsible for her belief that every spare patch of soil should be growing something useful.

Chief Winemaker

Being a sixth generation Barossan born into a winemaking family dating back to 1919, a career in the wine industry was inevitable for James. From spending time in the family winery as a child, through to completing his Oenology degree in 2009, wine has always been a huge part of his life.

James has dedicated nearly two decades of winemaking service to the Barossa Valley, mastering his craft working for renowned producers such as Kalleske, Hewitson and Schild Estate. Although he has travelled across the famed wine regions of Europe, it’s the history, comradery and quality wines of the Valley that will keep him forever passionate about this unique region.

For James, the experience of wine encapsulates more than just what’s in the glass. It has the ability to evoke and create memories, generate conversation and bring people closer together. James’ philosophy in winemaking resonates with the Turkey Flat history and custodianship. The wine is a product of the vineyards, the land and soil.

As Chief Winemaker, James produces wines that are artisan made and tell a story. - his two daughters know why he has “purple hands”. He is proud to lead a talented team in producing high quality Estate grown wines that reflect true varietal and vineyard expression.

General Manager

Steve has been the General Manager of Turkey Flat Vineyards since May 2021, bringing with him a lifetime of connection to the Barossa Valley, extensive wine industry experience, and a genuine passion for challenging convention and finding new ways to make wine exciting.

A seventh-generation Barossan, Steve’s connection to wine began at an early age. His grandfather was the founder of St Hallett Wines, and growing up opposite the winery meant that vineyards, winemaking and the rhythms of the wine industry were an everyday part of his childhood. That connection has continued into his own life, with Steve now owning a small property with, naturally, a vineyard of his own.

His journey to Turkey Flat has been anything but conventional. After working across a variety of wineries and vineyards, Steve explored several entrepreneurial ventures, including running record stores and cafés, as well as spending time behind the DJ decks. Eventually, a renewed sense of direction led him back to university, where he studied Wine Marketing.

As General Manager, Steve thrives on the variety of the role. No two days are the same, and the combination of commercial challenges, strategic thinking, people, wine and customers keeps him engaged. Working within a smaller, independent winery also provides something he particularly values — the opportunity to interact directly with customers and share the Turkey Flat story.

For Steve, that diversity is one of the great attractions of the wine industry. There are always new challenges, new ideas, new approaches and new opportunities to explore. He believes strongly in looking forward, challenging the status quo and finding ways to make the wine industry buzz again.

Outside of wine, Steve’s other great passion is basketball. When he isn't working, you will often find him somewhere around the Adelaide basketball scene, either watching a game or contributing his business experience to help build a stronger future for the sport and the next generation of players.

And when it comes to wine, Steve enjoys the opportunity the industry provides to discover what winemakers around Australia and the world are doing with different varieties and styles. While his work gives him plenty of exposure to great wines, his Friday favourite is perhaps surprisingly simple — a good glass of Riesling.

And who knows… perhaps one day you'll find it wearing a Turkey Flat label.

PR, Communications and Marketing

Born and raised in the Barossa and growing up on a vineyard, Larene has always had a strong connection to wine and the region she proudly calls home. With more than 20 years of industry experience across both corporate wineries and family-owned businesses, she's developed a genuine appreciation for the people, places and stories that make the Barossa so special.

Larene gets to spend her days doing what she loves — sharing stories about great wine, the Barossa and the people behind it all. Looking after all things PR and marketing, she enjoys creating content, bringing ideas and events to life, managing the Turkey Flat Wine Club and finding new ways to connect people with the brand.

She also plays a big part in shaping how the Turkey Flat brand is seen and felt, from the stories we tell to the look and feel of the Cellar Door. Working alongside a passionate team is one of her favourite parts of the job, with plenty of ideas, a few moving parts and usually a bit of fun along the way.

When she’s not at work, Larene loves getting away in their caravan with her husband and their Aussie Bulldog, Arlo, exploring new places and enjoying the simple pleasures of life on the road. She also loves cooking for family and friends, bringing people together around the table with great food, good conversation and a bottle of wine. While Rosé is always a favourite, a crisp, refreshing Riesling or a glass of sparkling is never far away.

Vineyard Manager

With many years of experience working in vineyards and across the wine industry, Brett brings a wealth of knowledge and a hands-on approach to his role as Vineyard Manager at Turkey Flat, where he has been part of the team for three years.

Before joining Turkey Flat, Brett worked as a Regional Manager for a wine industry vineyard contract management company. What he enjoys most about his role is the direct connection between what happens in the vineyard and how it contributes to the great wines we make.

For Brett, one of the best things about the wine industry is the people — the diverse backgrounds and characters who gravitate towards the industry. And, of course, sampling the wines made by those same people is a pretty good bonus.

When he’s not in the vineyard, Brett is usually preparing and racing his purpose-built off-road buggy, which takes him all over Australia chasing the next race and a bit of adventure. And when it comes to a drink outside of Turkey Flat, his go-to is his own, Richardson Vineyard Moppa Shiraz, made by the Eisenstone Wines team.

Assistant Winemaker

As Assistant Winemaker at Turkey Flat, Peggy has been part of the team since January 2022, after studying Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Adelaide.

She loves the variety that each vintage brings, comparing how nature expresses itself from year to year, experimenting with new winemaking techniques and helping shape each vintage while staying true to the Turkey Flat house style.

For Peggy, one of the best things about working in wine is being surrounded by cool people and great wines every day. When she’s not at the winery, she’s happiest with no plans and no alarms, simply seeing where the day takes her.

And her drink of choice when she’s not drinking Turkey Flat? Bubble tea, of course — the Taiwanese in her just can’t resist!

Production Coordinator

New to the Turkey Flat team, Nick has recently stepped into the role of Production Coordinator, bringing a solid mix of winemaking experience and a degree in Viticulture and Oenology from the University of Adelaide.

Before joining us, Nick worked across a number of South Australian wineries, including St Hallett, Greenock Creek and Penley Estate, as well as gaining vintage winemaking experience with Peter Lehmanns and Oxford Landing. He enjoys the variety that comes with production and the fact that no two days are ever quite the same.

For Nick, one of the best parts of working in wine is the people you meet along the way — and the opportunities to travel that come with the industry. When he’s not at the winery, you’ll most likely find Nick catching up with mates, with a Guinness in hand.