Andre Bondar

Winemaker

Nepenthe Winemaker Andre Bondar had a scientific start to the wine industry, studying a science based, bachelor degree of Biotechnology that led him to research on grapevines. The research undertaken during his degree led him more and more into the world of wine, enticing him to make it his career.

During the period between 2001 and 2004, Andre travelled between the Southern and Northern hemisphere’s gathering experience in various wineries. He started with a vintage at Argyle in Oregon in 2001 followed by Geyser Peak in the Sonoma Valley in 2002, Stonehaven in Padthaway, South Australia in early 2003, Pacific Wine Partners in California in late 2003, then to Hardy’s Tintara winery in McLaren Vale in 2004.

After completing these vintages in the USA and Australia, Andre started a post-graduate degree in winemaking at the University of Adelaide. On completion of his degree, he started working at Nepenthe as a cellar hand in 2005. Andre travelled to the Northern Rhone in France in August 2006 for a vintage at Allain Graillot, on his return to South Australia he was appointed assistant winemaker at Nepenthe. After two years as the assistant winemaker Andre was promoted to winemaker for Nepenthe in December 2008.