ABOUT US
Meet The Team
Our People
At Chapel Hill we are proud to have a committed and enthusiastic team. Our people come from all walks of lives and experiences, but they all share a love for wine, food, travel and working purposefully together. Each of our team brings unique perspectives and skills. Some come from an applied academic background and others have learned their job working in the vineyards or the winery.
Our team shares a vison to produce the best wines possible from our vineyard sites and to work in sustainable ways that promote a healthy environment. Each of our people, from chief winemaker across to our casual workers in the vineyard, bring something authentic and expressive to the story of Chapel Hill. We believe that our wines reflect this vitality and generosity.
Michael Fragos —
Chief Winemaker & General Manager
After 22 vintages on the tools, Chief Winemaker, Michael Fragos knows every vine and every stone that makes up Chapel Hill. Unsurprisingly, Michael’s keen eye for detail has earned him a reputation for crafting wines of exceptional quality.
Michael is one of only three winemakers to have been crowned McLaren Vale’s Bushing Monarch three times; 1997, 1999 and with Chapel Hill in 2010.
His affable manner has remained unaffected by critical acclaim and success. Michael’s connection to his team and network of long-term growers a reflection of the importance of community in regions like McLaren Vale.
In his spare time, Michael loves to spin some vinyl. His love for music has amassed (at current count) 1594 records!
Rachel Steer —
Senior Viticulturist
Rachel’s career in viticulture has long been entwined with the history of Chapel Hill. She completed her BAgSc Honours Project at Chapel Hill while Pam Dunsford was winemaker. Rachel credits Pam as a big source of inspiration, enjoying what some considered to be Pam’s abrasive personality & cutting comments!
Rachel has played a fundamental role in shaping the sustainable future of McLaren Vale’s vineyards. She was a contributor to the McLaren Vale sustainability program SAW before its adaption to the national SWA program. She’s developed a love for revegetation with local indigenous species and has a nerdy fascination with scientific plant names which she thinks steams from long bushwalks in the nearby national park as a child.
A busy mum of two netball-playing girls, so much of Rachel’s spare time is spent coaching, team managing and enjoying a glass of two of local wine at the clubrooms.
Damian Robin —
Operations Manager
Damian Robin is the well-loved operations manager at Chapel Hill. With over 31 years of experience working in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, he knows all the inner workings and challenges of running an efficient, sustainable and demanding wine cellar. Damian started out at Chapel Hill working in our vineyards and then through every aspect of our operations. His practical knowledge, skills and problem solving are unsurpassed. Damian represents the very best of Australian resourcefulness and collaborative spirit.
Bruce Gordon —
Tasting Room Manager
Bruce Gordon joined us a a tasting room manager after many years working as a fine wine merchant and expert at Dan Murphy’s in Adelaide. After completing a degree in economics at Queen’s University Ontario in Canada, he travelled to all parts of the world working in restaurants, bars, bottle shops and cellar doors across Northern America, Europe, Asia and Australia before his interest in wine brought him to Adelaide where he established a wine bar for seven years.
More recently he has become a Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) educator where he teaches young professionals the art, science and enjoyment of wine. Bruce Gordon is a warm and engaging storyteller. Visitors to Chapel Hill can enjoy his exceptional knowledge and expertise while tasting through our sustainably grown wines.
Hope Bodnar —
Events Manager
Hope is the heart and driving force behind The Retreat at Chapel Hill. With over 20 years in hospitality, including restaurants and our own Cellar Door she has the experience to orchestrate unforgettable events, making it all seem as effortless as a duck gliding on water.
Adelaide born and bred, Hope brings her passion for hospitality and the Fleurieu to every gathering she creates. When she’s not busy creating magical moments for our guests, you can find her doting on her dogs spending time with her beloved horses or enjoying quality moments with her husband (although not necessarily in that order!)
