Through the Grapevine with Mia McIntyre
What's it like to be a young professional in the vibrant world of Australian wine? Our ‘Through the Grapevine’ interview series explores the diverse career paths, inspiring stories, and innovative ideas of the individuals shaping the industry's future. Together, we're growing the future of wine.
Meet Mia McIntyre, Area Business Manager for Joval Wines who left sunny Brisbane to chase her dreams in Tasmania.
Q: Your career path has taken you from restaurants to wholesale wine sales. Can you walk us through that journey? What key experiences or turning points led you to where you are today?
A: My journey has taken me from Townsville, Nth Qld to Hobart in Tas, where I worked across events, fine dining, fine wine retail, and distribution. Participating in the Appetite for Excellence program was a huge motivation for me to learn more and to move to Brisbane from Townsville. The program had an incredible breadth of experience amongst it, mostly sommeliers. During my time in Brisbane, I worked with wonderful people across some iconic venues who have all inspired my passion for wine and hospitality.
Q: What aspects of working in restaurants did you find most valuable in your current role in wine sales? How did those experiences shape your understanding of the wine industry and customer needs?
“It can be tough sometimes to get out of your comfort zone, but striking up a conversation with someone you admire or someone you find interesting can go a long way and open doors in the future.“
A: In a broad overview, it’s not about you. It’s all about their experience or their business. It’s all about listening to your customers and understanding what they want. Whether ordering a wine for the table or a wine for their venue. You’re there to listen and show them the best wines for that experience or purpose.
Q: What prompted your move from Brisbane to Tasmania? How has this change of scenery impacted your work and your life?
A: In 2020 I headed down to Tasmania to assist with vintage with Sam Connew of Stargazer Wines. There was a special feeling about Tasmania, and I knew I wanted to come back. In 2021, I returned to work at Winter Feast, pouring wine with Sam, which made the decision real and 9 months later, I landed in Hobart! Living on the doorstep of a wine region certainly impacts your connection to the producers and the wine you sell.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in the wholesale side of the wine industry? What are some of the unique challenges and opportunities it presents?
A: Building strong relationships across your customers and your winery partners. Your day and week are always different, you could be presenting a new release, helping write a wine list or out in a vineyard. That can sometimes be a challenge as you must keep yourself organised and thorough in your communication.
Q: What advice would you give young people interested in pursuing a wine sales or distribution career? What skills and qualities are essential for success in this field?
A: Taste and talk! Participate in as many tasting opportunities as you can, ask questions, and build relationships with wine makers or ambassadors when they do events. You can learn so much; these relationships will last through your career. Build your education by doing WSET and joining a tasting group. Although selling wine is pretty fun, it's still sales. You have to be prepared that it isn’t always wins and that you often put long-term effort in to see the success.
Q: How important is networking in the wine industry, and how do you build and maintain relationships with clients and colleagues?
A: Networking is a crucial part of the wine industry. Attend events, tastings, or keep in touch with others in the industry. It can be tough sometimes to get out of your comfort zone, but striking up a conversation with someone you admire or someone you find interesting can go a long way and open doors in the future.
Q: What are some of your favourite things about living in Tasmania? How does the Tasmanian wine scene compare to Brisbane's?
The Palisander Vineyard in Coal River Valley.
Photo courtesy of Stargazer Wines
A: It's pretty special to be on a mountain, beach or vineyard within 20 minutes of one another. I love cooking, so seeking great produce brings a lot of enjoyment for me. Brisbane has certainly exploded over the past few years, I wouldn’t even know where to start anymore, but I miss all of my favourite spots and I miss the wider range of wines which you could find on any list or bottle shop. On the other hand, I love the close sense of community across venues here in Tasmania and always being able to drink some of the state's best wines.
Q: Tasmania is known for its unique terroir and cool-climate wines. What are some of your favourite Tasmanian wines, and what do you appreciate about their style?
A: We’re certainly spoilt for choice here in Tasmania, purity and length are what keeps me pouring Tassie wines in my glass. Henskens Rankin sparklings are pretty special; they are a very small batch. It’s always a special experience sharing their wines. Stargazer Palisander Pinot Noir is an elegant snapshot of the Coal River Valley. Sonnen Chardonnay is my go-to Chardonnay at the moment. All these wines are about the fruit, showing the best parts of Tasmania.
