Nick Walker & David O'Leary

Bachelor of Oenology, Class of 1982 & Associate Diploma in Wine Production and Marketing, Class of 1980

After graduating from Roseworthy over thirty years ago, Nick and David set out to gain experience in the wine industry. They relished the experience of working at several top-shelf wineries across South Australia, including Petaluma Wines, Chateau Reynella and Thomas Hardy and Sons. They then went on to learn the art of winemaking at well-known Annie's Lane, located in the heart of the Clare Valley.

In 2000, David and Nick decided to take control of their own destiny and craft small batches of wine from some of the best vineyard sites in South Australia. With a great leap of faith they are now doing exactly what they set out to. O'Leary Walker Winery and Cellar Door is based at Leasingham in the Clare Valley. The wines are regionally distinct with fruit sourced from other premium grape growing districts in South Australia including the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra and McLaren Vale.

Their favourite memory at Roseworthy was the first day of moving into '6B dormitory' and meeting fellow excited wine people Martín Shaw, Neil Pike, Tim Gramp and Peter Barry. They all became instant friends and had great fun together learning a lot about wine and life.