patrick sullivan

Winemaker Patrick Sullivan is a true Australian treasure, with a strong sense of purity that translates into an infectious passion for agriculture and viticulture. Named in the 2022 Top 52 Wineries by Huon Hooke, Patrick was deemed a “winemaker to watch”.

Born and raised in rural Victoria, Patrick has established himself as one of Australia’s most sought-after and respected producers.

Patrick’s path to winemaking began at the age of 12 when he spent time planting vines during the school break. This initial spark developed into a fascination and focus on the science and intrigue of growing produce.

At the end of high school, Patrick toyed with the idea of pursuing a career as a paediatrician, before spending two years working and travelling in Europe, finally returning to Australia to study botany and complete a post-graduate in actuarial science.

Patrick went on to gain invaluable experience working alongside respected winemakers, William Downie, Anna Martens and Eric Narioo of Vina Di Anna, and was appointed international wine buyer for Les Caves de Pyrene. 

In 2010, Patrick launched his own brand Patrick Sullivan Wines, using grapes grown on leased farmland, before purchasing his own farm and winery in 2015 with his wife, located in the Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland. The brand embodies Patrick’s passion for and commitment to his natural surroundings, with each of his small-batch, boutique wines inspired by an emotion, a moment in time and a sense of place.

Patrick’s approach to the land and its produce is entirely sensory - the bottles at the end of the winemaking process are filled with a pure expression of the fruit that goes into it, with no intervention other than time. He is entirely immersed in the process and a true purveyor of producing acclaimed, intriguing and honest wines. 

Over the years, Patrick has been inspired by others who are not necessarily in the same industry, but set a benchmark within their own discipline and are in constant pursuit for sustainability and best practice. He passionately believes that when you speak with, and surround yourself by such individuals you can learn from what they do, and mirror it across to your own specialty, promoting originality and growth. 

146 Petersons Road
Ellinbank, VIC