What started as a part time job to earn a few dollars during his university days turned into a committed obsession. Michael worked in the family owned winery, Kooyong, spending time out in the vineyard, in the winery and on the road and the net result was a desire to make this his career. Following the sale of Kooyong Michael went into business with his parents to form Ocean Eight taking on the role of Winemaker and General Manager.To complete his education Michael undertook several study tours of France, concentrating on the hallowed vineyards and cellars of Burgundy. Whilst he makes Mornington Peninsula wines he has applied the most salient Burgundian techniques to take the wines to another level. In 2011 Michael won the highly coveted “Young Gun Of Wine” award.