About
It Started With a Crowd
Tasmanian-born James Broinowski completed his bachelor of viticulture and oenology at the University of Adelaide in ’13. He was faced with the same problem as many other graduates wanting to strike out on their own: cash. While others in his predicament may have found the same solution, his was the first wine venture to successfully seek crowdfunding. The first year, he bought enough pinot noir from Glengarry in Tasmania’s north to make 2100 bottles of pinot noir (which won a gold medal at the Royal International Hobart Wine Show ’16) and 200 bottles of rosé. The following year he was able to buy pinot from the highly rated Gala Estate on the East Coast, as well as a repeat order from Glengarry. In ’19, James added Saltwater River vineyard on the Tasmania Peninsula to his roster of premium single sites. The quality of the wines is seriously good, too.-JAMES HALLIDAY
Mark Dietz
Mark Dietz is a respected wine connoisseur, hospitality professional, and tastings host based in Sydney, Australia. Known locally for his deep knowledge of Australian and international wine, Mark has developed a reputation as one of Sydney’s go-to personalities for curated wine experiences.
In 2017 James and Mark were introduced through a mutual friend and a relationship formed strong and fast. Now business partners growing small island to new levels and further reaches. Dealing with international relations and domestic sales.
Drawing on a lifelong passion for viticulture and fine wines, Mark combines hands-on
expertise with a warm, engaging presentation style — whether hosting cellar-door tastings, leading guided wine dinners, wine trainings, in the vineyards, during vintage or sharing insights into the stories behind some of Australia’s most iconic vineyards, now focusing on Small Islands projections.
He is widely recognised in Sydney’s wine and hospitality community for his commitment to elevating the wine-tasting experience. Mark has brought this together with James to present wine in the glass that works for all, a moreish style from amazing vineyards and produced with care and dedication.