Mount Mary is owned and operated by the Middleton family. David Middleton, who is the son of the late founders John and Marli Middleton, his wife Victoria and their three children Claire, Sam and Hugh are all involved with Mount Mary in varying capacities.

David Middleton

CEO

Photo of David Middleton

David worked with his father to establish Mount Mary and has been involved since day one. For many seasons, David tended to the vines which they had planted together in the early seventies. David has previously held the roles of Vineyard Manager and Business Manager for Mount Mary. In addition to wine production, David’s background includes work as a zoologist, research biologist, educator and veterinary surgeon. No longer involved in clinical practice, David remains actively involved in the veterinary field through his role as President Elect for the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), Victorian Division, as well as a Director of the Cybec Foundation, a charitable trust. David’s other interests centre on community work in population health, social justice and philanthropic support for those in need. His passion for habitat protection and species conservation is reflected in his vision for Mount Mary. David is passionate about sustainability, corporate responsibility, client relationships, continuous improvement and the production of elegant wines that age well.

Sam Middleton

Senior Winemaker

Photo of Sam Middleton

Sam is a third-generation winemaker from the Middleton family and has held the role of Head Winemaker since 2011. He holds a degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne as well as a degree in Wine Science from Charles Sturt University. His background includes employment at several significant producers including Coldstream Hills and Dominique Portet. Sam has gained experience in France working vintage in Burgundy and travelling extensively through other wine regions. Bordeaux, in particular, is of special interest to him as a result of its role in Mount Mary’s history. Growing up in the Yarra Valley alongside his father and grandfather, grapes and wine have always been a part of life. He has always demonstrated a passion for primary production and has a deep respect for this region and its unique ability to produce world-class wines.

Claire Podsiadly (nee Middleton)

Business Manager

Photo of Claire Podsiadly (nee Middleton)

Claire joined the Mount Mary team as Business Manager in 2012. Claire has a Bachelor of Commerce and studied Engineering at the University of Melbourne before spending ten years in a number of business strategy and organisational development roles with major corporates (primarily in banking and mining). Having grown up at Mount Mary, Claire has been exposed to the wine industry from a young age and is passionate about building on Mount Mary’s history and legacy. She has brought with her experience in strategy development and execution which is an integral part of ensuring Mount Mary is set-up for sustainable success and longevity for generations to come.