meet the winemaker.

Callie Jemmeson

Pacha Mama and Cloak & Dagger Wines

Callie started in the wine game at a very young age, it was in her family’s blood. Holidays were a time to discover new wine regions locally and around the world, visiting family, friends and colleagues in the wine industry. Road trips were a time to brainstorm new ideas for wine brands and let imaginations run free with endless possibilities. It was this early introduction to wine that sparked Callie’s love of wine along with a lifetime of osmotic industry knowledge that would eventually lead to her career in wine.

After completing a degree in psychology and criminology at Melbourne University, Callie studied at William Angliss to be a chef. Flavours, textures, creativity and a healthy dose of science all came together in a love and passion that still drives her every day. What was missing was the joy that comes with sharing a great dish with friends and loved ones when you’re cooking in a kitchen. Callie realised that being a chef was not right path and wine was her true passion. Food, music, culture, travel, science, storytelling, and the endless creativity through making wine was her true path in life.

Callie studied wine science at Charles Sturt University, whilst working in the lab at De Bortoli in the Yarra Valley. Callie’s passion for wine continued to grow with vintages in the Rhone Valley, Provence, Emilia Romagna and California, working alongside inspiring winemakers all telling their own unique stories through their wines.  

Callie now owns and is winemaker for the Pacha Mama and Cloak & Dagger brands. Callie took over the reigns from her father several years ago and now guides a great team through the trials and successes of running a wine business. Core values are the foundation of Wine Unplugged;  providing an inclusive workplace that nurtures and supports its employees and Callie is most proud to say that this ethos has been able to keep women (and mums) working in the wine industry by offering flexible hours and working conditions. 

Callie has been awarded with a number of achievements. Finalist for the Australian Women in wine awards for Owner operator of the year and awarded Owner / Operator of the Year finalist in the Australian women in wine awards and gaining a prestigious 5-star Halliday rated winery. Her quest for knowledge is endless, training and successfully completing the Australian wine assessment course that led to holding a prestigious place as an associate judge at Victorian wine show and Yarra Valley wine show. Never one to rest on her laurels, Callie’s quest to create wines made with love and passion is a life long journey.