Aussie Vineyards was established by Craig Gore in 2005, with the vision of proudly promoting Australian wine at an international scale. The Au brand was developed to market Australian wine to North America and other international markets. This beautiful North Tamborine property situated in the picturesque Gold Coast hinterland was acquired in January of 2007. It is home to 12 Apostles cellar door and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Craig has been substantially involved in many different industry sectors, such as financial services and risk insurance, superannuation, managed funds, bonds, property and general financial services advice. He also manages a land and home development and packaging, construction, property management, winemaking and exports, agribusiness, cattle breeding, aviation and motor racing with his WPS Racing and Team Australia (Indy Racing League, Champ Car, V8 Supercars and Nascar). Craig was the co founder of the financial group Wright Patton Shakespeare, winemaking group Aussie Vineyards and development and marina group International Marina Development & Management. You could say he is one busy guy.
Shane Stone is the Executive Chairman and majority shareholder of the Au wines. He has at various times acted as a non-executive independent director to various public and private companies. In his public life Shane formerly served as Chief Minister of the Northern Territory and Federal President of the Liberal Party of Australia. He was a barrister prior to his entry into politics. He is a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators, Australian Institute of Management and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2006. He has also been conferred national awards from Indonesia and Malaysia.
Craig has an outstanding management record with substantial property developments ranging from residential to larger master planned integrated communities, a number of which are to be found in South East Queensland. The Hope Island Canal Development near one of Queensland's signature developments, Sanctuary Cove, is a testament to Craig's innovation and commercial ability. Other signature developments include the Aurora development on Hope Island. Craig is a member of both the Australian Institute of Management and Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services. You wouldn't think that all this diverse background would lend itself to making great wine, but 12 Apostles is a testament to that dichotomy.
June 2010 Classic Series Newsletter (.pdf)
