Huge career step for Credaro’s young wine wizard

Credaro Family Estate assistant winemaker Benjamin Totino was topping wine barrels when an unexpected call changed his day.

Selected from hundreds of applicants across Australia, the Margaret River local was told he had won a prestigious Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) NextGen Scholarship.

“I thought it was just my membership expiring, and they were offering me early bird prices,” he laughed.

“Instead, they told me I’d been chosen for the scholarship. I wasn’t expecting it at all!”

The application was a last-minute decision. With the ASVO scholarship deadline approaching, Ben took a chance.

“I saw I fit the requirements, and I thought, ‘Well, you’ve got to be in it to win it, so I might as well give it a go!'”

Ben is one of four recipients nationwide and the only person from WA to receive the $1000 scholarship, which aims to support early-career individuals.

“Junior winemakers don’t typically get much recognition outside their workplace,” he explained.

“This achievement shows there are people out there who care about assistant winemakers working hard in cellars, helping make the wines.

“We’re usually behind the scenes, so I feel shining this light on our work will help others in similar positions see their potential. It shows you can achieve your goals, whether that’s becoming a head winemaker or whatever you aspire to.”

The inspiration to apply came during allocation tastings after vintage.

“I’m very fortunate at Credaro because the winemakers, Matt and Paul, include me and the other assistant in all the tasting aspects,” Ben shared.

“Sometimes I felt less confident voicing opinions in the tasting room, which led me to start thinking about how I can better develop my palate, do it more formally, and create my own method of tasting wine and analysing it sensory-wise.”

This desire to strengthen his sensory skills led Ben to the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award course.

“I’m going to use the scholarship funds for the WSET course, as this will help me develop a process for properly assessing wine.

“While I’ve had plenty of cellar experience, the key to becoming a winemaker is the sensory side and having confidence in making calls on the wines.”

His path to winemaking wasn’t traditional.

“I come from a construction trade background. While working at BWS during a career change, I discovered their wine courses. I was fascinated by how wine encompasses the weather and soil, the terroir.

“The barrel-making process also intrigued me, especially the forests from which the wood originated.”

A conversation with his partner and a suggestion to study at university, led Ben to discover a correspondence course at the University of Southern Queensland.

He completed three years of study in Darwin, with trips to Queensland, eyeing an ultimate return to WA.

After a stint at Willow Bridge in Ferguson Valley, Ben landed at Credaro.

“We have a close team here. The head winemakers give us lots of responsibility, which is great for learning and gaining confidence.

“They’re also very supportive of a good work-life balance.”

His respect for the efforts and ethos of the family-led winery run deep.

“The owners work as hard, if not harder, than anyone. They’re out there putting up fences in 40-degree heat, and during vintage, you’ll see all the brothers in the vineyard harvesting or doing night shifts.

“It makes you want to work hard yourself. You realise they got to where they are through hard work, and that teaches you not to take things for granted.”

Ben believes that this hands-on culture, combined with abundant growth opportunities and world-class wines, is what makes Margaret River ideal for young winemakers.

“Wine aside, the region is the perfect place for growth because it has many wineries of just the right size.

“You can get involved in everything and be a part of it all – you’re not lost in a massive company doing the same thing every day. Plus, they’re big enough to have budgets for innovation. For a young winemaker, it’s fantastic!”

This connection to the region fuels Ben’s interest in its future sustainability. Having minored in environmental science during his degree, he sees opportunities to protect what makes Margaret River special.

“Throughout my degree, I grew very interested in winery sustainability and reducing our footprint.

“With climate change affecting vintages, such as our unprecedented early start in 2024, it’s essential to take sustainability seriously and not just meet minimum standards. It’s something I’d love to explore more at Credaro.”

Supporting growth and development across the industry remains important to Ben at all levels, including his peers. He encourages others to seek opportunities like the ASVO scholarship.

“If you have a community of young winemakers who talk regularly and support each other, you can share these opportunities.

“The scholarship isn’t just for winemakers – it’s open to anyone in any role within the wine industry.

“It’s been incredibly helpful for me, offering financial support for my training and personal development.

“It really makes you reflect on how you want to progress in your career.”

He particularly recommends Rootlings, a free society for industry members under 35.

“It’s exactly the kind of space where young people can get together, network, and bounce ideas off each other.

“When I received my scholarship, ASVO encouraged me to join, as they wanted to increase WA involvement. I’ve found it extremely beneficial and would encourage every young winemaker to join!”

For more information about the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO), visit: www.asvo.com.au

For those interested in joining Rootlings – The Wine Industry Youth Network, you can find more information at: www.rootlings.com.au