Our People

Tapanappa combines “old vines, new terroirs, experienced winemaking and energetic skilled young management.”

Brian founded Petaluma with his wife Ann in 1976, and in 1978 they pioneered the development of the modern Adelaide Hills viticultural region. At Petaluma, Brian developed his “distinguished site” philosophy, discovering unique sites in the Piccadilly Valley and Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills, and in the Clare Valley and Coonawarra. Brian remains committed to the development of new cool climate “distinguished sites” for specific varieties, his latest pioneering planting being the Pinot Noir at Foggy Hill Vineyard, Parawa on the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula.

Brian is supported in the Tapanappa enterprise by his son-in-law Xavier Bizot and daughter Lucy Croser. Xavier has an impeccable fine wine background as a member of one of the families of Bollinger. He completed graduate studies in both Oenology and Viticulture at the University of Adelaide after spending 6 years as a corporate lawyer in France. Xavier is General Manager of Tapanappa.

Lucy Croser assists both Brian and Xavier in the day-to-day running of Tapanappa. Lucy completed an Honours degree in Biotechnology from the Flinders University before under- taking a Masters in Management from ESCP Europe in Paris. Lucy is Tapanappa’s Business Manager while also managing three young children.

Brian happily remains as Tapanappa’s Viticulturist and Winemaker.