Some people find their calling early. For Jonathan Holgate, it took a few trips to the Hunter Valley to realise that engineering wasn't quite where his heart belonged.

Born and raised in Coffs Harbour, Jonathan originally moved to Newcastle to study electrical engineering. But a growing fascination with wine led him to change direction, gaining hands-on experience at boutique wineries while completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Wine Science.

More than 20 years later, that decision has taken him across some of the world's most celebrated wine regions, from Australia and New Zealand to Oregon in the United States, where he worked with world-class Pinot Noir.

Today, Jonathan is the head winemaker at Bendooley Estate in Berrima, bringing his experience and passion for cool-climate winemaking to the Southern Highlands.

Before joining Bendooley, Jonathan spent more than a decade at Tertini Wines, building an impressive reputation and collecting over 50 trophies along the way. His achievements include recognition for Riesling at the Sydney Royal Wine Show and Pinot Noir at the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge.

What makes the Southern Highlands special to Jonathan is its extended growing season, which allows grapes to develop character while retaining natural acidity — qualities that contribute to the elegance and ageing potential of the region's wines.

At Bendooley Estate, his winemaking reflects both a deep understanding of the region and a genuine appreciation for the journey from vineyard to glass.

For visitors exploring the Southern Highlands, a tasting at Bendooley Estate is an opportunity to discover the craftsmanship behind its wines and the people helping shape the region's growing reputation for cool-climate winemaking.