Dan Piwko-Graham
Winemaking Consultant

22 years of experience. 40+ vintages. Let the vineyard lead.

After two decades making wine from Barolo to Central Otago - from wild ferments to structured Bordeaux blends - I’ve learned this:

The best wines happen when you stop fighting your fruit and start listening to it.

I work with wineries who want to make honest, expressive wines that feel true to place. No dogma, no overcomplication - just thoughtful guidance, calm support, and the benefit of hard-earned experience when and where you need it most.

Whether you’re rethinking your style, refining your cellar processes, or navigating a tricky vintage, I offer collaborative support built on trust, intuition, and respect for the land.

  • One-Off Consult

    Clear advice when you need it.
    Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective. Whether your ferment is stuck, unsure about a picking decision, or just want honest tasting feedback - I can help.

    • Single session support, tailored to your needs
    • Available in person (SA based) or remotely
    • Quick, clear insight - no fluff, no jargon

    📌 Ideal for: Winemakers who want to talk something through, make a call with confidence, or test their instincts.

  • Project Support

    A steady hand through key moments.
    From pre-vintage planning to bottling, I work alongside you on a specific project - blending insight with practical support when it matters most.

    • Strategy sessions and style refinement
    • Harvesting and fermentation decisions, pressing and vessel choices
    • Blending, bottling, packaging and post vintage reviews
    • Hands on support or behind-the-scenes guidance
    • Vineyard development planning and site-specific guidance 

    📌 Ideal for: Wineries launching a new wine, refining a style, or working through a transitional phase.

  • Ongoing Partnership

    Grow something lasting.
    Winemaking is seasonal - but real evolution takes time. This longer-term collaboration gives space to explore, improve and evolve your wines with consistency and purpose.

    • Regular check-ins, tastings and planning sessions
    • Cellar team mentoring and staff support
    • Blending advice and release planning
    • Guidance on style direction, new varieties, or low-intervention shifts
    • Vineyard development planning and site-specific guidance 

    📌 Ideal for: Wineries looking to deepen their identity, develop team confidence, and grow sustainably across seasons.

Why Work With Me?

👉 40+ vintages under my belt - Still learning something new every harvest

👉 Your vineyard knows best - I just help you hear what it's saying

👉 I think about the whole picture - Not just this vintage, but where your wines are headed

👉 Real-world solutions - What actually works in your winery, not textbook theory

👉 Steady hand when things get crazy - Vintage gets intense. I keep things calm

Your fruit has more to give.
Your team wants to learn and grow.
Your wines are good - but they could say more.

Let’s work together to bring that out - steadily, confidently, and in a way that still feels like you.