Our Team

NEIL GALLAGHER
Winemaker/Viticulturist/Director

Neil came to Margaret River in 1980 to help his parents establish their vineyard. He worked in other trades to maintain an income, whilst tending the vines and building the Winery. He took over the winemaking role in 1990 and, with the new ownership, continues to be responsible for all aspects of wine production at Woody Nook, as well as being Manager and a shareholder of the property.

MICHAEL BROPHY - Assistant Winemaker

MICHAEL BROPHY
Assistant Winemaker

In 2006, Michael completed a degree in oenology at Curtin University's Margaret River campus, but comes to Woody Nook with many other qualifications and a varied background. Some of his experience includes lecturing to MBA students for the University of Western Australia both in Perth and several Asian countries; patenting agricultural inventions; marketing; restaurant ownership; and farming (including viticulture) all of which make him a most versatile and valuable member of our team.

LAURENT BERGET - Head Chef

LAURENT BERGET
Executive Chef

Laurent Andre-Kleber Berget, a French-born Australian, joined The Nookery Café as Head Chef in December 2008. Laurent had had thirty years of experience as a chef in all kinds of establishments -hotels, colleges, function centres and fine dining restaurants - including three years at the Commonwealth Club of Australia preparing 'silver service' meals for the Prime Minister and his colleagues! In mid 2009 he became our Executive Chef.

LINDA ROCCHI
Bookkeeper

Originally from Karridale here in the south west of WA and with many years of experience in administration roles, Linda joined Woody Nook in early 2008 as bookkeeper. Shortly afterwards she opted to transfer to a sales position, but when her replacement resigned and plans were made to relocate the small windowless, stuffy office known (unaffectionately) as the ‘cave’- to a brand new spacious location overlooking the beautiful woods from which Woody Nook is named, she happily resumed her bookkeeping and payroll duties.

PETER BAILEY
Director

Although he has had a long time appreciation and knowledge of fine wine, Peter has not been involved in its production until now. His background is in mining and refining, a career which has taken him to Africa and several locations in both Australia and the U.S.A. After more than twenty years with Alcoa, where his final position was that of President of their industrial chemicals division, Peter was the CEO of Sherwin Alumina in Corpus Christi, Texas until his retirement in January 2007.

He and Jane have a 24 year old son, Nigel, who lives and works in Miami, Florida.

JANE BAILEY
Director

Jane oversees the day-to-day running of Woody Nook, or at least those aspects not directly under Neil Gallagher's field of expertise. She had a long secretarial career that began at 10 Downing Street in London and ended with twelve years with Qantas in Perth. Her office skills are now being put to good use again and she is especially enjoying her involvement with the promotional and marketing side of the business and selecting new lines for the gift shop.