Meet The People

Sam Biddle

Veraison Director

Sam kicked off his career in the wine industry working in the Sydney retail trade as a part time job while studying at University - and then never left! A career in sales, marketing and senior management followed, working with Australian and multi-national alcoholic beverage producers including Southcorp and Pernod Ricard.

In 2012, deciding his true passion was working with the people and families behind the wines, Sam founded Veraison on a simple philosophy: to bring together outstanding producers of Australian wine with leading retailer, hotel and restaurant operators.

The result has been the development of strong and successful wine brands while adding value to businesses of our off- and on-premise trade partners.

None of this could be achieved without a team of industry professionals who are as dedicated to their customers as they are to the brands they represent.

Jane Leivesley

Call Jane on 0413 327 035

Business Manager

Jane is Veraison’s problem solver who makes sure the operation runs like a well oiled machine. The link between our valued producers, our team and our customers, the show does not run without her! Jane brings her extensive experience in administration with multinational organisations and leading Australian wine companies.

Penny Claiborne

Call Penny on 0413 425 952

Servicing
Wollongong & South Coast

Born and bred in New Zealand, I've travelled the world, driven by my passion for exceptional wine and food. I've been exposed to the world's finest wine regions in Europe, North and South America, and of course, here in Australia and New Zealand.

As a Certified Sommelier, and holder of the Advanced Level 3 of the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET), I went from working in a Chicago-based wine shop as the buyer of Australian and New Zealand wine to working with the Sommeliers of some of the most world-renowned restaurants, such as Quay and The Rockpool Group in Sydney and Melbourne.

From Melbourne to the Maldives to the South Coast of NSW, I've created wine lists and provided staff education to high-end restaurants and luxury resorts, as well as local neighbourhood restaurants and wine bars. Seeing a gap in the South Coast region to service time-poor small businesses, I founded Vinopenny to deliver a high level of customer care that's backed by in-depth knowledge of wine here in Australia and abroad, as well as a deep understanding of the local market and customer base.

I've also co-founded Women in Hospo, a South Coast and Southern Highland community that shines a spotlight on women within the hospitality industry. Plus, I opened a wine education business focusing on educating hospitality workers. Because wine is more than a job, it's a way of life. It's about bringing people and community together.

Jeff Clements

Call Jeff on 0400 888 111

Servicing
Western Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central West

With 25 years experience in the industry Jeff is a true professional who has built long term relationships (and friendships!) through his passion, knowledge and commitment to all aspects of life.

Jeff Beresford

Call Jeff on 0431 426 992

Servicing
Sydney CBD, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, South. On-Premise Specialist

Jeff comes from a big hospitality/retail and wine background plying his trade from Sydney to Cambridge, and Margaret River to London. He studied WSET Level 2 & 3 Awards in Cambridge and started his Diploma in WSET HQ in Bermondsey where he was taught by some of the most renowned Masters of Wine in the world.

Having transferred his study to Ryde WSET, in his spare time when he is not studying wine, Jeff reads fiction or takes his two Rottweilers Frankie (the puppy) and Doug (the eleven yr old) to the beach for swims and digging.

Jody Santry

Call Jody on 0413 333 564

Servicing
Central Coast and Newcastle

Growing up, my family had pubs, bottle shops and bars in New Zealand. Starting my journey with Dominion Breweries in NZ, I then moved overseas to Europe, and America where I discovered some of the finest wine regions in the world, and where my passion for wine really began.

In Australia I’ve been fortunate enough to work for Southern Highland Wines, Bunnamagoo Wines, and Cheviot Wine Group, and taking that experience I founded Chillax Wine Merchants over four years ago. With a large customer base in Sydney, Central Coast, and Newcastle I work with my on-premise customers to curate wine lists, as well as advising on ranging for off-premise customers. Bringing 20 years of experience with me, I love working with Veraison on their success story.