In 1998, Jim had a tree change and left an indoor profession as an Engineer to take on an outdoor occupation as a grape grower. Jim and Jenny Neilson planted vines on their Swan Valley vineyard in 1998 and 1999 and commenced winemaking in 2004 with their 2004 vintage port. In 2005, they made Shiraz and Merlot. In 2006, we organised to have a larger quantity made by an experienced wine maker of the status of John Griffiths to produce the best possible wines at a reasonable cost.
Following establishment of the vineyard Jim commenced a degree in Viticulture and Oenology at Curtin University graduating in 2015.
