MEET THE TEAM

A Vision for Excellence

TOM WARD | Vigneron

A staunch supporter of his local community and a passionate advocate for the growth of the New South Wales wine industry, Swinging Bridge’s winemaker and owner has built a career defined by his commitment to excellence and industry advocacy. 

Originally from Canowindra, Tom’s upbringing was grounded in agriculture; his family have been farming in the Central West for more than 150 years, a legacy he proudly continues by working and living in the region he’s always called home.  

This deep passion for farming and community eventually led Tom to viticulture, where he aspired to grow and craft wines that showcased the rich volcanic soils and high altitude climate of the Orange Region. He had a vision of a wine brand underpinned by hard work, respect for the land, and an unapologetic pursuit of quality. Thus Swinging Bridge was born. 

Today, Tom continues to champion collaboration, innovation, and the people who will shape the industry’s future. A graduate of the Wine Industry Future Leaders program and alumnus of the Len Evans Tutorial, Tom is deeply passionate about investing in the next generation of industry professionals and bolstering the wine industry by supporting initiatives that encourage more young people to enter the industry. 

He served on the NSW Wine Committee for over a decade, and in 2023 was awarded the prestigious Graham Gregory trophy for his outstanding contribution to the NSW wine industry. 

Tom’s commitment to excellence is reflected in accolades such as Vigneron of the Year (2024 Orange Wine Show), multiple Best Wine of Show titles, a place in the Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wines and most recently a nomination for Viticulturist of the Year in the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards. 

His judging experience spans Australia’s most prominent wine shows, and his leadership has bolstered the profile of cool-climate winemaking nationally.

When not at the winery or in the vineyard, you’ll find Tom in the Cellar Door, sharing his passion and story through every bottle of Swinging Bridge wine. 

“I’ve always been part of the sharing of this industry – it’s an important part of the learning experience and collaboration is what evolves the Australian wine community.”

RHYS BAKER – DipWSET | General Manager | Wine Club Concierge

With more than 12 years of experience in hospitality across the bustling Sydney and Melbourne restaurant scene, Rhys leads the Swinging Bridge team in the production and distribution of award-winning cool-climate wines throughout Australia.

Growing up just outside of Orange, Rhys moved to Sydney after high school to pursue a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Audio Engineering from the Australian Institute of Music. It was in Sydney that he discovered his passion for wine, which would eventually lead him to Melbourne where he worked as Group Sommelier for the Delia Group for a number of years alongside completing his WSET IV Diploma. In 2020, Rhys moved back to the Central West to join Swinging Bridge.

Rhys’ extensive experience as a Sommelier offers guests to the Cellar Door in-depth and detailed information regarding both Swinging Bridge and the art and history of wine more broadly. 

SCOTT PRIDDLE | Cellar Door Manager

Passionate about wine, viticulture and excellent experiences, Scott supports our Cellar Door and Vineyard teams.

Currently completing a Bachelor of Winemaking at CSU, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge to the Cellar Door. His expertise, combined with his approachable nature and attention to detail ensures that each guest who visits Swinging Bridge enjoys a truly memorable experience.

When not in the Cellar Door, you’ll find Scott managing and maintaining the vines and grounds of our Hill Park Vineyard.

Dave Wright | Head Chef

Dave Wright, our in-house Chef, is the creative force behind our premier Savour and Indulge Experiences.

Boasting over a decade in hatted restaurants across Sydney, Dave expertly blends hatted culinary expertise with a flavour forward, family focussed cooking style.

Since relocating to Orange with his wife and three children, Dave has embraced the region’s fresh, seasonal and local produce, crafting elegant dishes that celebrate the Orange Region.

Dave’s culinary talent elevates our boutique experiences at Swinging Bridge. Book a Savour or Indulge tasting today to experience his exceptional creations!

MATT MORTIMER – WSET II | Marketing Manager

A communications professional with a passion for wine, Matt manages the Marketing and Communications for team Swinging Bridge. 

Following a ‘tree change’ from Sydney to Orange in late 2018, Matt made the leap from strategic communications into the wine industry and hasn’t looked back. Completing his WSET Level II, he’s committed to sharing the passion and quality that goes into every bottle of Swinging Bridge wine.

Currently completing a Bachelor of Wine Business, you’ll find Matt sharing his knowledge, skills and wine insights with every guest to the Cellar Door.

ELIZA WARD – WSET II | Cellar Door Assistant

You might recognize the name from our Eliza Riesling—now you can match the name to the face! Meet Eliza, Tom’s eldest daughter and a valued member of the Swinging Bridge Cellar Door team.

With her bubbly, charismatic personality, Eliza brings the story of Swinging Bridge to life, offering relaxed tastings featuring our renowned cool climate varieties.

Currently studying International Relations at ANU in Canberra, Eliza supports the Cellar Door team during her university breaks and holidays, adding her unique perspective to every guest experience.