MEET THE TEAM

A Vision for Excellence

TOM WARD | Winemaker | Viticulturist

Our winemaker and Swinging Bridge owner, Tom Ward, is a passionate viticulturist and
winemaker, dedicated to producing quality cool climate wines. Originally from Canowindra, Tom comes from a farming family spanning more than 150-years which led him to discover his passion for viticulture.

Now based in Orange with his wife Georgie and two children, Eliza and William, you will often find Tom tending to his vines, working hard in the winery or
supporting operations in the cellar door.

COMMUNITY

For six years, Tom was president of the NSW Wine Industry Association, which brought
many opportunities to engage Swinging Bridge with the broader industry. For Tom, giving
back to the industry was just as important as establishing his own business, as well as
supporting the local community of Orange. Tom has previously been a local executive for the
Orange Regional Vignerons Association, the Chairman of the Orange Chamber Music
Festival and was on the board for Orange 360, all for a number of years.

“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. 

WIL ARNOLD – WSET III | Cellar Door Manager | Wholesale

Passionate about wine and excellent experiences, Wil leads our Cellar Door and Local Wholesale teams.

Originally from Penrith, Wil joined Swinging Bridge in 2022 following a move to Orange with his partner Laura, a Viticulture Manager also working in the region.

Completing his WSET Level III, Wil 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 Wil 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.