Having grown Sapling Yard Wines from her shed in Bungendore into a renowned Canberra Region winery, the power of Carla Rodeghiero’s passion for wine is undeniable.

Tell us about your journey in business.

My journey started in my 20s from a wine appreciation course while at uni. I left wine behind for a while and continued in a career in science, finding wine again in my late 20s while working in a wine bar in London. Returning to Australia, I enrolled in wine science, worked in contract roles in pharmaceutical research and took three months off every year to work in a winery – Orange, Hunter Valley, Willamette Valley Oregon USA. I started my own label in 2012 and made wine in my back shed in Bungendore producing only 50 cases or so of Riesling and Shiraz. By 2018, I had outgrown the shed, production had grown to 200 cases. In 2019, I teamed up with Malcolm Burdett (ex-Lerida Estate winemaker), leased Lake George winery and increased production significantly. This year, we produced 2000 cases.

Can you share some of your favourite influences that inspire you?

Marie Forleo and her podcasts. She talks about how it’s okay to be multi-passionate and to anchor yourself by remaining authentic, to understand what drives you and find your sense of purpose.

What advice do you have for women looking to advance their careers in your industry?

You need to be passionate about all things wine, passion will sustain you through the tough times, expect knockbacks, you will need a thick skin, celebrate your wins no matter how small. Surround yourself with good people and most importantly be persistent, building a brand/business takes time.

Come and celebrate the opening of our new cellar door! Scan the QR to head to our website and enter the code WIB10% at the checkout for 10 per cent off six bottles of wine with free delivery in Canberra.

Join us at our launch on Saturday 2 December at 23 Malbon St, Bungendore.

Contact [email protected] or 0410 770 894.