The Custodians of Mt Franklin Estate
Mt Franklin Estate isn’t just a vineyard—it’s a place with history, character and an energy that’s difficult to explain until you’ve experienced it.
Those of us who work here come from very different backgrounds, but we’re connected by a shared purpose: to care for this remarkable property, produce exceptional fruit, craft wines that genuinely reflect the site, and create experiences that people remember long after they’ve left.
We see ourselves as custodians of the estate. Every season teaches us something new. Every vintage gives us another opportunity to improve. Every project we undertake is about respecting what already exists while thoughtfully shaping what comes next.
The wines you see today are the beginning of that journey. While some labels and branding may evolve over time, our commitment never will—to quality, authenticity and allowing Mt Franklin Estate to become one of regional Victoria’s truly distinctive wine destinations.
Most importantly, this estate belongs to a broader community. We believe great wine regions thrive when everyone succeeds. That’s why we’re passionate about supporting local vineyards, wineries, distilleries, farmers, food producers, artists, musicians and makers. Mt Franklin Estate is about celebrating everything that makes this region special.
Welcome to the people helping write the next chapter of Mt Franklin Estate.
The People Behind Mt Franklin Estate
Nikki Knights — The Bubbly Visionary
Nikki brings more than two decades of experience in the wine and spirits industry, combining international importing, brand development and entrepreneurship with a passion for regional communities. Her vision for Mt Franklin Estate extends beyond producing exceptional wine—it's about creating a destination that celebrates local vineyards, wineries, distilleries, food producers, artists and the unique spirit of Central Victoria. Her passion is to bring community together with laughter and joy over a glass or two! Every decision is guided by one simple goal: to leave the estate better than it was found. Read more about WineWoman.com.au here
Marion "Mammy" — Keeper of the Gardens & Olive Grove
Known affectionately as Mammy, Marion is Nikki's mother and an integral and valuable part of life at Mt Franklin Estate. She lovingly cares for the estate's gardens, heritage roses and olive grove while helping produce our estate-grown olives and olive oil. Mammy also thrives at managing the new spring market activities across the local regions - please look out for Mammy and the Mt Franklin Estate market stall - offering smiles, flowers, olives, olive oil and wine of course!
Her passion for the land, attention to detail and nurturing spirit adds warmth, beauty and a genuine sense of home to the estate - family is the lifeblood of this sacred land - we honour daily.
Sharon Hebbard— Guardian of the Vines/Soil
Viticulturist – Mt Franklin Estate * Curly Flat * Sutton Grange * Passing Clouds and many more....
With more than 40 years in the Australian wine industry, Sharon is one of Victoria's most respected viticulturists. She has managed and consulted to some of Australia's leading vineyards and wineries, including Coldstream Hills, Giant Steps, Treasury Wine Estates and Sutton Grange, earning a reputation for producing exceptional fruit and building high-performing vineyards. At Mt Franklin Estate, Sharon's focus is simple—healthy vines, exceptional fruit and a vineyard that continues to improve with every season.
Tim Castle — Crafting the Wines
Winemaker – Passing Clouds – Mt Franklin Estate
Tim works closely with our vineyard to transform exceptional fruit into wines that express the character of Mt Franklin Estate. His career has taken him through many of Australia's leading cool-climate wine regions, developing a winemaking philosophy centred on elegance, balance and a strong sense of place. Every vintage is an opportunity to showcase what this remarkable site can become.
Rory — Keeper of the Vineyard
Vineyard Manager – Sutton Grange – Mt Franklin Estate
Rory supports the day-to-day management of the vineyard, bringing practical experience and a genuine passion for growing premium fruit. Working closely with Sharon, he helps ensure every vine receives the care and attention needed to produce wines that truly reflect the estate.
Charlie — Prancer of the Estate
Landskeeper
Ask Charlie what he does and the answer is usually "a bit of everything." From vineyard maintenance and landscaping to renovations and day-to-day projects, he's always improving the estate. Outside the vineyard he's a dance teacher who loves music, culture, nature and horticulture—bringing creativity, curiosity and plenty of energy to every project.
James Fidles - Online Partnerships
James Fildes is a commercial and operations leader with extensive experience across wine, e-commerce and online marketplaces in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
2021 to 2026, James led Vivino’s Australian business as General Manager and Director. In fact, Wine Woman and James have been working together in new and old phases now since - since August 2026, James now works directly with Wine Woman, as a strategic commercial and digital operations adviser to support the growth of Wine Woman's success as Vivino strategic key and new brand partner, improving marketplace performance and building the operational systems required for sustainable growth.
Working alongside Wine Woman founder Nikki Knights, he brings together marketplace expertise, commercial discipline and practical operational execution to help expand Wine Woman’s digital sales capability and reach more Australian wine consumers.
Angelica — The Creative Corkscrew
Meet Anj — Nikki’s creative sidekick, working remotely from the Philippines. From social media and creative projects to those “can you just quickly…” ad-hoc tasks, she helps bring ideas to life and keeps things moving behind the scenes at Mt Franklin Estate.
A little PH, a little AU, and always ready to add her creative touch to the vintage. ✨
Justin Whitfield
Justin Whitfield is the Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Corporate Events Australia, bringing more than three decades of experience in event management, production and corporate hospitality.
Throughout his career, Justin has developed and delivered events requiring detailed planning, creative direction, technical production and complex logistical coordination. His expertise spans venue management, accommodation, transportation, audio-visual production, entertainment, theming and complete on-site event delivery, and every year hosts more than 200 events nationally!
Corporate Events Australia is Mount Franklin Estate’s professional events partner, with Justin leading the estate’s event strategy, planning and delivery. His role is to help develop Mount Franklin Estate as a distinctive regional destination for professionally managed corporate events, private functions and larger event experiences.
Working alongside Mount Franklin Estate owner Nikki Knights, Justin brings established industry relationships, operational discipline and practical production experience to each event. He is responsible for coordinating the people, suppliers, infrastructure and logistical requirements needed to deliver events safely, efficiently and to a consistently high professional standard.
Moi — Harvest & Pruning Crew Lead
Moi and her experienced crew have been part of Mount Franklin Estate for over a decade, caring for the vineyard through harvest and winter pruning. With decades of experience across the Macedon Ranges, Moi and her large team work with some of the region’s leading wineries and vineyards and are a trusted, highly experienced crew who understand the vines, the seasons and the land and this cool climate region for decades in Macedon Ranges.
The Vines are in good care with Moi and her team of experienced Vineyard hands. Mt Franklin Estate vines are in good hands for the serious times like harvest vintage & winter pruning.
The Furbabies of the Estate
Official Welcoming Committee & Wildlife Patrol
No visit to Mt Franklin Estate would be complete without meeting our four-legged custodians. Coco and Gina, our much-loved dogs, are always ready to greet visitors with a wagging tail and are never far from the action. Meanwhile, Chester and Evie, our resident cats, take their role as the estate's wildlife patrol very seriously, quietly keeping watch for rabbits and mice while spending the rest of their time soaking up the sunshine. Together they're a big part of the personality of Mt Franklin Estate and a reminder that this isn't just a vineyard—it's a home, shared with the people and animals who help make it such a special place.