Dr. Marc Bradshaw, Winemaster
Marc has never been restricted by the bonds of conformity. He is a unique individual who refuses to fit into the mould of a “posh winemaker“. Instead Marc describes himself as an “average Aussie boy who loves wine”.
Marc was born in the land down under (Redcliff, Queensland, Australia to be precise). He graduated as an Analytical Chemistry major from the University of Melbourne. On the same day he was offered a job to be the next “CSI” forensic scientist, he was also approached by his chemistry professor who convinced him that wine was more exciting than forensic science. Marc then completed his doctorate regarding chemistry of a different sort. The type you pour into a bottle.
Marc’s love of wine and travel took him down the road less travelled and he pushed his cultural, viticultural and enological boundaries by working in France, South Africa and Germany and then back home to Australia. On these adventures Marc fluctuated between being a lab rat and a cellar rat. During this time all aspects of the wine industry were explored and savoured as the culture of wine making entered directly into his blood stream.
Marc then decided to take his love of wine to another global destination. He started work at Pillitteri Estates Winery and in 2006 he became their Winemaster. Marc continues to create exceptional wines that are both sophisticated and down to earth in his new home of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Marcel Morgenstern, Sommelier
Marcel, even at a young age, had a need to push his own boundaries. Whether it was hiking across Southern France and Norway as a Scout Leader or going on a year youth exchange to the “wilds” of Canada.
Born in the land of beer and sausage (Oldenburg, Germany to be precise) Marcel always took experiences of wine and food seriously as this highlighted his interests of travel, local culture and of course a good meal.
Marcel’s exchange to the Niagara region made an impression and he found the wide open spaces and innovative spirit of the country suited his personality and lifestyle. He moved to Canada in 1998 and was determined to make the most of his new start abroad.
He completed the Tourism Diploma at Niagara College which lead to a co-op placement in the wine industry. Marcel excelled in the high paced, sales driven environment and enjoyed the interaction with others who were as excited about wine and food as he was. From this experience Marcel learned that he wanted to pursue his passion for wine and he completed the Sommelier program at Brock University. He started working as the Sales Manager for Pillitteri Estates Winery in 2001. Even now as a Sommelier, (or wine geek, to be precise) Marcel has maintained that wine is part of the fabric of the natural environment and it should be enjoyed as a tasty beverage and not revered as an inaccessible luxury.
Daredevil Wines combine the skills of two men who have left their homelands in order to go against the grain and fully express who they are. Their dedication to pushing their own boundaries and to consummate passion for life creates wines that will inflame the daredevil in you.
