OUR STORY

Where it began

Sea Level Wines began as a personal venture for father-son duo, Mike and Sam Smail. The opportunity arose in 2006 to purchase an apple orchard, along the coastal highway, ripe for a vineyard conversion.

Sam’s extensive industry experience as a Senior Wine Judge and Winemaker, combined with Mike’s essential business acumen and a shared passion for wine, was the catalyst for creating Sea Level’s award-winning wines.

 
Sea Level brand icon of rustic red compass.

Our People

It starts with a shared vision

Sam Smail (smiling for portrait) leaning over a post with vineyard in background (black & white).)

SAM SMAIL

  • With extensive wine industry experience both locally and internationally, Sam honed his craft and was well positioned to use his skills to develop and lead his own winery.

    Sam specialises in producing exceptional wines with varietal intensity, expressive of their site as Senior Winemaker and Director of Sea Level Wines.

    On an industry level, Sam is a Senior Wine Judge, allowing him to identify trends and adopt innovations early. As a result, Sea Level Wines are often measured with the best in the class.

Mike Smail (smiling for portrait in black & white).

Mike Smail

  • With a long and successful career in business and as a founding member, Mike’s experience has grown and lead Sea Level through the various challenges a new brand faces establishing its position in a competitive market.

    His enthusiasm and resources are essential to Sea Level’s evolution, marketing, sales and vineyard development.

Ryan Gaudin Vineyard Manager holding wine bottle and grapes, looking into camera

RYAN GAUDIN

  • Ryan is key to the day-to-day operations at Sea Level’s Home Block Vineyard. From assessing and executing the best possible pest and disease control programs to implementing sustainable agricultural practices.

    He also supports biodiversity projects and viticulture trials to ensure we nurture and produce utmost premium grapes from every variety.

News & Awards

Our journey to exceptional wines

“When I tasted wines from Sea Level's first vintage, I knew they had something special going on”

Neil Hodgson