PODCAST
S3- E07 | Deep Roots and Bright Futures with James Hook
McLaren ValeJames Hook is one of McLaren Vale’s most respected viticulturists and agronomists, known for his practical knowledge, innovative approach, and deep commitment to sustainable grape growing. As co-founder of DJ’s Growers, he works hands-on with vineyards across the region, helping growers restore and improve blocks, adopt new technologies, and prepare for the challenges of climate and market change.
He played a leading role in creating McLaren Vale’s Sustainable Winegrowing program, which became the model for Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, and today supports thousands of growers nationally. Recognised by WSET and IWSC as one of the global wine industry’s Future 50 leaders, James combines science, community, and storytelling to highlight the importance of how grapes are grown in shaping the wines we love. Here’s James... Read more...While not from a farming background James Hook's trajectory into viticulture began early. At just 15, he penned his first paper on grape growing—a work focused analyses the damage caused by the grape disease Downy Mildew during the infamous 1992 Vintage - which would set the course for his career. He attended the University of Adelaide as a teenager and then emerged into a wine industry that was buoyant and full of opportunities for young people.
But that wasn’t to last with challenges coming thick and fast in the time since. In 2007, James co-founded DJ’s Growers with Derek Cameron. The business quickly became foundational in offering agronomy and consulting services to growers and wineries across South Australia. Their team, including James and ten other agronomists, is known for being one of the strongest in the field. At DJ’s, James guides viticulture-focused services that include:
James has been a driving force in promoting sustainable winegrowing in McLaren Vale and beyond. Inspired by California’s Lodi Rules, he helped bring similar frameworks to South Australia. In 2007, he invited Dr. Cliff Ohmart to speak on sustainability, and in 2009, he co-launched McLaren Vale’s Generational Farming program—the region's first formal sustainability initiative which has merged into Australia’s current system of sustainable winegrowing certification. Pursuing academic excellence alongside his consultancy work, James undertook a Master’s degree at the University of Adelaide. There, supported by a Wine Australia scholarship, he studied better, more current methods for assessing vineyard performance. His research focused on using tools like the VitiCanopy app to monitor canopy development and light penetration—offering vineyard assessments that can be made during the season. James has also become a critical voice on the impacts of climate change on viticulture, and the need to plant alternative white wine varieties that are better suited to hot weather. In discussions about heatwaves affecting regions like McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills, he emphasized the strategic use of irrigation to cool soils and vines. Lazy Ballerina Winery Beyond his role in consultancy and research, James, together with his family, founded Lazy Ballerina, a boutique winery located in Dingabledinga (near McLaren Vale). Operating from a converted garage, they produce small‑batch wines using simple equipment—shovels, buckets, open fermenters, and a basket press—with oak barrel maturation. Their grapes come from highly selected micro‑vineyard plots. The cellar door, surrounded by beautiful garden vistas, opens weekends for a relaxed dining experience. Community Engagement & Education Continuing his leadership in the viticulture community, James oversees graduate internships at DJ’s Growers, and Elders, aimed at cultivating the next generation of viticulture and horticulture professionals. He also teaches sommeliers WSET at the TAFESA Wine and Spirits School. |
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