Who We Are

While in Adelaide, Australia attending the University of Adelaide a friendship was formed over many bottles of wine on the patio, dinners around the kitchen table, long lunches and nights at the pub.  Tom was doing a wine business degree and Pete was doing his winemaking degree.  Tom and Pete discussed at length about doing a wine project together and the dream was to produce delicious wines that reflect their sense of place and wine that consumers will enjoy. 

After many years of wine experiences around the world, they have come together to realize what they have discussed for years and founded TOPE wines.

TOPE is passionate about making wines from special vineyard sites and the grapes for all TOPE wines are farmed in the vineyard and produced in the winery with no synthetic chemicals.  We hope that you enjoy the wines as much as we do!

Peter Warr

Wine has always been part of Pete’s life as growing up in a family of European heritage often saw the evening meal being accompanied by a glass of wine. However, growing up in Queensland meant that the wine country that was fondly discussed was always a distance place.

Travelling to Western Australia, Pete began his viticultural studies before heading to University of Adelaide wine school. This education was deeply enriched by working around the world(with thanks to his somewhat nomadic heritage and the passport opportunities this provides), sharpening his skills overseas in France, Argentina, Chile and Ukraine .

On returning home, Pete has seen the riches of Australia wine industry by completing harvests from Margaret River, Pyrenees and down to the Tamar Valley in Tasmania.  Peter settled in the Clare several years ago and is excited about his first independent wine project in the region.

Tom Kriegshauser

Tom’s love for wine was first realised on a trip to Germany where he spent time at his distant family’s winery.  Upon his return to the USA, he started working in the wine business in Chicago, Illinois.  After 4 years in Chicago, Tom decided to move to Australia to study Wine Business at the University of Adelaide. 

Tom’s move to Australia allowed him to gain a diverse background including time working in wineries, setting up international distribution networks, marketing and promotion of a vast array of wine brands in Australia as well as in international markets.  The move to Australia led to his love of Australian wine and the Australian wine industry.

Tom is passionate about all things wine and is look forward to sharing the TOPE wines with you.