About

Convivium Philosophy

Variety - Identity - Territory - Audacity 

V.I.T.A. = LIFE

Mother Nature gives us the first three, but the last one…… that is up to us. 
It’s the person who has the AUDACITY to respect the rules of the grape VARIETY, 
to know how to respect their IDENTITY and the TERRITORY.                      
It’s V.I.T.A. and its meaning has guided me in my choices.

At Convivium everything leads to our philosophy: Variety, Identity, Territory and Audacity. Human contact and respect for producer, place and product, are paramount in this.

At Convivium we choose artisan producers whose varieties represent a piece of territory, identifiably Italian. Many of our contacts stretch back over decades. They are people with whom we share the basic tenet of respect for the land, and the choice to not exploit it, but enhance it.

This is how Convivium represent our present and future producers.

Salute!

This is me....

Since I have been in Australia I have developed a reputation for being committed to wine, its culture and its world. I have always promoted and told the stories of the small producers who work the earth with respect. I am passionate about recognising the resulting excellence in the end-product, helping people discover the varieties in their glass, and honouring those who have the audacity to put their territory in an exquisite product bearing their name.

Everything then leads back to our philosophy: Variety, Identity, Territory and Audacity. Human contact and respect for producer, place and product, are paramount in this.

I am enthusiastic and devoted about bringing wines from Italy, as yet unknown, to palates here. My knowledge and practise as sommelier is at the service of our clients. I provide tastings and courses where we learn hints of territorial and regional history and geography, recognisable in the glass, identifiable on the palate. I assist in the creation and design of lists of exclusive wines. In our work together, all stakeholders, from the territory, the producer, the product, the business and the consumer, will find my committed support.

... And this is the team

PAUL CLARKE aka ‘CLARKEY’

Paul and I met in 2010 for the first time, and since then we’ve become great friends despite the fact that he is the only Australian AC Milan fan that I know. 

Paul joins the Convivium family as a Business Development Manager for North Brisbane to Fraser Island.

For the last 20 years Paul has represented the most important wine portfolios distributed in the country, and for the past 12 years Negociants Australia. 

Paul has an extensive understanding of the Italian wines, regions and appellations, and is driven by a deep curiosity to discover and learn more. His knowledge of the hospitality industry and his commitment to customer service align with our philosophy and he is now at your service at Convivium.

COREY WARD

Corey and I first met in 2016, when we worked together representing a small boutique's distributions in Queensland.

Corey joins the Convivium family after many years of experience representing some of the most iconic organic and natural wine producers of the Australian scene.

He is now looking after the area from Gold Coast stretching through the Northern Rivers Region to Byron Bay. Corey's knowledge of Italian wines and his great customer service, align perfectly with Convivium philosophy.

BRYCE GLEESON

He will be looking after our customers in New South Wales on the Central Coast, in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.

Bryce has been working hands-on in hospitality for the past 12 years and most recently owned and operated a pasta focused restaurant and cafe/deli.

He attributes his  love of, and desire to work with, Italian food and wine, to his mother’s Calabrian heritage. Bryce particularly loves Nebbiolo: “ Because of its varied expressions and ability to range from delicate and elegant, to bold and powerful”.