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....
PAOLO SANDRI
Director ~ National sales
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’
BDM ~ QLD - Sunshine Coast - North Brisbane - Toowoomba - North QLD sales
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
BDM ~ QLD - Gold Coast - Northern Rivers - Byron Bay sales
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
BDM ~ NSW - Central Coast - Newcastle - Hunter Valley - Sydney CBD sales
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”.
CRAIG WYATT
QLD ~ Brisbane CBD & Greater Area sales
Craig joins Convivium after nearly two successful decades in sales and marketing in the UK and NZ, and we couldn’t be more excited to have this passionate wine enthusiast and storyteller on board!
I was introduced to Craig recently through a very dear industry friend, and all it took was a couple of meetings to understand we both should work together. “My love of wine started long ago, my father was a lover of reds so I was lucky to be introduced to some premium Italian styles.... personally, Barolo is King! Prior to my arrival in Brisbane in September 2024, I helped set up and manage a new successful wine bar and merchant in an affluent UK town.I focused on creating wine lists which resulting in higher profitability margins in both retail and hospitality. This also allowed the team to influence customers to try new varieties and styles.
In line with Convivium philosophy I do believe that 'Wine is Life'.
The passion, the people, the stories, the artistry that goes into every bottle, year in, year out to produce something always special to remember”.
NICK STANBURY
NSW ~ Wagga Wagga and regional areas sales
Nick is incredibly passionate about all things wine! He brings to the table 12+ years industry experience within the fine wine sector in both Australia and the United Kingdom. WSET Level 3 qualified, Nick has extensive experience in both retail and wholesale side of wine sales. He is incredibly passionate about training clients staff.
Nicks training session are always fun and full of helpful/useful knowledge whilst taking the snobbery out of it all! Whether you're looking to curate the perfect wine list for your customers, source those hard to find wines or arming your staff with outstanding product knowledge to increase sales.
NICK BLAIR - Vision Wine Partners
NSW ~ North Shore - Northern Beaches - Sydney CBD sales
After more than 40 years in the Liquor industry, Nick has gained the respect and friendship of many key people in the international wine and spirit industry through his dedication, commitment, adaptability, experience and proven track record across many facets of the industry.
With retail experience in leading fine wine stores and managing independent retail outlets; Brand Owner experience primarily in general management and international sales and marketing roles with the Pernod Ricard Group; independent wine industry consultant and also a Restaurant owner, when it comes to wine, Nick has pretty much done it all.
MIKE EVERY - Vision Wine Partners
NSW ~ North Shore - Northern Beaches - Sydney CBD sales
Mike is a highly respected wine and spirit professional with senior management experience across Retail, Brand Owner and B2B/ B2C gained from over 35 years of industry experience. During this time, Mike has built his knowledge base and an enviable network, that combined with his enthusiasm and drive, delivers results.
During his career, Mike has worked to develop and build iconic brands such as Peter Lehmann, Jacob’s Creek, Jack Daniels, Moët & Chandon, Domain Chandon and Pol Roger. He has held key positions with market-leading companies
BRENT MCKAY - The Vinassociates
ACT ~ Canberra - South Coast sales
About getting the good juice to the people, working with iconic brands and local brands and premium portfolio partner here in the Nations Capital.
