Winemaker, problem solver, trusted guide.

With more than 30 years of experience across Australia and New Zealand, Will Shields brings calm confidence and technical expertise to the complex world of wine production. He has worked across every stage of the process, from grape sourcing and blending to bottling and trade representation.

Will founded Starboard Wine to share this depth of knowledge with brands that want clarity and confidence in their winemaking journey. His approach is pragmatic and collaborative. Clear advice, steady direction and support that adapts to each client’s needs.

Meet the Maker

Will Shields

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Black and white image of winemaker Will Shields rolling barrel in Sevenhill Cellars

Will’s Philosophy

Will’s philosophy has remained the same throughout his career. Respect the vineyard and its fruit, then use tailored winemaking to achieve the desired result. His style is balanced and elegant, guided by intuition, restraint and a deep understanding of what makes a great wine great.

Beyond the brand

Will’s journey began in the Hunter Valley, where his family owned Oakvale Vines. He studied at Roseworthy College and then cut his teeth in Western Australia, earning more than 50 accolades at Vasse Felix and Clairault.

After several vintages in New Zealand leading production at Morton Estate, Will returned to Australia in 2016 to head winemaking at Kirrihill Wines in the Clare Valley. In 2019 he joined Sevenhill Cellars, Australia’s oldest Jesuit winery, where his modern, fruit-focused approach ushered in a new era of innovation while respecting its 170 year legacy. His 2021 Open Range Grenache was awarded the George Mackey Memorial Trophy at the 2023 Royal Sydney Wine Show.

Over three decades, Will has built expertise across bulk and bottled supply contracts for major wine companies, sparkling production (Méthode Champenoise and Charmat), premium and super premium table wines, and fortified styles.

Black and white image of winemaker Will shields carrying a hose in the winery cellar.

Starboard Wine hand drawn glasses illustration

Why Starboard Wine

Clarity, not complexity

We cut through the noise to help you find the path forward. Whether it’s production planning, compliance, or bottling and logistics, you’ll get straight answers and practical advice.
Calm Confidence

Steady guidance backed by experience. Whether you need a quick answer or a long-term plan, you’ll get thoughtful support and clear direction.
Industry Insight

With over 30 years in winemaking across Australia and New Zealand, Starboard Wine brings deep knowledge of what works and what doesn’t. From vineyard to bottle, we bring context to every project.
Balanced Advice

We don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. We look at your goals, resources, and timing to offer practical advice grounded in real-world experience.

Our Values

Respect for the fruit

The vineyard always comes first. We honour the land, the variety and the story of each site. Whether it is century-old vines or young plantings, our role is to let the fruit speak. Great wine is not made by force, it is revealed by thoughtful handling.

Integrity

We work with honesty and transparency. Clients trust us because we provide advice grounded in real experience and always guided by quality. From sourcing to production and packaging, every recommendation is made with your best outcome in mind.

Clarity

We believe clarity builds confidence. Winemaking can be complex, but your support should feel simple. We explain processes in plain language so you stay informed and in control at every step.

Collaboration

We’re not here to take over. We’re here to work with you. Every project is a partnership. We respect your goals and your vision. Our role is to bring technical skill and steady guidance so we can create something great together.