By Danielle Davey
Complex yet approachable, Mount Eliza’s Carl Voss embodies a well-balanced blend of qualities. Whether as national sales manager for South Australian boutique winery Patrick of Coonawarra or giving back to the Peninsula community, his priority is building connections and helping others.
With more than 33 years in the wine industry and an extensive executive background, Carl brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His career spans significant roles in the Australian wine industry, including positions at Mildara Blass during its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s before its merger into the Foster’s Group.
Carl served as general manager of his family’s winery in Avenel, overseeing the development of the 1010ha property from the ground up. He mastered every facet of the business – from clearing the original sheep-grazing pastures and planting 90ha of vines to handling the construction and management of the modern winery.
After the estate was sold to Fowles Wines in 2005, he joined Australian Vintage as state sales manager, later promoted to national sales manager. Eventually, feeling the toll of relentless interstate travel away from his wife and two daughters, he took a 12-month sabbatical just before the Covid-19 lockdowns. Reassessing his work-life balance during the hiatus, he was approached by a former colleague about a national sales manager role at Patrick of Coonawarra.
With fewer travel demands, he’s now happier than ever, thriving at home, at work, and in his community. Hardly a week goes by without Carl attending a meeting or event for one of the many clubs and businesses he supports.
As treasurer of the Frankston Wine and Food Society, he meets with the committee every six weeks. The group hosts four lunches a year, providing a forum for Melbourne wine and food-lovers to enjoy seasonal menus from award-winning chefs, accompanied by wines from local, national and international producers.
His expertise has also been gratefully received by the Mount Eliza Country Club. As an active committee member, he has curated the club’s impressive wine list, featuring wines from the Peninsula and other regions. Members and guests are presented with a variety of choices at both entry level and premium price points.
As an active Rotary Mount Eliza member, he helps set up the Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market every second month. He’s also involved in the club’s Christmas Train event for kids, where families take a trip on a historical train and Santa distributes presents.
Carl once doubted his ability to commit to multiple community projects. He credits his wife, Sue – a director at Mount Eliza accounting firm Robinson Voss Partners – with inspiring his passion for the work, making him realise the value these activities bring to their quality of life. As a past president of Rotary Mount Eliza, Sue said: “The secret to living is giving.”
Balancing his wine industry expertise with his dedicated commitment to community service, Carl has truly cultivated a fulfilling life.
