Spring Spur

South African-born winemaker Alex Phillips graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in ’13, where she was named best academic student: viticulture and oenology and took home the award for best agricultural science student, too. After mentoring under Adam Mason at Mulderbosch Vineyards in Stellenbosch, Alex found her feet as assistant winemaker at Billy Button Wines in the Alpine Valleys (see separate entry). It was here she met her fiancé, Lin. The pair live on Spring Spur – a working horse property in the Kiewa Valley, where Alex brings Spring Spur wines to life. -JAMES HALLIDAY