Colin Sheppard is a contestant on MasterChef Australia Season 6. He is placed 10th.
Biography[]
Retrieved from 10play.com.au
Ten years ago, Colin Sheppard decided on a sea change. Make that a vine change.
A successful builder in Melbourne, Colin and wife Fiona were regular visitors to South Australia’s beautiful wine regions. Always intrigued by the art of wine-making, Colin volunteered for four weeks at Murray Street Wines in the Barossa. It sealed his fate.
An impulsive decision followed and he called Fiona to announce they were the proud owners of a vineyard. Soon after, they’d taken up residence at Flaxman Wines in the Eden Valley. Today they live there happily, with their dog Gus and four chooks.
Mum Eileen, now 87, was an inspiration in the kitchen, because she “cooked the crap out of things” and Colin wanted to do it better. Colin admits that she is a terrific baker.
It was his dad, also named Colin, whom he names as the biggest influence in life. His strong work ethic set an example and Colin’s enduring philosophy was his dad’s.
“Do everything you do to the very best of your ability.”
Tragedy struck in 1992, when Colin’s mum and dad were travelling in a vehicle along with Colin’s aunt and uncle. His uncle at the wheel suffered a heart attack and they collided with another car. His badly injured mother was the only survivor.
The sudden loss of his father made Colin re-evaluate his life, determined to seize every opportunity.
He now makes wine under his own label, winning coveted awards; his 2008 Shiraz was voted seventh best in the world by Winestate magazine.
It’s hard work, but Colin, who hasn’t had a holiday in nine years, says: “When you’ve got the best view in the world, it’s a hard place to leave.”
Colin yearns to combine his skill and passion for wine with that of food. Colin would love to open a restaurant at Flaxman Wines. While there’s already a pizza oven, he wants to take the next step.
“I want to showcase the wonderful produce and wines of the Barossa.”
Naming wife Fiona as his inspiration for being in the competition, the two have endured their share of heartache. Attempts at conceiving via IVF over a five-year period were unsuccessful. But the pair are now accepting of, and comfortable with, their life.
“We have moved on now and love our life for what we have, and the passions that we share,” says Colin.[1]
Trivia[]
- At 51, he is the oldest man of the season.
References[]
External links[]
Colin Sheppard on Instagram