After training as a sommelier in New Zealand in the early 1980s, Jeff's career in wine began in the retail and wholesale trade in Melbourne. From this fertile training ground he developed his palate and especially a deep affection for, amongst other things, fine Pinot Noir. This path eventually led him to graduate with a degree in Viticulture from Roseworthy, South Australia, after specializing in Pinot Noir and sustainable viticulture.
Several vintages in the great southern land was enough to make him realize that there was more to life than Aussie Shiraz and he moved to Gisborne where he became assistant winemaker at the Millton Vineyard in 1992 and then principal tutor in wine studies at Tairwahiti Polytechnic. In 1997 he was attracted down to Marlborough where he helped establish a small family winery called Isabel Estate. During his time in Marlborough he had the pleasure of working both in California and in Burgundy.
After 5 years and some spectacular results with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, including the IWC Trophy in 1999, he finally realized his passion for Pinot Noir in establishing Ostler Vineyard while working as winemaker at Amisfield in Central Otago.