Jill had a rural upbringing on her family’s sheep property, north of Euston NSW, and worked in Western Australia and South Australia before re-locating to the Barossa.

She was the cellar door manager at Saltram’s, opening the Bistro in 1992, and then went on to similar roles at Wolf Blass Wines and Barossa Valley Estate.

Jill has volunteered for numerous community organisations in the Barossa, ranging from Meals on Wheels to the Barossa Vintage Festival Committee. A committee member from 2000 to 2003, she chaired the national award winning 2003 Festival. She co-chaired the Rare Wine Auction Committee in 2005. She coordinated a number of the Barossa’s Tasting Australia media days, represented the region at multiple Wine Australia events and Good Food & Wine Shows in Melbourne and Sydney.

Jill was a founding member of the Cellar Door Managers Group, has coordinated the food offering at countless Rare Wine Auctions and has been a member of both the Angaston Float Committee and the Angaston Town Day Committee for countless Festivals.

A mainstay of the region’s wine and food scene for many years, Jill is a tireless promoter of the Barossa. She is currently loving her role at Barossa Valley Cheese Company.

Jill is married to fifth generation Barossa grape grower Jim Mader. Together they have four children and 10 grandchildren.