Son of Alfred and Ann Wark, and grandson of Johann Heinrich Wark, migrant from Bremen, Germany, who initially farmed at Hope Valley, South Australia, joined in the Gold Rush of the late 1850's and finally settled with his family in Chiltern, Victoria.

Alfred was educated at Chiltern, Parkes Convent School, New South Wales, Hassetts Business College and Melbourne University. In 1942 he married Viola Bathgate.

• Secretary to S Smith & Son Pty Ltd and Secretary and Director of Yalumba Associated Companies, 1946-1971
• One of the founders of the Barossa Valley Vintage Festival Association and a member of the Committee of Management from its inception in 1948-1968
• Honorary Life Member of Bacchus Club, Adelaide
• Honorary Life Member of Barossa Valley Bacchus Club
• Honorary Life Member of SA Fly Fishers Association
• Founder and Committee member Barossa Valley Anglers Club
• Committee Member Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club, 27 years
• Honorary Life Member from 1973
• Foundation President Wine Service Guild of South Australia
• Elected Honorary Life Member in 1968
• Associate Guild of Sommeliers, London
• Author of "Wine Cookery" and "Sea Foods ofAustralia", and was a regular contributor to Gourmet magazines and thepress on matters appertaining to wine and food.