James March has a lifelong association with fine wine. Growing up on the Eden Valley property of Heathvale and schooled at Nuriootpa High with a generation of wine industry figures, there was never any doubt about his calling.

He completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Adelaide and gained five years of international experience in fine wine retail with a UK wine merchant, completing two vintages in Portugal and one in Germany during his overseas stay. He produced the Winemakers’ Essential Phrasebook during his travels, a five-language translation of common winemaking terms.

James was the CEO of Barossa Australia for ten years, formerly heading up the organisation’s marketing and communications since 2010. As CEO, James interacted with many stakeholders through to the international level and oversaw the management and strategic direction of the region’s peak industry body.

During his tenure, he led the development of the Barossa Wine School, the regional branding that sparked the Barossa Be Consumed campaign, broadened the aspiration of the Barossa Wine Auction and established the Barossa Australia Wellbeing Fund. He played a driving role in Barossa’s Sister City relationship with Grapevine, Texas and was a fierce advocate for Barossa’s regional interests, helping garner attention, grants, and support for numerous promotions and infrastructure projects.

James joined Rockford Wines as General Manager in June 2023 and continues to support the region through Rockford’s local sponsorships and ongoing advocacy on regional issues.

He has served on the Board of The Barossa Co-op and Tanunda Lutheran School and continues to support and mentor young leaders in our community.

James is enormously grateful for the enduring support of his partner Kate and daughters Leila and Ivy, who have grown up without ever doubting that the Barossa is one of the world’s greatest wine regions.