Jason Cane didn’t come to wine by accident. After earning a scholarship to study at the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu Hotel Management School, he built a career as a sommelier in some of Australia’s finest restaurants — developing a palate and a philosophy that fine wine is deeply personal.

He eventually found himself at Kilikanoon Wines in Clare Valley, quietly falling in love with the region’s red soil, cool nights, and extraordinary Riesling. When the winery was acquired by foreign investors, Jason faced a choice: stay, or go out on his own.

He chose Crabtree. He hasn’t looked back.

Richard and Leanne Cane are the reason Crabtree exists. As the winery’s major shareholders, they believed in Jason’s vision when it was still just a dream — and backed him to make it real. Without them, none of this happens.

Their lives are still firmly rooted on their broad acre farm on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula — about an hour and fifteen minutes from Watervale. They built their careers across farming and the technology industry, running a successful computer business for many years. But whenever Jason and Cristy need them, they make the drive. You’ll find them in the winery during vintage, welcoming guests at the cellar door, and doing whatever needs doing — because that’s what family does.

They didn’t just invest money. They invested trust. And for that, we are endlessly grateful.