steve maglieri
Managing Director
The Serafino story began in 1964 when Steve (Serafino) Maglieri arrived in Australia from Italy as a passionate teenager full of dreams.
Two years later, with the assistance of his father Giovanni, he planted his first vines in McLaren Vale that now extends to over 350 acres, laying the foundation of a winemaking dynasty that today is known as Serafino Wines and overseen by his daughter, Maria.
Steve Maglieri, recently receiving the prestigious AM honour (Member of the Order) on the Australia Day Honours list.
This honour was awarded to Steve for his significant contribution to the wine industry as a Winemaker and the Italian, local and abroad community, both charitable and tourism.
Maria Maglieri
CEO the Maglieri Group
Growing up on the family vineyard in the heart of McLaren Vale, Maria Maglieri was always destined for a life in wine.
Coupled with tours of the great wine regions of the world, Maria was inspired to follow her father and mentor, Serafino (Steve) Maglieri into the family business.
With a superior wine knowledge gained from more than 20 years experience, Maria has thrived as CEO of the Maglieri Group including Serafino Wines, Serafino McLaren Vale Hotel, McLaren Vale Bottlers and property investments. Under her strong management skills and marketing flair, Serafino has been endorsed as a leading wine brand of South Australia in export markets, in addition a tourism destination for its unique offering of an onsite winery, cellar door, accommodation, restaurant and events centre in the hub of McLaren Vale.
Maria’s achievements have been recognised locally and globally; the South Australian Business Ambassador in 2006, nominated for the Telstra Business Woman of the Year in 2010, named the 2012 Molisana Business Woman of the World in Italy and recently awarded the title “ Cavaliere”, Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2018 for her contribution to the Italian community and Women in business.
Maria serves as a volunteer of the Molise Associazione Adelaide SA, member of the McLaren Vale Grape Wine Tourism Association, including Board member 2013 – 2016 and is an advocate for working women & mothers in busines.
Brett Smith
Head Winemaker
Growing up in the stunning McLaren Vale wine region often leads to a career in wine. Brett first studied Sports Science but after completing several vintages in McLaren Vale and abroad (Napa Valley, Sonoma and Mosel Valley), his passion for wine was well and truly cemented. He returned home to study a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Adelaide, graduating as Dux in 2011.
After completing his study Brett spent 5 years as a Winemaker with Treasury Wine Estates, with positions at Penfolds, Lindemans and Coldstream Hills. In 2016 he left to join Peter Lehmann Wines in the Barossa Valley where he held the role of Senior Winemaker, producing wines that consistently received an array of wine show medals and trophies whilst also becoming a regular wine show judge.
Brett could no longer resist the call from home and he and his young family decided to relocate back to McLaren Vale in 2022, taking up a role as Senior Winemaker at Belvidere Winery in Langhorne Creek.
In early 2024, Brett was offered the opportunity to head the very experienced and talented winemaking team at Serafino Wines. He is a huge asset with his extensive knowledge, passion for the McLaren Vale region and relentless pursuit to make world class wines.
The following staff play an integral role in the success of Serafino Wines:
Diana Maglieri, Sales & Marketing Assistant
Andrew Godfrey, Vineyard Manager