Meet the Zema Estate Team

Nick Zema, Director / Founder

Together with his brother Matt and parents Demetrio and Francesca, Nick founded Zema Estate in 1982, helping establish one of Coonawarra’s most respected family-owned wineries.

Nick’s passion, meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in shaping Zema Estate into a recognised name in Australian wine. Having played a key role in more than 44 vintages, he continues to oversee the winery alongside his mother Francesca and nephew Demetrio, ensuring every wine reflects the family’s commitment to quality, consistency and longevity.

Nick Zema can be contacted at friends@zema.com.au.

Demetrio Zema, Director

Demetrio joined Zema Estate in 2016, becoming the third generation of the Zema family to help lead the business. In the same year, he founded Law Squared, an award-winning NewLaw firm with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and London.

Working alongside his uncle Nick and grandmother Francesca – Demetrio is focused on building upon the strong foundations established by previous generations while helping guide the winery into the future. A lifelong wine enthusiast, he brings fresh energy, strategic thinking and a deep appreciation for Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon.

Francesca Zema, Director / Founder

Francesca Zema is one of the founders and heart of Zema Estate. After arriving in Coonawarra from Italy, she married Demetrio Zema in 1959. Together they raised their family while operating a successful painting business and contributing to the local community.

For decades, Francesca and Demetrio shared a dream of owning a vineyard and producing wines under the family name. That dream became reality with the establishment of Zema Estate, creating a legacy that continues through three generations of the Zema family.

Today Francesca can be seen at many Zema Estate events cooking her homemade pizza and pasta sauce.

Lewis White, Winemaker

Lewis White joined Zema Estate following more than a decade in Australian winemaking, most recently serving as Head Winemaker at Rymill Coonawarra.

A highly respected cool-climate winemaker, Lewis holds a Bachelor of Wine Science from Charles Sturt University and has gained experience across Coonawarra, Tasmania, McLaren Vale, the Hunter Valley, the Adelaide Hills and Sussex in the United Kingdom.

His expertise in premium wine production, combined with the Zema family’s continued hands-on involvement in the vineyards and winery, ensures the continuation of Zema Estate’s commitment to producing exceptional Coonawarra wines.

Mark Schulz, Cellar Manager

Mark Schulz has been an integral part of Zema Estate for more than 25 years as Cellar Manager.

Responsible for overseeing winery operations, production, maintenance and warehousing, Mark’s extensive knowledge, practical skills and exceptional attention to detail ensure every aspect of the winery operates efficiently. His dedication and reliability have made him an invaluable member of the Zema Estate team.

Sally McDonald, Marketing Manager

Sally McDonald leads marketing, events and wine club strategy at Zema Estate, with a focus on growing direct-to-consumer sales, strengthening customer engagement and building long-term brand value.

With a background in design and marketing across Adelaide, London and Sydney, including roles with SA Life Magazine, Lidl and Vodafone, Sally brings both creative and commercial expertise to the wine industry. Since joining Zema Estate, she has led initiatives to grow wine club membership, improve digital marketing performance and develop tourism experiences that attract new audiences to Coonawarra.

Sally is an active contributor to the region through her involvement with the Coonawarra Vignerons Cellar Door Events Committee and as co-founder of the annual Woof & Wine Walk. In 2026, she was awarded a scholarship to attend the Art and Science of Sustainable Wine Business and Tourism Executive Business Program through Great Wine Capitals.

Sally McDonald can be contacted at friends@zema.com.au.

Kiana Cabarrubias, Cellar Door

Kiana Cabarrubias can be contacted at cds@zema.com.au.

Georgie Zema, Viticulture + Cellar Door + Administration

As a third-generation member of the Zema family, Georgie has grown up immersed in the vineyards and winery.

Since joining the business after finishing school in 2022, she has developed experience across cellar door, viticulture, sales and marketing, administration and accounts. Working across all areas of the business provides Georgie with a broad understanding of family-owned wine production as she prepares to help lead the next chapter of Zema Estate.

Les Lodewyk, Vineyard Manager

The Zema family’s belief that exceptional wines begin in the vineyard has always been at the heart of the winery’s philosophy.

Every vine is carefully pruned by hand, with canopy management, crop levels and vine health meticulously monitored to achieve the ideal balance of vigour, yield and fruit quality. Minimal irrigation and sustainable vineyard practices ensure the production of premium Coonawarra fruit year after year.

Following decades of vineyard stewardship by Director Nick Zema, Les Lodewyk now leads the vineyard team. Bringing extensive viticultural experience gained across Coonawarra and New Zealand, Les combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of premium cool-climate grape growing. Working closely with the Zema family, he continues the winery’s unwavering commitment to producing exceptional fruit that forms the foundation of every Zema Estate wine.