Liz Riley - Viticulturist

Liz is a renowned viticulturist and married to Jerome Scarborough. As well as overseeing the family vineyards, she also provides consultancy to several wineries across the Hunter Valley and New South Wales via her business Vitibit.  A trailblazer in her field that’s for sure! Growing up in Perth, Liz fell into the wine industry by accident. She studied viticulture at Roseworthy Agricultural College where she met Jerome. Drawn to the course, as it allowed her to study and be outside, she soon realised this career suited her down to the ground. After the pair graduated, they travelled Australia with their jobs before settling in the Hunter Valley. Liz says being at Scarborough Wine Co. is like working in the best office ever – the landscape and people make the job like no other. What a spectacular backdrop to work in every day.

In 2021, Liz was awarded the prestigious 2020 Graham Gregory Award recognising her over-30 year contribution to the NSW wine industry. She is the first woman to win the award. Liz was also acknowledged by Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism with the Award for Excellence following her response to the bushfire challenges of 2020. In 2017, Liz was named Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) Viticulturist of the Year. Truly inspiring.  

With her children now living away from home, Callum in New Zealand and Hannah studying in Sydney, Liz now has some time to get out in the garden. Not surprisingly, she has a green thumb and can often be seen posting about her amazing vegetable patch and flowers. Follow her on Instagram and you’ll see what we mean!  

Get to know Liz in this short video. 

Inspired by Liz and her amazing achievements? You may also be interested in reading about Sally Scarborough and her accomplishments. Get to know Sally – READ MORE