About
Le Vigneron
Behind Le Vigneron -Thomas Lefebvre
Originally from France, Thomas began his career in the wine industry as a grape picker in Languedoc, 1989. He went on to learn pruning, canopy and soil management, vineyard protection, green work and machinery over the decade whilst working in Provence and in the Southern Rhone. Thomas’s early career development in France equipped him with the fundamental knowledge and skills to succeed in Australia once he migrated in 1999.
Thomas’s career progressed through various roles from vintage/winery assistants and assistant vineyard manager roles onto vineyard manager/viticulturist roles. Thomas has worked with many renowned wineries and vineyards in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
In 2011, Thomas shared his expertise through wine production teaching at TAFE. Thomas conlcuded his teaching chapter when he began a chief viticulturist role in the Canberra District, where he continues to successfully implement sustainable practices and convert vineyards to certified organic production.
To date Thomas has pruned over a million and a half grapevines where the winey have grown has won countless trophies, medals and accolades.
“Currently, I work as a consultant viticulturist, providing expert advice and training on sustainable viticulture practices to clients in the Eastern Regions and beyond. With over 35 years of practical experience, I possess a deep understanding of winegrape production and a passion for sustainable practices. I am a firm believer in the idea that great wines are made in the vineyard and it is my conviction that the Eastern Australian ranges offer some of the most unique terroirs in the world.” - Thomas Lefebvre
Vision
Le Vigneron Viticulture Consulting envisions a future where NSW vineyard owners produce exceptional, premium-quality winegrapes through sustainable and organic farming systems that restore soil health and respect the land. Our goal is to build and maintain a network of growers who achieve higher quality whilst maintaining a lower environmental impact. Through transforming underperforming sites into resilient ecosystems that produce wines of distinction one at a time, we will continue shifting the standard of Australian viticulture to its true potential.
Mission
Le Vigneron Viticulture Consulting’s mission is to support vineyard owners that look to produce premium quality wine grapes, whilst respecting their farmland and pursuing sustainable farming systems in symbiosis with their specific environments. We exist to cut through the overwhelming and often contradictory information vineyard growers face by translating complex science into clear, practical techniques that are easy to understand and apply. Drawing on more than thirty years of hands-on experience across the vineyards of France and Australia, we engage directly with growers through observation, education, and collaboration. ‘
We achieve success through in-person vineyard assessments, evaluations, evidence-based and site-specific solutions. Our work spans from the first stages of vineyard establishment to pruning, management, and certification to ensure each grower benefits from our personalised guidance. Our guidance saves time, reduces risk, and increases confidence in every decision affecting vineyards. After decades of learning from countless growers’ experiences, we now create vineyards that are better tuned to their environment, produce grapes that reflect their terroir, and operate under more sustainable and efficient systems.
We are committed to building a more sustainable, climate-ready Australian viticulture industry with an abundance of healthy soils, reduced environmental impacts, and wines that truly express their place of origin. We specifically support vineyards across all of the Eastern New South Wales wine region.