Christie Schulz was born into an Adelaide medical dynasty, her father the fourth generation to practice medicine in South Australia. He was a great believer in the power of knowledge and encouraged her in broadening her education, both academic and practical. He also passionately believed in the medicinal and restorative benefits of good wine – especially when accompanied by good food – a subject on which he placed a particular emphasis when encouraging learning.
Thus Christie was introduced to fine wine, and the machinations of the wine industry, at an early age. It was knowledge which – unlike medicine, which she quickly concluded was definitely not her bent – she would put to good use in later life. She was also introduced to her father’s favourite adage, that “Not failure but low aim is crime”, which she has taken as her motto in life.
Christie’s early schooling was in both the UK and Adelaide. The family spent four years in the UK while her father completed his surgery specialty, and on their return to Adelaide she once again attended the private girls school Wilderness. The school encouraged students to reach their potential both academically and socially, adding to her father’s aims for a broad education and outlook.
Christie continued her studies at the South Australian School of Art, majoring in photography, then pursued a career in professional photography. Specialising in the industrial and advertising areas, she ran her own successful business in Adelaide and the Barossa for many years. She also worked in retail management with companies such as interior decorating firm Laura Ashley and Jag Clothing, and subsequently in wine sales with Seppelts and Yalumba.
In 1990 the Schulz family created Turkey Flat, building a winery and cellar door on their Bethany, Barossa Valley vineyard. As one of the managing partners, Christie brought to Turkey Flat this wide-ranging business management experience and her own creative abilities, incorporating both into all facets of the company’s product development, packaging and marketing.
Christie’s current role is the management of the Turkey Flat label, a hands-on position encompassing all areas of wine production and promotion from the grape to the consumer. She also plays an integral role in the day-to-day management of the Turkey Flat winery and cellar door, and represents the company as one of its international ambassadors at both promotional events and trade level across the globe.
