George Zaal

George Zaal, Director of the Longfellows Group, first developed an interest in wine in the late 1970s after tasting a Wynn’s Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon made by John Wade. This interest soon turned into a passion and George has since become highly involved in the Australian wine industry as both a grower and wine exporter.

While working at a Victorian Winemakers exhibition in 1994, George met a wine-enthusiastic backpacker from Japan, Shunji Bai. A strong bond quickly developed and over the next year George helped Shunji increase his knowledge of Australian wine. Shunji attended many industry tastings, gained vintage work experience at a Yarra Valley winery, and then travelled through Australia, visiting many wineries across various regions.

After returning to Japan in 1995, Shunji founded a wine importing company, Vai & Co, and Longfellows Wine Export was established to source and assist in the export of selected wines from Australia. Since then Longfellows Wine Export has expanded its international distribution to over 20 countries, sourcing a portfolio of premium wines from more than 40 wineries across Australia and New Zealand.

George is passionate about education, and holds a deep commitment and enthusiasm for increasing the exposure and reputation of Australian wines throughout the world. He graduated with an Associate Diploma in Wine Marketing in 1993 from Adelaide University via Roseworthy College, and lectured in Wine Marketing & Export Procedures from 2003 to 2005.

In 1998 George furthered his involvement in the wine industry by starting up a vineyard in Benalla with his brother, producing Shiraz and Grenache.