About us – Who we are
VINTESSENTIAL TEST KITS – Helping winemakers for over 20 years
Vintessential test kits were first developed in the early 2000s to serve a market need for more accurate analysis. Vintessential has an established history of providing advanced analysis and expertise to the wine industry dating back even further. The Vintessential group are a dedicated community of wine scientists with expertise in various fields including microbiology, biochemistry, oenology, molecular biology, and chemistry. The team is passionate about advancing the science behind wine production and ensuring the highest quality standards. The primary objective is to provide exceptional knowledge and insights backed by scientific research. At Vintessential, we believe in the power of numbers and data, which enable us to deliver accurate and meaningful context to our clients. Our aim is to assist winemakers and industry professionals in making informed decisions that positively impact the quality and characteristics of their wines.
Vintessential launched into the distribution of autoanalysers and now Absorbance one, tailoring needs to small medium and large enterprises who wish to easily access absolute, commercial laboratory grade analysis anywhere, anytime.
MADE FOR WINE SCIENTISTS BY WINE SCIENTISTS
Vintessential kits are manufactured in Australia by the Winechek group. Vintessential test kits are ready-prepared specifically for the analysis of wine using a spectrophotometer or automatic enzyme analyser. With the Winechek customer support and expertise, you’ll discover how to use these kits with confidence, ease and economy.
MADE SPECIFICALLY FOR WINE
Vintessential test kits are calibrated exclusively for wine testing and validated the results across the range on red, white, rosé, sparkling and fortified wines.
Dr Alana Seabrook
International sales
Dr Alana Seabrook has worked in the wine industry for over 20 years in winemaking, wine research and application, wine microbiology, diagnostics and laboratory. After completing a degree in Viticulture and Oenology through the university of Verona, Italy, she completed a PhD in wine microbiology at the University of Adelaide and went on to work in industry in various production-based roles. Alana was employed as the technical manager for Laffort Australia from 2017 to 2022 at which point she moved into the Winechek laboratory group from January 2022.
Dr Seabrook completed an MBA through the University of Adelaide in 2023 whereby her masters project looked at Innovation systems in the wine industry – Strengthening the relationship between industry bodies and research entities. In her role at Winechek, she operates from the Barossa Valley and works alongside a national team of wine scientists who specialise in microbiology, biochemistry, oenology, molecular biology, and chemistry. They support wineries throughout Australia by providing analytical data and optimizing their processes. Alana is an active member in the ASVO and is both regional SA ASVO director and nominated ASVO/AWITC director. You will find her in the lab, looking under a microscope and is experienced in troubleshooting any analytical or process challenges that come along.
Dr Victoria Hughes
R&D/Production Manager Vintessential test kits
Victoria was born and raised in Wales in UK where she competed both undergraduate and post Graduate studies in Chemistry at the University of Wales, Swansea.
She made the move to Australia in 2008 and after 10 years in postdoctoral research positions in analytical and instrumental biochemistry, Victoria relocated to the Yarra Valley to open the regions first independent wine analysis laboratory. Now, in its 4th year of operation the lab is growing and expanding and Victoria is using her background in biochemistry and molecular biology to expand and improve the chemical and microbiological processes available. When she isn’t at the lab you will find her playing AFL with her local team (Go cougars) or at the beach.