SPONSORED by Marx Real Estate
Blending Experiences
Andy’s journey from
winemaker
to Real Estate
With deep roots in the Barossa and a career that’s spanned both winemaking and real estate, Andy La Nauze brings a unique blend of passion, expertise, and local insight to everything he does.
As Marx Real Estate celebrates its 10-year milestone, we caught up with Andy to learn more about his journey, from crafting fine wines at Yalumba to helping clients find their perfect piece of the Barossa.
Can you tell us a bit about your background in the wine industry?
I grew up in Nuriootpa, and you could say wine soaked into me osmotically—life among the vineyards just had a way of getting under your skin. Like many of my peers, I couldn’t wait to leave school and head to Adelaide in search of something more exciting.
I initially studied radiography—mostly because it sounded interesting, though I had little idea what it actually involved. After completing my degree and working for a year, I realised my true passion lay in wine, and more specifically, in the Barossa.
I returned to study winemaking at the University of Adelaide, and not long after, found myself back in the Barossa working with Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, Yalumba. I had the privilege of working with the Hill-Smith family for 21 vintages, crafting wine across South Australia’s finest regions.
What made you decide to get into real estate?
My wife Sara has had a long and successful career in real estate here in the Barossa. In 2015, we launched Marx Real Estate together. For many years I worked behind the scenes as a director while continuing my full-time role as a winemaker at Yalumba.
As the business grew, it became clear that it needed more hands-on support to continue thriving—so I made the leap and joined full time. As we are celebrating our 10 year anniversary, it was the perfect opportunity to join the team. It’s been a rewarding transition and an exciting new chapter for us both.
How do you think your wine industry experience helps you in this new role, particularly with vineyard and rural property sales?
Winemaking and real estate may seem worlds apart, but they share a surprising number of transferable skills – problem solving, managing deadlines, working under pressure, communication, and a strong focus on customer service.
My experience in winemaking and viticulture gives me a specialist edge when it comes to marketing and selling vineyard and rural properties. I speak the language of the industry and understand the nuances of viticultural assets, which allows me to connect meaningfully with clients in this niche market.
What do you love most about living and working in the Barossa?
There’s so much to love. It’s a true community – you’re always bumping into familiar faces. The region has a rural charm, yet we’re just an hour from Adelaide.
It’s a fantastic place to raise a family, with affordable housing, excellent schools, plenty of sports and outdoor activities, and a strong aged care network.
Then there’s the wine, the food, the rolling vineyards, and the proximity to the Murray River or the coast—what more could you want?
What kind of properties are you most passionate about selling?
I’m drawn to properties that have clearly been loved and well cared for—often over many years. There’s something special about helping a vendor transition their home to its next custodian, knowing it holds so many memories and meaning.
How would you describe your approach when working with buyers and sellers?
I’ve learned a great deal from watching Sara work so effectively with both vendors and buyers over the years. I aim to mirror her balanced, empathetic, and outcome-focused approach—always striving to understand what people need and how we can help them achieve it.
RURAL & RESIDENTIAL • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
MARX REAL ESTATE
contact
Andy La Nauze
mobile
office
WHERE
75 Murray Street, Angaston
WEB
RLA 274482