Cyndal Petty: WA's Wine Expert Blends Travel Tales with Terroir
At just 30 years old, Cyndal Petty has carved out a unique niche as one of Western Australia's most refreshing voices in the wine industry. Based in Busselton, this former chef-turned-sommelier combines a rockstar attitude with a deep passion for storytelling through wine, making her a relatable figure for modern audiences.
From Melbourne Kitchens to Global Vineyards
Growing up in Melbourne with two chef parents, Cyndal's path to hospitality seemed almost predestined. "When I was seven, I asked for oysters for my birthday. When I was 11, I asked to go to a Hatted restaurant," she recalls with a grin. Her culinary journey began with a chef's apprenticeship at 15, but it was watching sommeliers from the kitchen that truly captured her imagination.
"They always had this air about them. It was like they were in on a secret no one else knew," Cyndal explains. As soon as she turned 18, she immersed herself in study, tasting, and travel, eventually landing in WA in 2019 where she would become a group sommelier for seven venues before establishing herself as an independent wine communicator and consultant.
The Philosophy of Place and Taste
For Cyndal, wine represents far more than just a beverage—it's a cultural artifact that tells the story of its origin. "I always say the soul of a region is in the wine. It's a sensory snapshot; it's storytelling," she emphasizes. This belief informs her approach whether she's hosting tastings in Western Australia's South West or exploring vineyards abroad.
Her travels have taken her to some of the world's most fascinating wine regions, including Georgia, which she describes as the birthplace of wine. "They coat their terracotta pots with wax from the region, so there is a honey character to the wine," she notes, illustrating how local traditions shape flavor profiles.
Mediterranean Adventures and Personal Milestones
During a recent European trip, Cyndal deliberately bypassed well-known wine regions to explore Mediterranean islands. Crete proved particularly memorable with its ancient varieties and affordable house wines. "They were €5 a glass and I will never forget them—the memory of being on the southern coast of Crete with this fresh, delicious, saline-style wine," she reminisces.
Malta held special significance as the homeland of her family. A visit there became unforgettable when her partner Chris proposed at waterfront restaurant Terrone in Birgu. "I had an inkling when he said I could buy whatever wine I wanted on the list," Cyndal laughs, recalling how she selected an expensive 2009 Pol Roger rosé Champagne without hesitation.
Unexpected Wine Destinations and Future Explorations
Beyond traditional wine countries, Cyndal has discovered vibrant scenes in unexpected places. "Mexico has a pretty interesting culture around wine, and the natural wine scene in Japan is sick," she reports enthusiastically. She particularly notes Japan's innovative approach where wine intersects with fashion and art.
Looking ahead, China sits at the top of her travel bucket list as another surprising wine destination worth exploring. Despite having the world at her fingertips, Cyndal remains committed to her home in Western Australia's South West, drawn by its unique combination of rugged beauty and sophisticated dining.
Making Wine Accessible Through Relatable Communication
What sets Cyndal apart is her ability to demystify wine without diluting its complexity. "People might look at the wine list and say 'I don't know what this says', and I'd find a way to speak to them in a way that was non-threatening and educational," she explains. Her approach focuses on storytelling rather than technical jargon, helping people connect emotionally with what they're drinking.
This philosophy extends to her personal brand, which she describes as having a strict "no dickheads" policy and a signature style featuring cowboy boots, red lipstick, and hoop earrings. "I will stick to that and you will never change that about me," she declares with characteristic confidence.
Practical Tips for Wine Travelers
For those looking to enhance their wine experiences while traveling, Cyndal offers three practical suggestions:
- Drink the house wine: "It immediately gives you a snapshot of the region. Every now and then, you don't get a good one—but that's part of the journey of wine."
- Chat to the sommelier: "Most likely, that person will be so excited to tell you about it. People in wine are like walking textbooks."
- Be conscious while drinking: "Really take in what you're consuming, rather than just gulping it down, and think about how it tastes and how it makes you feel."
Through her unique blend of expertise, authenticity, and adventurous spirit, Cyndal Petty continues to reshape how Australians think about and experience wine—one glass, and one travel story, at a time.
