Stewart Finlay-McLennan

Australian-born Stewart Finlay-McLennan is returning home to share the people, places, and wines that helped shape his lifelong appreciation for Australian wine and culture. A native of Broken Hill, New South Wales, Stewart earned a degree in Art and Drama before launching a successful acting career that spanned more than three decades. He is best known for his starring role as Dr. Neil MacNeill in the CBS television series Christy, and has appeared in numerous feature films and television productions, including National Treasure, The Alamo, Lost, Six Feet Under, and The Last Sin Eater.

Following his acting career, Stewart returned to another lifelong passion—wine. As a small-lot winemaker in Paso Robles, he developed a deep appreciation for artisan winemaking and the independent spirit of boutique producers. In 2011, he co-founded the Garagiste Wine Festival with Doug Minnick, creating the first festival in the United States dedicated exclusively to showcasing ultra-premium, small-production wineries. Today, the Garagiste Wine Festival is nationally recognized for introducing wine lovers to some of California's most exciting emerging winemakers while supporting scholarships for future generations in the wine industry.

For seven years, Stewart also hosted The Garagiste Show, producing more than 350 episodes featuring in-depth conversations with winemakers, vineyard owners, and leading wine industry professionals. Through these interviews, he developed a reputation for engaging storytelling and thoughtful discussions that highlighted the passion, craftsmanship, and personalities behind artisan wine. As part of the Garagiste Wine Festival, Stewart has also moderated educational seminars and panel discussions covering a wide range of wine-related topics, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with thousands of wine lovers.

Returning to his homeland to host this journey through South Australia is especially meaningful for Stewart. Blending his Australian roots with decades of experience in California wine, he looks forward to introducing guests to the remarkable people, places, and wines that have shaped one of the world's most celebrated wine regions.