The Career / Wine / Life Balance

My Name is Renee Brown. Passionate wine drinker, Dog Lover, Wife and Mother. In that order. I'm 43 years old from Perth, Western Australia. I am diagnosed with late onset Pompe Disease. I manage a small, dynamic team at a winery in the Swan Valley, Western Australia.


It takes a bit of getting your head around a diagnosis of Pompe disease. It also takes a bit of planning to find your new normal at work. For me this was a priority.

Once I had started treatment and found a bit of energy…I found a work/ rest balance that worked for me. It's hard to find that balance….and I overdo it occasionally (all the time). In Australia I receive treatment of Myozyme via the "Life Saving Drug Program". They should call it the "Life Changing Drug programme". Treatment has meant I can stay working in a job I love.

In 2016 I was nominated and a finalist in the Australian Women in Wine Awards.  Having Pompe disease does not stop me from doing what I love. It slows me down a bit, but I now have a new measure of success.

I can't do what I used to do anymore, I'm more selective with my energy.  I have a very finite amount of energy, and if I'm going to spend that energy on something- it is going to be something that I'm passionate about.

I look forward to the years ahead in my career. I might even be lucky enough for another nomination for the Australian Women in Wine Awards… who knows- next time I might win!

Moving on with Pompe Disease for me means, being here to look after and love the people that love me. Sitting under the pergola with my husband and our dogs…. enjoying a glass or several of wine.