Martin commenced his winemaking career at McWilliams wines. Martin quickly rose to become Group Senior Winemaker and during eight years he progressively lifted the quality and style of many of the McWilliams brands. Along the way Cooper was awarded Gourmet Traveller’s WINE medal for young winemaker achievement; was a Wine Society Young Winemaker of the Year finalist and had the privilege to be invited as an inaugural Len Evans Scholar which he rates as his most prized achievement. The inimitable Len Evans was also instrumental in developing Cooper’s formidable wine judging record that has amassed a series of Capital city and Regional wine show appearances, including Royal Perth Wine show which sparked his early interest in the potential of the Great Southern region.