Gary Mills was born in Western Australia. He completed a Bachelor of Literature before moving to Japan to study and work as an English teacher. Upon returning to Australia, he had an epiphany during a brief stint as a Japanese-speaking tour guide in Queensland and began working in the vineyards of Margaret River.

Gary took this new found passion of wine to California where he originally signed on to a 5 week position at Ridge Vineyards. This turned into two full years at the vineyard where he worked directly under winemaker Paul Draper. Gary later continued his winemaking experience in Oregon and various regions in Australia.