Karen and Rob Gough, Owner and Sommelier at Settlers Tavern
In 2003 Rob and Karen sea changed from San Francisco to Margaret River Western Australia where they have been operating Settlers Tavern ever since.
One serendipitous day in 1993 California wine dude, Rob Gough, met his Aussie wife to be, Karen, when she spotted him wearing a Cloudy Bay tee shirt in a San Francisco Mexican restaurant.
Rob gained sommelier certification in 1992 whilst at Square One Restaurant where he had the privilege to work with two influential Master Sommeliers, Evan Goldstein and Peter Granoff. In 1993, Rob became Beverage Director for Jeremiah Tower’s Stars Restaurant overseeing three restaurants, including Stars Oakville in Napa Valley. From 1996 to 2000 Rob gained valuable wholesale experience as San Francisco Sales Manager and Fine Wine Manager for two major distributors. From 2000 to 2003 Rob was Western U.S. Sales Director for Napa based Aussie Importer Old Bridge Cellars, representing Leeuwin Estate, Cullen, d’Arenberg, Penley, Jasper Hill, Bass Phillip, Mount Mary and Yarra Yering.
In 2003 Rob and Karen sea changed from San Francisco to Margaret River Western Australia where they have been operating Settlers Tavern ever since. Today, Settlers serves up to 1000 meals per day, has over 400 wines on the list and stages 250 live bands each year.
Under Karen and Rob’s direction Settlers Tavern has received many accolades including entry into the Gourmet Traveller Wine List Hall of Fame, Australia’s Best Live Music Venue, Restaurant & Catering’s Bistro & Tourism Awards, Margaret River Business of the Year, The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Community Service Awards and many more.
