Just Because: a wine journey from California to South Australia

Bec Hardy Wines has announced a new winemaker: Bec Swincer. 

Swincer brings with her over two decades of winemaking experience. 

Bec Hardy, the great-great-great granddaughter of Thomas Hardy, known as the ‘Father of South Australian wine’ took the reins from her father Geoff in 2020 to become the owner of Pertaringa, in its 40th year.

In the six months since the transition, she has overhauled the McLaren Vale cellar door, developed a number of new varieties under her eponymous Bec Hardy label, and been chosen by AusTrade as the only South Australian business in its ‘Remarkable Australian Exporter’ showcase.

Bec Swincer has spent time working within leading wineries in Clare Valley, Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills, where she was winemaker for Petaluma. 

She studied Oenology at the University of Adelaide and the University of California, Davis. She is returning to Australia following two years working in California, where she was part of an all-female team at The Prisoner Wine Company. 

“It’s been a rewarding experience working in the US and learning about the different approach to winemaking and progressive techniques that are being introduced there, but it’s great to be able to come back home to Australia and McLaren Vale in particular, with its  welcoming community of passionate winemakers," Swincer said. 

"Having come from an all-female team and as a mother of daughters, its really exciting to be part of a brand that celebrates women pushing forward in the industry. 

"As Pertaringa and Bec Hardy Wines enter a new era, it’s a huge opportunity for me to make my mark and play a part in something really special.

“Joining just before harvest means I’ll be getting stuck in immediately – first up is the pick of the Pertaringa sauvignon blanc. The mild growing season so far is promising fantastic quality for our reds and whites, which is really exciting.”

Bec Hardy said: “We’re a small, family-owned business which gives us the freedom to forge our own future, and we’re so excited to have Bec on board as we put a modern twist on the heritage of Pertaringa, whilst also growing the Bec Hardy brand.  

"As soon as we met, it was clear that Bec understood and shared our vision. It’s great to be in a position to appoint a female winemaker who is at the top of her game and we’ll use her expertise and fresh ideas to build on what we have achieved so far.”

For more details see https://bechardy.com.au/