Zema Estate unveils new winemaker

Coonawarra standout Zema Estate has named just the fourth winemaker in its 44-year history. 

Lewis White joins the family-owned producer from Rymill Coonawarra. 

White is described as "reinforcing its long-standing commitment to regional knowledge, continuity, and hands-on family involvement".

Since releasing its first vintage in 1982, Zema Estate has worked with just four winemakers - Tom Simons, Greg Clayfield, Joe Cory, and now White - all of whom have lived and worked locally. 

Lewis has more than a decade in Australian winemaking, most recently as head winemaker at Rymill Coonawarra, a role he had held since 2020.

He has a Bachelor of Wine Science degree from Charles Sturt University and has worked across Coonawarra, Tasmania, McLaren Vale, the Hunter Valley, the Adelaide Hills, and internationally in the UK. 

Lewis said he was drawn to Zema Estate’s clear sense of identity and long-term approach.

“Zema Estate has a strong reputation in Coonawarra, and I’ve always respected the quality and consistency of the wines,” he said. “It’s an exciting opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the 2026 vintage in a few months.”

Nick Zema (pictured with White) said the decision reflected the winery’s long-held belief in nurturing local expertise and maintaining strong ties to the region.

“In 44 years, Zema Estate has had just four winemakers, following the first 18 years of our family making the wines ourselves,” Nick said. “Each winemaker has been a local, deeply connected to Coonawarra."