Sevenhill Cellars in the Clare Valley has only had nine previous winemakers over its 175-year history.
Ben Marx, appointed this week as chief winemaker, is the 10th.
The Australian Province of the Society of Jesus - The Jesuits - and the board of Sevenhill Cellars made the announcement as the winery celebrated 175 years of continuous operation.
Marx is described as "a widely experienced and highly awarded winemaker and grape grower".
He joins Sevenhill after winemaking roles at Knappstein and Jim Barry Wines and brings what Sevenhill says is "a deep understanding of Clare’s viticultural landscape, a firm grounding in its traditions and a clear vision for its stylistic evolution".
Founded in 1851, Sevenhill is the Clare Valley’s foundation winery and for its first 150 years winemaking was conducted by Jesuits. Marx becomes only the third non-Jesuit winemaker in 175 years, following Liz Heidenreich and Will Shields.
In addition to its award-winning contemporary wines, Sevenhill is the leading producer of sacramental wines in the Asia-Pacific region.
“After seven years at Jim Barry’s I am more than excited to join the team at Sevenhill Cellars - a new challenge, a fruit resource second to none and a team committed to not only be around for another 175 years but also to make wine of global benchmark quality," Marx said.
"With some major developments happening over the next few years and the commitment of the Jesuits, I can’t wait to get started.”
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