Bicknell exits Oakridge after 24 1/2 years

David Bicknell, one of Australia's finest and most influential winemakers, has been cut lose by Endeavour Group, owners of Yarra Valley winery Oakridge.

Bicknell, who has headed operations at Oakridge for almost a quarter of a century, announced the split on social media. 

He is a chardonnay maestro and an inspiration to many in the wine industry. 

"Well, that’s it," Bicknell wrote. "After nearly 24 and a half years, my time Oakridge Wines has come to an end.

"It’s been an amazing ride, taking what was broken winery to the top of the industry with an unwavering commitment to quality and plenty of hard graft. Some really good times with some really good people.

"They say you never know you’re going to get boned until you do. And so it is. Thankfully, I leave a highly trained, capable and talented team for the next piece of history. Your support for them would mean a lot to me."

Bicknell was Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year (2017), is a past Dux of the Len Evans Tutorial (2005) and co-founder of the Victorian Pinot Noir Workshop (2002).

He is a senior wine show judge with 20 years of experience across both regional, capital city shows and was the Chairman of Judges for the National Wine show of Australia from 2019 to 2023.

After completing winemaking studies at Roseworthy College in 1993, Bicknell joined De Bortoli Wines in the Yarra.

After a 10-year tenure, which included added winemaking stints in Burgundy (Louis Latour), Alsace (Paul Blanck) and Beaujolais (Chateau Bluizard), he took over at Oakridge Wines in 2002, establishing the producer among Australia's best.

Oakridge was named the number one winery in Australia by both the Halliday Wine Companion and  Real Review in 2023.

He and partner Nicky Harris have operated side project Bicknell FC since 2011.

Ch-Ch-Changes work out well for Oakridge Wines

 

Wine lovers are often concerned when one of their favourite producers is sold. 

More so when an independent winery is snapped up by a business conglomerate. 

What will change? Will corporate toe-cutters strike?  

There were certainly fears for the future direction of Yarra Valley icon Oakridge Estate when, at the start of the year, it was sold to Endeavour Drinks which was then part of Woolworths.

Endeavour has since demerged from Woolworths, prompting further questions. 

Winemaker David Bicknell (above) describes it as "a tumultuous year" - but reports all is well aboard the good ship Oakridge. 

"Importantly, the more things have changed, the more they have remained the same," Bicknell says in a media release. 

"We have been granted the autonomy and given the backing to get on with making Oakridge what it should always have been - wine focused and appropriately resourced. 

"Winemaking technique is unchanged, the team is intact and the will and spirit to make good wines are stronger than ever." 

For details see www.oakridgewines.com.au