Changing of the guard at Jim Barry Wines

The next generation has taken control at leading Clare Valley wine producer Jim Barry Wines. 

The business has announced a succession plan that sees the third generation of the Barry family take over the reins of the business.

After more than 40 years at the helm, Peter Barry will step down as managing directot Managing and hand over the leadership to his sons, Tom and Sam. 

Both have been heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the business for the past 15 years,
serving as director of winemaking and director of sales, respectively.

Founded by Jim and Nancy Barry in 1959, Jim Barry Wines is one of the Clare Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries. 

Peter Barry, who joined the business in 1977 and became managing director in 1985, has been the driving force behind Jim Barry Wines’ national and
international success.

“I have enjoyed being focused on a goal of making wines that are respected nationally and internationally and enhancing the reputation of the world-class
winemaking area, which I am fortunate enough to call home,” Peter Barry said.

"We’ve never been in the business of standing still. My job, with the wise assistance of my wife Sue, was to build on what Mum and Dad started, and now it’s time for the next generation to do the same.

“Tom and Sam have worked incredibly hard over the past 15 years, learning all facets of the business, and I
couldn’t be prouder and more pleased to pass the baton to them.

“Tom and Sam will take on the joint managing director role, supported by a strong leadership team they’ve helped shape over the past five years. They will also
continue to lead their respective areas in winemaking and global sales, bringing their energy, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the family’s vineyards
to the forefront of the business.”

The new leadership will also be supported by sister Olivia Barry, who continues as Brand Ambassador, and Olivia Hoffmann-Barry (Tom’s wife), who leads the
company’s marketing efforts as  director of marketing. 

New guard with good genes on deck at De Bortoli Yarra Valley

There is a new generation of winemakers coming though at De Bortoli Yarra Valley, learning their trade from maestro Steve Webber.

 
Do Bortoli has lost both long-time winemaker Sarah Fagan (now at TarraWarra) and Jono Thompson, who is leaving to head to Argentina.

Kate Webber. daughter of Webber and Leanne de Bortoli, has joined the senior team along with young winemaker Jai Harrop; who is the son of Matt Harrop (Curly Flat/Silentway and formerly Shadowfax) and Tamara Grischy (general manager at fine wine auction house Langtons).
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"Our daughter Kate and Jai, under the watchful gaze of Steve, will look after the Yarra winemaking," Leanne de Bortoli says.

"Kate graduated in Science (immunology) and has worked in all aspects of wine and done vintages in California, France and with Mac Forbes here in the Yarra.

"We joke that Jai has never tried a bad bottle of wine in his life. He graduated in Oenology last year and has done vintages at Brokenwood, Shaw + Smith, Shadowfax and in Central Otago.

"We are super-excited about their passion for wine, the new ideas they bring and their eye for detail. It is great to see the next generation of winemakers coming through."

Change is also afoot at De Bortoli home base in the Riverina, where the long-time maker of the iconic Noble One, Julie Mortlock, is about to retire.

The mantle of Noble One creator will be passed to another senior winemakers John Coughlan, who has been involved with Noble One in the past.

Image: Father and daughter team Steve and Kate Webber