Meet a new name on the Yarra Valley wine scene: e'Stellar

There is a new name in the Yarra Valley wine firmament.  

e’Stellar is owned by members of one of Australia’s highest-profile wine families but will operate independently. 

Joe and Cathy Casella, of the Australian winemaking empire Casella Family Brands, began their Yarra journey in 2017 when they purchased Graeme Miller’s historic Dixons Creek site. 

In 2025, they added the neighboring Mandala vineyards, unifying the two properties into a single 40-hectare project named e’Stellar Estate. 

It is a stand alone personal project for the couple, managed completely separately from the corporate Casella Family Brands portfolio. 

The project builds on the legacy of the Henkell family, who first planted the celebrated Mandala site in 1980, and the neighbouring Dixons Creek Estate established by Jimmy Watson Trophy winner Graeme Miller. 

Steering the project is winemaker and GM Martin Siebert, whose background includes vintage work in Burgundy and two decades at top-tier Yarra Valley producers Yarra Yering, Coldstream Hills, and Tokar Estate. 

Siebert found a 15-year-old museum sparkling base, resting on lees, in storage, from the original Graeme Miller days, which has been disgorged and released as the limited e’Stellar Legacy Sparkling ($60). 

While reviewing old records, Siebert unearthed invoices indicating half of that parcel of sparkling wine was quietly resting on lees at the contract facility. Upon requesting a sample bottle to be disgorged for evaluation, Siebert and the team realized they were sitting on a vinous treasure,

There are 11 wines included in the first release, divided across two core tiers ($32 and $45): the e’ Range ($32): chardonnay, pinot noir, rosé, and cabernet syrah and e’Stellar Range ($45): chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, blanc de blancs, and sparkling rosé NV. 

A new cellar door by Q+Co Design Studio is currently under construction for a launch in the coming months, the estate's commercial footprint is already anchored by the property's existing dining establishment: DiVino Ristorante.

Operating under the new e’Stellar banner, the Italian pavilion has called this site home for seven years and welcomes guests from Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and Friday and Saturday evenings for dinner.

The debut 2025 e’Stellar Estate wines are now available online, before the cellar door experiences open to the public in the coming months.

More info at https://www.estellarestate.com.au/.

Mornington Peninsula wine pioneer remembered

The Mornington Peninsula wine community is this week mourning the death of pioneering winemaker and industry leader Nat White, who passed away peacefully after a long battle with illness.

Together with his wife Rosalie (with whom he is pictured above), White established Main Ridge Estate in 1975, helping lay the foundations for what would become one of Australia's most respected cool-climate wine regions.

A founding member of the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association and creator of the region's first licensed winery, he was known not only for his winemaking skill but also for his generosity, mentorship and willingness to support others.

Over five decades, White helped guide countless vineyard owners and winemakers, sharing knowledge freely and helping establish the collaborative culture for which the Mornington Peninsula wine community is known today.

Richard McIntyre of Moorooduc Estate recalled seeking Nat's help when preparing to make his first wines.

"I said, 'I have no idea how to make wine.' Nat said, 'I will hold your hand.' He did for many years."

Garry Crittenden of Crittenden Wines described Nat as the region's "acknowledged technical leader and founding father".

"Whenever I had a problem, I went straight to Nat - problem solved."

Martin Spedding of Ten Minutes By Tractor described Nat as "a giant in the story and development of Mornington Peninsula wine" and credited him with helping create the remarkable collegiate spirit that remains a defining characteristic of the region.

Nat White was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2017 for significant service to the Australian wine industry.

He is survived by Rosalie, their children Dominic and Annalise, and their families.

A private cremation will be held, with a celebration of Nat's life to be announced at a later date.

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." 

Pick the brains of one of Australia's leading winemakers

One of the most experienced winemakers in Australia is now available as a consultant.

Few folk know more about the wine industry than Kevin Glastonbury, who spent almost 27 years with Yalumba, including as chief red winemaker.

"I’m excited to announce a new chapter in my wine making journey," Glastonbury said recently on LinkedIn. "I'm open to freelance opportunities as a wine consultant at Blanche Box.

Glastonbury was custodian of Yalumba’s Rare & Fine reds for 27 vintages, shaping some of Australia’s most celebrated wines.

Over his career, the wines under hiscare have received 70+ trophies. Think labels like The Octavius, The Signature and The Caley.

Glastonbury has also been a respected wine judge across multiple Australian wine shows and former chair of the Barossa Wine Show committee.

"With deep experience in grenache, shiraz, cabernet and premium red blending, I’m now available for consultancy services, offering expertise in winemaking, tasting bench, oak regimes and brand-building," he says.

Also in his kitbag are masterclasses, marketing and mentoring.

KG, as he is known, is not only a terrific winemaker, but also a lovely man.

Done and dusted: all change in the Hunter Valley

There has been a changing of the guard in the Hunter Valley with Bimbadgen Estate chief winemaker Richard Done (above) resigning to concentrate on his own brand: John Wallace Wines.

Done, who learned his trade at Hunter icons Scarborough and Thomas Wines, has been chief winemaker and head of production, sales and distribution at Bimbadgen and Night Merchant Distillery for almost eight years.

John Wallace Wines has its own cellar door in Pokolbin.   

"I will be going full steam ahead with my side hustle now to be the big hustle," Done said.

"I will also be offering consulting for any wine or spirits brands that need the extra love."

Done's replacement at Bimbidgen will be familiar Hunter face Michael Hatcher,

Hatcher was the long-time general manager and winemaker at another leading Hunter producer, Hungerford Hill, when it was very high profile.

He was most recently manager and winemaker at Bunnamagoo in Mudgee.

Bimbadgen, in a prime location in Pokolbin, is one of the leading wine producers in the Hunter. 

The estate comprises two vineyards, a popular cellar door, award-winning Esca Bimbadgen restaurant, a café, an an outdoor amphitheatre. The estate hosts A Day On The Green concerts each year.

LeMire takes the reins at Balnaves of Coonawarra

The Balnaves family has named Maddie LeMire as the new winemaker at Balnaves of Coonawarra, and she joins the team just in time for the 2025 vintage.

LeMire will work with consultant, and former chief winemaker Pete Bissell, along with Doug, Kirsty and Pete Balnaves.

LeMire is the daughter of David LeMire MW (Shaw+Smith, La Linea, MADD) and has honed her skills in regions including Burgundy, Pomerol in Bordeaux, the Hunter Valley and McLaren Vale, where she was assistant winemaker at Bekkers Wines. 

She has done vintages at producers including Brokenwood, Shaw+Smith and Yangarra and has completed a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Adelaide.

“I’m delighted to join Balnaves of Coonawarra, an icon of the Australian wine industry," siad. "I’m honoured to have this opportunity.”

The Balnaves family said it was excited by the number and quality of applications for the winemaker position.

“Maddie’s enthusiasm and passion for the wine industry is a perfect match for Balnaves, on our unwavering quest to produce outstanding wines from the famous Coonawarra region,” the family said in a statement.

“We are thrilled to have Maddie as part of the Balnaves of Coonawarra team, heralding a great start to 2025. It’s an exciting time for our family wine company and everyone who loves Balnaves wines.”

Established in 1975 by Doug and Annette Balnaves, Balnaves of Coonawarra remains a family-owned wine company in the heart of the famous Coonawarra wine region, in South Australia’s Limestone Coast. The brand will this year be celebrating 50 years.

Balnaves of Coonawarra specialises in premium cabernet sauvignon from four vineyard sites in the region.

LeMire replaces Jacinta Jenkins, who recently left Balnaves to work for the new winery established by Georges Thienpont in the Adelaide Hills.

How to avoid making a fool of yourself at cellar door

Winemaker David Lloyd tells it like it is. 

He recently posted on LinkedIn a notice that he used to have displayed when he owned and operated Eldridge Estate on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. 

Lloyd is now semi-retired in Tasmania, making small batches of the Odd Couple pinot noir in partnership with Michael Twelftree, but his words remain as relevant as ever. 

As someone who occasionally helps out at a cellar door, I can assure you that if you follow this guide you will have a much better tasting experience. 

Open your eyes, perhaps, to styles that you think you don't like. And make friends with the person pouring.    

But, most important of all, just don't be a dick.   

Rising star winemaker gets new gig

Rising winemaking star Nicole Brasier has been appointed senior winemaker at historic Langhorne Creek producer Bleasdale.

Brasier, who joins after two years working for Accolade Wines at Tintara in McLaren Vale, will be working with winemaker Sam Rowlands (the pair is pictured above) as Bleasdale undergoes a changing of the guard.

There has been recent turnover at Bleasdale with Paul Hotker exiting earlier this year to work as a consultant, and Matt Laube stepping down to work on other projects. Laube will work with Brasier over the changeover. 

Brasier has over 10 years of experience and a degree in winemaking and viticulture.

She has worked with premium fruit from regions including the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, the Hunter Valley, Tumbarumba, Margaret River, Tasmania and Coonawarra inclding stints at Fourth Wave Wines and at Margan Wines.

Brasier has been a judge on the show circuit and recently completed the coveted Len Evans Tutorial.

Sustainability in the wine industry is also one of her passions.

She will be working closely with Bleasdale’s viticulturist and grower liaison officer, Sarah Keough, the Nuffield Australia 2020 Scholarship winner, who is actively involved in the EcoVineyards projects.

It has been a busy time at Bleasdale with wine industry veteran Iain Riggs AM last week named as the new Chair.   

New role for wine industry veteran Riggs

A life in wine has come full circle for wine industry veteran Iain Riggs AM. 

A towering figure in the wine business for half a century, Riggs has just taken a key role at historic winery Bleasdale, where his wine career began. 

Riggs, known for his almost four decades at Hunter Valley standout Brokenwood, began his life in wine at Langhorne Creek producer Bleasdale in 1973 - and began working there full-time in 1975 after graduating from Roseworthy Agricultural College.

After a stint in McLaren Vale he moved to the Hunter Valley in 1982. 

"I am very humbled to join the Bleasdale board and take on the role of Chair," Riggs said. "I will be working with a great team led by [general manager]Leigh Warren."

Riggs succeeds Robert Edwards, who completed a decade as the chair of the Bleasdale board.

"I have big shoes to fill; thank you Robert for your stewardship over the last 10 years," Riggs said.

"It is by no accident that Bleasdale is continually recognised as one of the best wineries in Australia. It is because of the people that work here and those that have provided their wisdom and support to us over the years."

Bleasdale issued a statement saying: "Iain has gone on to do some amazing things in the wine industry as many would be aware, and we are so very fortunate to have him at the helm of our board."

Rousing send-off for quiet achiever

Pioneering winemaker Julie Mortlock has been given a rousing send off. 

Mortlock has just retired after 35 years with the De Bortoli family at Bilbul in the Riverina, and has been in charge of making Australia's premier dessert wine, Noble One, for many years. 

The De Bortoli team described the departure of their senior executive winemaker as a "a sad but very special day". 

"After 35 years Julie has made the decision to retire and leaves behind a wonderful legacy that the De Bortoli family is so very proud of," the company said.

"She will forever be known as a wonderful role model for women in wine, a multiple award winner, and a humble and hard-working employee of De Bortoli Wines."

Last Friday night Mortlock was honoured with the 'Riverina Legend Award' at the Rivernina Winemakers Wine Show Awards. 

Mortlock grew up on a dairy farm and had ambitions to be a chef. Instead her passion for science kicked in and for the next 10 years she became a self-confessed “dairy lab rat”, a qualified tester of cream and milk.

She later became a lab assistant in the quality control labs at De Bortoli.

Mortlock later started working as a winemaker’s assistant (“doing the jobs they didn’t want to do,” she says) and began studying, firstly for a Bachelor degree in Wine Science and then another in Wine Business, both from Charles Sturt University.

Mortlock began looking after all the white wines produced at Bilbul, then moved onto the reds and fortified wines. 

Valentine takes reins at Seville Estate

Global traveller Dom Valentine is the new winemaker at Seville Estate in the Yarra Valley. 

Valentine, who also has his own small-batch wine label in the Yarra, has been named to take over from departing GM and winemaker Dylan McMahon.

Valentine has worked at Giant Steps, Innocent Bystander and Oakridge in the Yarra, as well as operating Valentine Wines. 

He has also worked at Leeuwin Estate and Xanadu Wines in Margaret River, as well as holding roles in in South Africa, France and Germany. 

He studied at Adelaide University before working in the Rheingau region in Germany and Alsace in France.

Established in 1972 by Dr Peter and Margaret McMahon, Seville Estate has had several owners before being purchased by Chinese-born Australian citizen Yiping Wang in 2017. 

Previous winemaker McMahon was the grandson of the founder.  

He said on Instagram: "It has been an amazing journey and one that has shaped me personally and professionally. I have had the fortune of working with many great people over the years who have taught me so much. I am grateful for those opportunities and memories. It has been an honour to have worked with this great estate and continue my grandfather's legacy. Seville Estate will always be with me. I wish it all the very best for its future."

Napa Valley wine legend dies at 95

Warren Winiarski, one of the key figures in developing the Napa Valley wine industry, has died at the age 95.

Winiarski founded industry leader Stag's Leap Wine Cellars but was also a key figure in the wine business community in the region, Wine Spectator reported.

Winiarski, who also owned Arcadia Cellars, was born in 1928 in Chicago, and was an academic track before he spent time studying in Italy and was inspired to enter the wine industry.

He was the first head winemaker for Robert Mondavi's eponymous winery in 1966 when Michael Mondavi was doing military service. 

Winiarski purchased a fruit orchard and ranch in the Napa Valley in 1970 and began planting cabernet sauvignon and merlot. He made wine from those plantings, along with some existing petite sirah (durif), and released the first Stag's Leap Wine Cellars label wine in 1972.

Stag's Leap was quickly recognised among the upper echelons of California wines, winning the historic Judgment of Paris blind tasting in 1976 with his 1973 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon. That tasting saw top wines from France and California compared against each other. 

In 2012, a bottle of that wine was received into the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. permanent museum collection. 

In 2007, after 37 years in charge, Winiarski went into partnership with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Marchesi Antinori, but remained involved.

Winiarski oversaw the Winiarski Family Foundation, which supports educational and charitable causes.

New release a tribute to winemaker's Mum

Experienced winemaker Ben Riggs usually makes wines for his Mr Riggs label that suit his own palate.

For one recent release he's made an exception, however, eschewing his beloved McLaren Vale to make an impressive Adelaide Hills pinot noir for one special person: his mother.

The $35 Mr Riggs Valerie Pinot Noir honours his mother Valerie, the Matriarch of the Riggs family, pictured above.

The name Valerie is of French origin meaning ‘strong, brave, valiant’.

"My mother is over 90 years old and still going strong," says Riggs. "She sees the positive in most things in life, has perhaps kept her youthful."

With over four decades of winemaking experience, the former Wirra Wirra chief winemaker started his own label in 2001 and has a reputation for bold, flavoursome reds.  

 

The 2023 Pinot Noir (above) is part of the Mr Riggs Regional Series and is made from fruit grown on a Woodside vineyard: a cool-climate site planted on heavy clay.

Due to the cooler vintage, the fruit was picked in late April, in the early hours of the morning to help maintain natural acidity. The grapes were crushed directly into open fermenters, with 15% kept as whole bunch to add texture and complexity as well as a little bit of tannin weight.

Pair it with roast chicken or a ripe, soft French cheese, where something a little magical happens.

It is bright, aromatic and very food friendly. I liked it a lot. 

$35. https://mrriggs.com.au/ 

Major changes to the Briar Ridge wine experience

 

Hunter Valley wine producer Briar Ridge Vineyard has announced a trifecta of new developments for winter 2024.

They include the introduction of a Mystery Vineyard Tour, the enhancement of their family and dog-friendly amenities, and the opening of a new restaurant offering at the cellar door in Mount View. 

The Mystery Vineyard Tour is billed as "a blend of adventure and sophistication" that reveals secrets behind the 50-year-old Mount View vineyard.

Guests can sip on vintage as they explore the vineyards with a dedicated host and then savour some of the Hunter's best with a curated wine tasting in a mystery location within the winery grounds. This is complemented by a cheese and charcuterie plater featuring local and imported delicacies. 

Meanwhile, Estancia Osteria, the new restaurant offering, opened last month, inspired by the rustic charm of estancias in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. 

The blub says it will "offer diners a culinary voyage through the heart of Italy, the Mediterranean Sea and South America", led by executive chefs Gabriel Rodrigues and James Orlowski. 

Fire to Table cuisine will showcase fresh and seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers, including succulent cuts of meat cooked over embers. 

Both the Briar Ridge cellar door and adjacent wine garden are family- and pet-friendly with complimentary colouring kits to entertain the little ones, children's snacks and a supervised grassed garden with toys and yard games. 

Furry friends can enjoy Pooch Platters featuring dog treats, a A Pooch Hydration Station for a quick hydration and the possibility for well-behaved woofers to join their humans at their tasting table.

 Briar Ridge recently welcomed new winemaker  Andrew Duff (above), who succeeded long-serving winemaker Alex Beckett. 

“I have some big shoes to fill and I’m honestly revelling in the opportunity to make wine off such a significantly important vineyard for the Hunter,” he says. 

“I’m especially eager to be playing with some interesting grape varietals, such as the fiano and albariño."

For more info see www.briarridge.com.au/

New-look Stonier snaps up talented Grounds

Stonier Wines on the Mornington Peninsula has claimed a coup with the appointment of Julian Grounds as technical director to oversee the winery and vineyard under its new ownership.

West Australian-born Grounds, who will have equity in the business, has spent the last five vintages at leading New Zealand producer Craggy Range, where he was chief winemaker. He has been keen to return to Australia. 

Well-credentialed Grounds has had stints in Burgundy, Margaret River, Central Otago and Oregon and was senior winemaker at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley, before returning to Margaret River to join McHenry Hohnen as chief winemaker in early 2017.

Later that year, he was named Dux of the Len Evans Tutorial, before heading to Hawke's Bay.

Circe Wines, owned by three families, acquired Stonier from Accolade Wines in the middle of last year. Former chief winemaker Justin Purser will pursue his own project in Beechworth and work as a consultant.  

Co-owner Aaron Drummond - who worked with Grounds at Craggy Range - also reports a new look to the Stonier cellar door, with a new fireplace and new seating. Outside there are now heaters and wind-proof blinds.

Also new is a providore fridge "with the best local cheese, breads and charcuterie".

Millers delivers fresh bread every weekend, but and will also be making focaccias to match the wines.

Drummond reports: "In the vineyard, our organic farming roll out is going really well and already the vineyard is looking visibly healthier.

"As part of this organic regime we are now turning the soil undervine rather than spraying chemicals to kill weeds. We are big believers that great wine is grown in the vineyard, and with all of the work we are doing on soil health, I really feel this will translate nicely in the coming vintages."

Rising Hunter Valley star takes on project in Victoria

Alex Beckett, one of the rising stars of the Hunter Valley wine industry, is heading for Victoria.

Beckett (above) has been appointed winemaker at Marnong Estate in the Sunbury wine region, just up the road from Melbourne Airport.

He has been making some outstanding wines at Briar Ridge, but was enticed south by the Marnong Estate challenge.

"I got approached for a new role at Marnong Estate," he told GOTR this morning. "They have lofty goals of high-end chardonnay and pinot noir in Sunbury as well as sangiovese and nebbiolo.

"They are keen to work with me in regenerative farming and sustainable operations - a very exciting move for me. I had seven years of rewarding challenges at Briar Ridge surrounded by great people and lifelong friends."

Beckett will oversee new plantings at Marnong Estate - which is in the same region as Craiglee and Goona Warra - as well as the completion of a new high-tech on-site winery in time for the 2024 vintage. 

Marnong wines have recently been made off site by consultant winemaker Sandrine Gimon. 

Historic Marnong Estate dates back almost 200 years and is a working cattle and sheep property on 480 hectares with a cellar door, functions centre and restaurants, as well as boutique accommodation. The first vines were planted in 2016. 

The description of the winemaker job read: "Marnong’s inaugural winemaker will be the key driver of wine quality and culture for the emerging brand, from the estate’s 12-hectare cool-climate vineyard to its extensive tourist and hospitality venues.

"Responsible for crafting the estate wines in the architecturally designed and high-spec winery, due for completion for vintage 2024, this role will also take ownership of the final fit-out and commissioning of the facility."

Image: Young Guns of Wine

  

Australia's riesling maestro dies

John Vickery, one of Australia's iconic winemakers, has died at the age of 90.

Vickery was responsible for some superb rieslings for Leo Buring, and had recently been making wines for the Hesketh family under the Vickey label in partnership with Keeda Zilm The pair is pictured above. 

Over a career that dated back to 1951, Vickery won over 50 wine show trophies and over 400 gold medals.

Vickery grew up in Lameroo in the Mallee area of South Australia and graduated from Roseworthy College in 1955.

While still a student he did vintages at the Emu wine company in Morphett Vale, and at Woodleys

He joined Leo Buring at Chateau Leonay winery, where the focus was on Eden Valley and Watervale fruit, where he produced superb wines without access to modern equipment.

Over the years Vickery worked for I worked Lindemans , then Southcorp (now TWE) , then Orlando, creating a new style of dry rieslings.

In 2007, he was awarded the Medal of Order of Australia for 'service to the wine industry as an oenologist, particularly through the development of innovative methods for riesling production.

Not only was he a great winemaker, he was also one of the most popular men in the industry.

  

Australian opportunity for Chinese winemaker

Ballandean Estate, one of the longest-established wineries in Queensland's Granite Belt, has appointed a new Chinese-born winemaker.

The family-owned winery this week unveiled 32-year-old Boxi Zhen to succeed Dylan Rhymer, who departed late last year after 22 year in the role.

Zhen has previous experience at both Bird in Hand in the Adelaide Hills and at Chateau Nine Peaks in Qingdao.

Fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi said: “Boxi’s experience is a perfect alignment with our unique terroir and cool climate. He will continue our delivery of delectable, varietal, regional wines of character - and inject some fresh ideas.

“As a flying winemaker, Boxi has followed vintages around the world, from the Napa Valley to China, South Australia and now the Granite Belt.

“We hope that his minimal intervention approach and fresh perspective will underpin the Granite Belt as a region that continues to build on its momentum for new, exciting wines that suit our ever-changing climate.”

Zhen moved to Adelaide from China at the age of 24 to complete his Master of Viticulture & Oenology degree at the University of Adelaide. He also has a degree in Food Science,

“What attracted me to the Granite Belt was the chance to work with the incredible fruit produced here," he said.

"The high altitude and cool climate deliver intense flavours and such high acid, thanks to the slow ripening seasons and chilly nights.

“I want to bring out the best expression of the fruit and terroir, with minimal intervention and a mix of modern and traditional winemaking techniques."

McCallum steps up at TarraWarra Estate

Adam McCallum is the new chief winemaker at leading Yarra Valley producer TarraWarra Estate.

He takes over from long-time winemaker Clare Halloran, who is taking a break and departed earlier this year.

McCallum was born and raised in the Yarra and has worked at wineries in both Australia and France.

He started in the industry at the bottom, working in a wine shop in Croydon and behind the bar at the Yarra Glen Hotel before catching the wine bug.

After a chance encounter with Steve Webber, he was given the opportunity to work his first vintage at De Bortoli Wines in the Yarra, kickstarting his career.

His CV includes stints in Domaine Motrot in Burgundy, at Yarra Yering and McPherson Wines in Victoria, Frankland Estate in Western Australia, and most recently under O'Halloran at TarraWarra Estate.

He says he enjoys drinking wines that are subtle, elegant and well balanced, and believes these attributes are not exclusive to expensive wines. His varieties of choice are, unsurprisingly, pinot noir and chardonnay - TarraWarra Estate’s most celebrated wines.

​TarraWarra Estate is a 400-hectare property which includes 28 hectares of vines and a lovely cellar door and restaurant, as well as the TarraWarra Museum of Art. See tarrawarra.com.au

Orlando has a new chief winemaker

Orlando Wines has gone for youth and musical ability in choosing its new chief winemaker.

Tim Pelquest-Hunt was today named as the holder of this big role - and has previously been hiding his light under a bushel.

"To be entrusted with custodianship of an iconic and historic wine brand in Orlando is extremely humbling," he said in a press release that I managed to track down.

"Orlando was formulative in developing my love of wine, none more so than Steingarten Riesling, which was the first case I ever purchased.

"The rich tapestry of Orlando’s winemaking history reshaped the face of the Australian wine industry by assisting in defining regional classics and this concept of “sense of place” in a glass."

Pelquest-Hunt has been very low profile up to now.

He started working in a Dan Murphy's store while completing his Bachelor of Music and Arts at the University of New South Wales.

He later enrolled in the Viticulture and Oenology graduate program at Lincoln University in New Zealand and became a “travelling winemaker”.

He has worked in New Zealand, the Hunter Valley, Tasmania and Rheinhessen in Germany before specialising in sparkling vinification in the UK (at Nyetimber) and the US (with Mumm). 

He is approaching 10 years in various roles at Pernod-Ricard, Orlando's parent company.