How has your role at Penfolds evolved over the years?
It’s been an incredible evolution. My early years were dedicated to Koonunga Hill, deepening my understanding of the Penfolds House Style and history. By 2020, I was working closely with Andrew Hales, overseeing vineyards across Padthaway, Wrattonbully, Coonawarra, and Robe. In 2021, my first vintage in France marked the start of an entirely new chapter. My responsibilities also expanding to include Max’s Cabernet. By 2022, I was working across Cellar Reserve, One By Penfolds, and Bin 8 Shiraz Cabernet. Since 2023, I have been spearheading our French portfolio, driving its growth and refinement, before moving to Bordeaux in early 2024. Today, I oversee the production of our wines in France. It’s about understanding the fruit, the terroir and the regions we’re working with, and seeing how the fruit responds to those treatments, while still keeping that Penfolds House Style.
Can you share any defining moments in your time as a Penfolds Winemaker?
Being hands-on during ferment rounds, gradings, and blending – working at the bench alongside our incredible winemaking team has been invaluable. Understanding the subtle nuances that define Penfolds style took time, but when it clicked, it solidified my sense of belonging. Another milestone was my first vintage in France – a true test of everything I had learned. A new region, new challenges, and a different language, but seeing the final wines come together was incredibly rewarding. Working alongside the team on the ground was equally inspiring.
What does a day in the life of a Penfolds Winemaker look like?
Every day brings something different, but it always starts with a deep focus on quality. During vintage, I’m hands-on with vineyard assessments, managing fermentation, and guiding style to ensure we achieve the highest standards. Beyond vintage, I oversee Penfolds French wine portfolio, mainly focusing on FWT 585 Cabernet Merlot Petit Verdot. Our role as winemakers is all-encompassing, from the vineyard to the bottle. However, our role extends beyond winemaking sometimes – we engage with trade partners, media, internal teams, and, most importantly, our collectors to shape the Penfolds experience.
