Clare Dry has commenced in her new role as lead winemaker for Seppelt Wines in Great Western following the departure of Adam Carnaby who has joined Wicks Estate Wines in the Adelaide Hills has chief winemaker.
Born and bred on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Clare holds a Bachelor of Oenology from the University of Adelaide and has worked for wineries and vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula and overseas in Germany.
In 2007 she joined Wolf Blass as a vintage winemaker and for the next 13 years honed her skillset, crafting wines across varieties in both red and white wine production, while also participating in extensive wine judging. Most recently, Clare has been instrumental in crafting premium Chardonnay, one of her favourite varietals.
Of her new role, Dry said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Seppelt team. As a label with a long and celebrated history, I’m looking forward to continuing this legacy and showcasing the diversity of our vineyards and regions with each vintage release.”
This speaks to the sheer breadth of vineyards and ground Seppelt covers as a label, sourcing fruit from across Victoria – Henty, Heathcote and The Grampians, each region with its own character. With her team, Dry will need to bring all varieties together as a collection.
“As pioneers within the Australian wine industry, particularly with styles such as sparkling Shiraz, it’s a privilege to help shape the Seppelt story going forward and join a winemaking fraternity I greatly admire.”
Adam Carnaby left Seppelt after close to ten years of winemaking for them and during which he upheld Seppelt’s sought-after styles, also producing some celebrated new wines during his tenure. Prior to his time at Seppelt, he gained winemaking experience across Australia, beginning in the Yarra Valley, where he worked with pinot noir expert Tom Carson, then in Margaret River, with Xanadu Wines.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining the team at Wicks and look forward to working with premium Adelaide Hills fruit from the estate vineyard. It’s paramount that wine be regionally expressive and have a sense of place” Adam says.
The Adelaide Hills wine region of approximately 70 kilometres of vineyards is well known for its diverse topography, high altitude and micro-climates.
Of his appointment, Wicks Estate Director Simon Wicks said: “Tim and I are thrilled to announce Adam as chief winemaker at Wicks Estate and are excited for what the future holds.
“His experience across all our key varietals and his knowledge of vineyard, terroir and winemaking along with an enormous passion for wine will be a great asset for the Wicks brand.”
