STELLA Bella winemaker Luke Jolliffe is proud to be nominated in the top 10 finalists for The Wine Society Young Winemaker of the Year Awards 2012.
Luke is one of two Western Australian finalists, the other being Liam Clarke of Heafod Glen Wines, in the Swan Valley.
Three titles will be awarded at a dinner in Sydney on November 9 - Wine Society Young Winemaker of the Year, judged by a panel of industry leaders, including James Halliday, Ian Riggs, Brian Walsh and John Belsham; Young Winemaker Supporters’ Choice, decided by sponsors and wine industry media; and Young Winemaker Finalists’ Choice, judged by fellow finalists.
Now in their 12th year, these awards recognise and reward the talents of the most exceptional young winemakers in Australia and New Zealand.
“It’s pretty exciting,” Luke said. “I feel privileged to be nominated. To be recognised by your industry peers for wines you are so intimately involved with on a day to day basis is an achievement in itself. It makes me proud to be representing Stella Bella, Margaret River, and our vineyards to the best of my ability.”
Born in South Australia, Luke developed an interest in the wine industry through friends of the family.
After completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Viticulture major at Adelaide University, he joined Hardy’s Tintara operation in McLaren Vale as a viticultural technical officer.
He completed his post graduate degree in oenology, and next took jobs as viticulturist and then operations manager for Forest Hill.
In 2005 he went to the Rhône Valley, France, where he worked over the vintage season.
In 2007 he started at Stella Bella as a vintage assistant.
He was quickly promoted to assistant winemaker in June 2008 and then winemaker in November 2009, working with Stuart Pym.
Asked what made a good winemaker, he said, “dedication, passion and being really intimately involved in wines day to day, and a good vineyard helps a lot.”
He likes the classic Margaret River wines such as cabernet sauvignon, cabernet blends and chardonnays.
To those interested in entering the industry, he said, “don’t expect to just jump into it and learn everything overnight. It takes 10 to 15 years of experience.
“It’s not quick, you’re not going to make lots of money, you do it for the love and you get to drink and eat well.”
For information on the awards visit www.winesociety.com.
