Iain Riggs (above), the long-time winemaker and managing director of Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley, has stepped down from his dual roles. Iain has been at Brokenwood since the mid-1980s, playing an integral role not only at the winery and in the NSW region, but also across the wider industry as a judge, leader and mentor. Iain will remain on as a director and consultant to the winery. James Halliday, who co-founded Brokenwood in 1970, says Iain’s retirement marks the end of the era. “Iain has guided Brokenwood from an indulgent hobby to a potent business,” he says. “He has led by example, balancing all that is enjoyable in wine with a clear business vision. The countless scores of young winemakers who have experienced their first vintage at Brokenwood have left happier and wiser – and learned a thing or two about making great wine.”
The industry is mourning the loss of Vaughn Dell from Tasmania’s Sinapius.
The winery co-founder and winemaker, who had just turned 39, died suddenly in May. Together with wife Linda Morice, Vaughn had garnered many accolades and fans for his standout wines, including the Esmé Rouge and Clem Blanc – named after their two young daughters. When interviewed for this magazine in 2017, Vaughn shared his no-fuss approach: “Part of the maturity that’s come is not to chase the holy grail of winemaking. It’s easy to get up your own backsides a little, particularly as winemakers, and especially with pinot noir in terms of chasing trends, but sometimes I just want to make the wines that I want to drink.”
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A great way to support the family and winery is to buy wines direct from sinapius.com.au – it’s an incredible range. Langton’s is also hosting a wine auction to raise funds from July 14 to 26, so keep an eye on langtons.com.au for all details to come.