Hill-Smith Family Estates has appointed Sam Wigan as its new head of winemaking ahead of the 2024 vintage, succeeding Louisa Rose, who will step into the role of head of sustainability.
Barossa-born into a winemaking family, Wigan has worked for the Hill-Smith family for 22 years and is known for his work with Barossa Grenache, Riesling and Shiraz, as well as more experimental projects with Grenache Blanc, Albariño and Tempranillo.
Wigan has since expanded his mastery by working vintages in Marlborough, Rioja and Beaujolais.
Fifth generation and chair Robert Hill-Smith said he looks to the future with excitement.
“Louisa Rose has mentored and led a strong winemaking team, and now under a new leader in Sam Wigan, we have the chance to showcase and express those experiences in a very tangible and exciting way as the 2024 harvest looms.
“Sam has shown excellence in his craft and embraces the balance of tradition with innovation across our folio. It is a challenging but exciting time. We have a strong, intelligent team with diverse thinking and a strong belief in crafting fine wine with personality and expression of place. This is the time to grasp the opportunity for excellence,” said Hill-Smith.
Wigan said in the new role he would be entrusted with custodianship of the collection of iconic wine brands.
“I have an innate respect for tradition and terroir, but also great appreciation for the wines and the philosophy that have come from exceptional mentorship from Louisa Rose.
“We have an outstanding team, energy in spades, and the support of the Hill-Smith family with a firm vision for their future generations. That’s a unique position, and I’m privileged to have a hand in preserving and evolving that legacy,” said Wigan.
As Wigan takes over the reins as head of winemaking, Rose will continue with HSFE in a new leadership role, supporting the wine, sales and marketing teams as head of sustainability and brand ambassador.
Rose has worked for the Hill-Smith family since 1992 and was appointed head of winemaking in 2006, where she embedded her philosophy of fine wine, innovation and sustainability within the HSFE winemaking team and broader business.
During this time, Rose has become a globally respected winemaker, known for her contribution to the industry, particularly under the labels of Yalumba and Pewsey Vale Vineyard.
Rose has served as a notable voice on wine show committees and industry boards, including the Australian Wine Research Institute and the Barossa Grape and Wine Association (BGWA) and has been named Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveller WINE, International Women in Wine, The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology, and voted best winemaker in Australia by 100 of her peers – winemakers, sommeliers and wine buyers.
In anticipation of commencing her new position, Rose said the wine industry needed united leaders that ‘relentlessly advocate’ for the future of Australian wine.
“Whether that’s supporting the trade and political agenda, lobbying for industry and government action, driving research and innovation with pace, or strengthening our roadmaps to carbon neutrality, and finding balance across all matters of ESG.
“It has been a pleasure working alongside Sam for 22 years, and we still have many years
working together ahead of us,” said Rose.
Wigan and Rose will assume their respective positions from 5 December.
