Hungerford Hill general manager and senior winemaker Bryan Currie is leaving the business after almost 10 years.
He started at the Hunter Valley winery in November 2016.
“Over this time, he has played a defining role in shaping the quality, direction and reputation of Hungerford Hill, Dalwood Estate and Sweetwater Wines,” the company says.
“His tenure has been marked by a strong focus on regional expression, vineyard stewardship and the continued elevation of the groupʼs wines across multiple regions.
“Bryanʼs contribution to the business and the Hunter Valley more broadly has been significant.
“His leadership, dedication and commitment to quality have left a lasting imprint on the wines and the team.”We thank him for his outstanding contribution and wish him every success in his next chapter.”
French-born Australian winemaker Pierre Durand will take on the role on June 9.
He brings more than 20 years of experience spanning viticulture, winemaking, management and sales across Australia and internationally.
Durand began his career in the vineyard and cellar, working with leading producers including Tyrrellʼs, Brokenwood, First Creek and Margan in the Hunter Valley, as well as Leasingham and Hewitson in South Australia.
His international experience includes time at Château Pape Clément, M. Chapoutier and Vinovalie in France.
In recent years, Durand has held commercial and leadership roles, including positions at Endeavour Group as head of sales and e-commerce for Langtonʼs and as head of sales and operations at DMG Fine Wine.
“There, he oversaw national and international distribution for Handpicked Wines and House of Arras, as well as national distribution for the DMG import portfolio and Kweichow Moutai,” Hungerford Hill says.
Durand says, “Iʼm very pleased to be joining Hungerford Hill, Dalwood Estate and Sweetwater Wines at such an exciting time.
“The opportunity to return to the Hunter Valley and contribute to its vibrant wine community is incredibly meaningful.
“I look forward to working closely with the vineyard, winemaking and commercial teams to build on the strong foundations already in place.”
Bryan Currie welcomed the appointment.“Pierre brings a combination of wine experience and strong commercial insight,” says Currie.
“His understanding of both production and market dynamics positions him exceptionally well to lead the business into its next chapter.”
Durandʼs appointment marks a return to the region where he trained in viticulture at Kurri TAFE and built the foundations of his winemaking career.
“Itʼs a privilege to help carry forward nearly 200 years of history across these estates,” Durand says.
“I have great respect for the work Bryan and the team have achieved, and everyone else before them.
“These estates have a remarkable history and a clear sense of identity.
“Itʼs a privilege to join a team that has built such strong foundations, and to contribute to the ongoing pursuit of quality, precision and regional expression.”
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