After more than 40 years at the helm of Jim Barry Wines in Clare, Peter Barry will step down as managing director and hand over the leadership to his sons, Tom and Sam.
Both have been heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the business for the past 15 years, serving as director of winemaking and director of sales, respectively.
Founded by Jim and Nancy Barry in 1959, Jim Barry Wines remains one of the Clare Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries.
It has a reputation for world-class wines, fierce regional pride and a strong sense of legacy.
Peter Barry, who joined the business in 1977 and became managing director in 1985, has been the driving force behind Jim Barry Wines’ national and international success.
His leadership has seen the business expand vineyard holdings, deepen its export footprint and build a powerful reputation for both quality and innovation.
“I have enjoyed being focused on a goal of making wines that are respected nationally and internationally and enhancing the reputation of the world-class winemaking area, which I am fortunate enough to call home,” Peter says.
In 2024, Peter was inducted into the Clare Valley Wine Hall of Fame, standing alongside his late father Jim.
“We’ve never been in the business of standing still,” says Peter.
“My job, with the wise assistance of my wife Sue, was to build on what Mum and Dad started, and now it’s time for the next generation to do the same.
“Tom and Sam have worked incredibly hard over the past 15 years, learning all facets of the business, and I couldn’t be prouder and more pleased to pass the baton to them.”
Tom and Sam will take on the joint managing director role, supported by a strong leadership team they’ve helped shape over the past five years.
They will also continue to lead their respective areas in winemaking and global sales, bringing their energy, strategic vision and a deep understanding of the family’s vineyards to the forefront of the business.
“It’s a huge honour to be entrusted with this legacy,” says Sam Barry.
“We’ve always felt incredibly lucky to grow up in a family where wine and hard work were shared at the table.
“Dad and Mum have given us the space to forge our path, and we’re committed to continuing what they and our grandparents started.”
The new leadership will also be supported by sister Olivia Barry, who continues as brand ambassador, and Olivia Hoffmann-Barry (Tom’s wife), who is director of marketing.
The news follows a string of leadership changes in the Australian wine industry in recent months.
Mitchell Taylor has stepped down as managing director of Taylors Wines in Clare, and Robert Hill-Smith has stepped down as chair of Hill-Smith Family Estates.
Jim Barry Wines, Taylors Wines and Hill-Smith Family Estates are all part of Australia’s First Families of Wine.
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