After a two-year journey with two caretaker winemakers, Leigh Ritchie (2021) and David Horne (2022), Stanton & Killeen have appointed a new winemaker at their Rutherglen winery.
Adriaan Foot and his family settled in Rutherglen at the end of December with Adriaan starting his new role on January 3.
Adriaan originally hails from Cape Town and completed a bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University.
He worked as a winemaker in the South African wine industry for several years, before the lure of experiencing a vintage at one of the world’s most esteemed wineries in the Napa Valley set him on the path of itinerant winemaker.
Several vintages in Australia, New Zealand and California again followed, which also included a stint as consulting winemaker in India’s Hampi Hills region.
In 2019 he made the move to WA’s Great Southern, further honing his craft with estate grown grapes from this renowned cool climate region.
Stanton & Killeen Wines grow a diverse range of grape varieties including the mainstay varieties of Shiraz and Durif along with alternative varieties (Portuguese) and the famous fortified varieties of Muscat and Muscadelle.
Adriaan has vast experience with alternative varieties and is eager for the 2023 vintage to commence.
Wendy and Natasha Killeen are pleased Adriaan accepted their role as senior winemaker and look forward to establishing a long and respectful working relationship.
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