Stella Bella in Margaret River has commenced vintage 2026 under the direction of chief winemaker Jarrad Olsen, marking the first harvest in nearly two decades under new leadership.
Jarrad has replaced Luke Jolliffe who left the winery late last year after 18 years.
After eight years with Stella Bella and 11 years prior at Vasse Felix, Jarrad steps into the role with deep knowledge of the winery’s southern Margaret River vineyards and a clear focus on site expression and precision.
Vintage 2026 also sees the arrival of Sam Badger, formerly winemaker at Woodlands Wines, where he spent 15 years shaping some of Margaret River’s most respected Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
A scholar of the Sommeliers Australia Education Scholarship in 2010, Sam began his career in hospitality before moving into production, bringing both sensory acuity and technical discipline to his craft.
His experience includes a formative vintage at Spottswoode in Napa Valley and completion of the AWRI Advanced Wine Assessment Course, further strengthening Stella Bella’s winemaking depth.
Together with long-time viticulturist James Hayward, the strengthened winemaking team begins the season with strong early indicators.
“Vintage conditions to date have been near ideal,” Jarrad Olsen says.
“A dry, sunny growing season, mild temperatures and consistent sea breezes have provided steady ripening across Chardonnay, with yields up and fruit quality described as exceptional.
“It’s shaping up to be a very exciting season.
“The fruit has balance, natural intensity and beautiful acidity. Our role is to guide it carefully and let the vineyards speak.”
Stella Bella farms 60 hectares across five southern Margaret River sites, including the seven-hectare Suckfizzle vineyard – the most southerly and lowest elevation site in the region.
The vineyards are managed with a focus on soil health, biodiversity and long-term sustainability.
Following a year that delivered 11 major trophies across Australia’s leading wine shows, vintage 2026 represents the next chapter for the Margaret River producer as a new generation of leadership takes the reins.