Hunter Valley winery Latitude 32 has appointed experienced winemaker Amy Blackburn to lead its winemaking operations, marking an exciting new chapter for the growing winery.
Bringing more than two decades of experience across some of Australia’s leading wine businesses, Blackburn joins Latitude 32 with one of the country’s broadest technical winemaking backgrounds.
Her career spans premium regional winemaking in Coonawarra and the Clare Valley, together with expertise across alternative grape varieties, contract winemaking, emerging wine styles and low- and no-alcohol wine production.
Latitude 32 founder Emma White said Blackburn’s appointment was about investing in the future of both Latitude 32 and the Hunter Valley.
“The Australian wine industry doesn’t need more pessimism, it needs more optimism, experimentation and innovation,” she said.
“Consumers haven’t fallen out of love with wine, they’re simply drinking differently.
“They’re exploring new varieties, looking for new experiences and expecting more from the brands they support.
“We wanted a winemaker who understands that future while remaining deeply respectful of what has made the Hunter Valley one of the world’s great wine regions.”
White said Blackburn’s appointment also reflected a belief that the Hunter Valley should continue learning from the best ideas across Australia’s wine regions.
“The Hunter Valley has an extraordinary winemaking heritage, but every great wine region benefits from fresh ideas,” she said.
“Amy has worked across different climates, different varieties, different production systems and different consumer trends.
“Bringing that experience into the Hunter Valley isn’t about changing who we are, it’s about continuing to evolve while remaining proudly Hunter Valley.”
Blackburn joins Latitude 32 after senior winemaking roles with Brands Laira, Kirrihill Wines and Australian Vintage, where she led the company’s low- and no-alcohol winemaking program.
Throughout her career she has earned a reputation for technical excellence, meticulous attention to detail and an ability to combine scientific rigour with creative thinking.
White said Blackburn’s breadth of experience would strengthen Latitude 32’s existing portfolio while creating opportunities for future innovation.
“Amy’s experience with alternative varieties, emerging wine styles and evolving consumer preferences complements our vision perfectly,” she said.
“We remain absolutely committed to producing outstanding Hunter Valley wines, but we also believe the future belongs to wineries prepared to keep learning, improving and listening to consumers.”
Blackburn said the opportunity to join Latitude 32 and contribute to the future of one of Australia’s most historic wine regions was a compelling next step in her career.
“Every wine region teaches you something different,” she said.
“I’m excited to bring those experiences to the Hunter Valley and work alongside a team that is passionate about honouring tradition while embracing innovation.”
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