Michael Hatcher has been appointed chief winemaker and head of sales and distribution at Bimbadgen Estate in the Hunter Valley.
He is returning to the Hunter after 14 years.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Hunter Valley after 14 years,” Michael says.
“To me, this is Australia’s premier wine region, rich in history and authenticity.
“My winemaking philosophy is about creating wines with a true sense of time and place, allowing each vintage to speak for itself with minimal intervention.
“I’m excited to join a business like Bimbadgen that has the scale, spirit and ambition to reach more people, more meaningfully, both in Australia and abroad.”
Michael’s career began in southern NSW where he cut his teeth producing world-class Chardonnay in the cool climates of the Snowy Mountains.
He trained under the late Phillip John, the celebrated winemaker behind Lindeman’s iconic Bin 65 Chardonnay, and holds a Bachelor of Oenology from Charles Sturt University as well as an MBA and a Master of Marketing from the University of Newcastle.
After honing his skills in the vineyard, he broadened his industry knowledge as national wine buyer for Wine Selectors, gaining national exposure to new winemaking techniques and varietals.
He later held senior roles at Hungerford Hill and most recently served as operations manager and winemaker at Bunnamagoo Estate Wines in Mudgee.
“It’s great to have Michael join our team,” says Jordan Rodgers, general manager – Hunter Valley Operations.
“His genuine pride in the place the Hunter Valley holds in Australian wine history and his understanding of the nuances of Hunter Valley viticulture and winemaking are impressive and genuine.
“In addition to Michael’s winemaking success and experience, his commercial understanding of sales and distribution makes him a key appointment to our team in this critical role.”