Willow Bridge appoints new winemaker

Following the death of Simon Burnell, who passed away after a windsurfing accident in March, Australian winery Willow Bridge Estate has appointed Kim Horton as its new chief winemaker.

Kim Horton, Willow Bridge Estate’s new chief winemaker (Photo: Ferngrove)

Formerly of Ferngrove Vineyards in Western Australia where he worked as senior winemaker for the past 13 years, Horton will take up the role of chief winemaker at Willow Bridge immediately.

Jeff Dewar, owner of Willow Bridge Estate, described Horton as “one of the leading winemakers in Western Australia”.

He said, “The current Willow Bridge Estate wines are a testament to the vineyards, the skills and perfectionism of the entire team and we look forward to the passion, knowledge and expertise that Kim will bring to these wines in the future.”

Horton’s appointment comes after chief winemaker Simon Burnell died in a tragic windsurfing accident off the coast of the Margaret River region of Australia in March.

He was the chief winemaker at the Ferguson Valley winery for five years and had worked in the industry for about 15 years. Dewar described him as “highly respected winemaker” and “valued friend”.