Jacob’s Creek names new chief winemaker

Jacob’s Creek has named Dan Swincer as its new chief winemaker, taking over from Ben Bryant who was appointed to the post in 2015.

Ben Swincer has taken over the role of Jacob’s Creek chief winemaker from Ben Bryant.

In 2011, The Wine Society voted him Young Winemaker of the Year, and in 2015 he was one of only 12 wine professionals to be selected as a scholar in the highly-acclaimed ‘Len Evans Tutorial’.

Swincer joined the company in 2006 and has held the position of group red winemaker since 2015, and also chief winemaker of the St Hugo brand.

“Since joining us, Dan has held a series of winemaking roles, Dan has confirmed his place as a leading Australian winemaker, working with his team to create award-winning wines that are the best possible expression of the fruit from each vintage,” said Pernod Ricard’s global operations director Brett McKinnon.

“Dan is a truly progressive and talented winemaker who is very well positioned to take our Australian wines to markets around the globe.”

Swincer takes over from winemaker Ben Bryant, who joined Pernod Ricard Winemakers (then Orlando Wines) in 2000, and became Jacob’s Creek chief winemaker in 2015.

He is leaving the company to take up a position outside of Pernod Ricard at a winery in Canada.

“Jacob’s Creek is such an influential winery here in Australia and throughout the world, where it plays an important role in showcasing Australian wines to the world,” added Swincer. “It will be an honour to continue to grow this legacy.”

Swincer will continue in his role as chief winemaker at St Hugo, with his replacement set to be announced in due course.