Our Winemaker

In the late ‘70’s John Durham began his career working amongst vines where he discovered an early, but important lesson: that hallowed connection between fruit and wine. It is this connection that guides John’s winemaking decisions today.

John’s passion for wine was further fuelled by study during the early 80’s at what is now Charles Sturt University. It was a time when the burgeoning Australian wine industry was showing great promise and excitement.

In 1984, with a degree and a wish to commit to one place to help discover the true art of winemaking, John moved to Cape Mentelle Vineyards, Margaret River. This commitment to place developed John’s ability to discern those elusive connections between the taste and structure of wine; and how actions in response to vintage and vineyard refined with time will determine wine style.

After 21 years at Cape Mentelle, John established a winemaking consultancy which quickly grew to over 20 clients including Plantagenet. Then Plantagenet decided they’d like John’s expertise exclusively for themselves and offered him the position of Winemaker, which he accepted in time for the 2007 vintage.

The decision to join Plantagenet wines was an easy one for John. It offered him the opportunity to experience new wine making challenges, such as Riesling, in an unfamiliar region with an old reputable company. It also gave him hands-on work producing the classics such as Shiraz and Cabernet, but with a new twist.

Most of all, as a self-confessed ‘pinot tragic’, the move provided a chance to craft a perfect pinot. And where better to indulge such a desire than in the cool-climate region of The Great Southern working in the pioneering winery of Plantagenet, a time proven producer of many great wines of strong regional provenance?

Plantagenet Wine’s latest releases are proving it was indeed a clever move.