Seppelt has announced the appointment of Clare Dry as its new lead winemaker.

Commencing her role this week, Dry was previously with Wolf Blass, where she had been part of the team since 2007.

After growing up on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Dry completed a Bachelor of Oenology from the University of Adelaide and worked for many wineries and vineyards back in Mornington and overseas in Germany before joining Wolf Blass.

Over the past 13 years, Dry has honed her skillset, crafting wines across varieties in both red and white wine production, while also participating in extensive wine
judging. Most recently, Clare has been instrumental in crafting premium Chardonnay, a variety she greatly enjoys.

She was also one of the driving forces behind the Wolf Blass Makers’ Project range released last year, which aimed to “start a conversation” with younger consumers.

“Today’s wine consumers are also more open-minded than ever before and are waiting for brands to create that memory or experience that drives talkability among friends over a drink,” she noted.

Regarding her new appointment, Dry said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Seppelt team. As a label with a long and celebrated history, I’m looking forward to continuing this legacy and showcasing the diversity of our vineyards and regions with each vintage release.”

“As pioneers within the Australian wine industry, particularly with styles such as Sparkling Shiraz, it’s a privilege to help shape the Seppelt story going forward and join a winemaking fraternity I greatly admire.”

Dry’s appointment follows the departure of former Seppelt winemaker Adam Carnaby, who is joining Wicks Estate Wines, located in the Adelaide Hills. Adam first commenced with Seppelt in 2011 and can be credited with upholding Seppelt’s sought-after styles, together with producing some celebrated new wines during his tenure.

Seppelt said it thanked Carnaby for his valuable contribution and wished him “all the very best in the future”.

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