Voyager Estate, based in Margaret River, has unveiled the successor to Steve James, who stepped down last November after almost 24 years in the job.
Shand, a native of Western Australia, comes with a wealth of viticultural and winemaking experience, having held roles in the Clare Valley, Chianti, Bordeaux and Oregon.
Shand has also worked at the illustrious Chateau Margaux and Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, before returning to Australia in 2011 to take a position at the Yarra Valley’s Giant Steps. Most recently, Shand has held a position as Head of Winemaking at Punt Road since 2014.
Shand said he was excited to be joining the team, having appreciated Voyager Estate’s wines and practices.
“The name Voyager Estate evokes a deep and enthusiastic response in wine lovers everywhere. They have a proven history of growing outstanding wines in a world class region,” Shand said.
“From afar I have admired Voyager’s visionary approach to genuine sustainability in viticulture and winemaking, as well as their enviable location in the heart of the Stevens Valley.”
Voyager Estate has now been in operation for 44 years, and is known for producing Chardonnay and Cabernet wines.
Voyager Estate proprietor, Alexandra Burt, expressed her excitement about the prospect of working with Shand.
“Of the many stand-out qualities that Tim brings with him, perhaps the most significant are his depth of thought and curiosity – about all things – along with his generosity and humility,” Burt said.
“He also brings a very considered ambition for the wines and those who know him well know that he is always looking far over the horizon when setting a vision. Tim has risen to the top of a remarkable field of candidates and adding him to our already accomplished team is beyond exciting.”
Burt also took the opportunity to recognise her existing team, who have overseen production since the departure of Steve James in November 2021.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our current production team, led by Travis Lemm and Glen Ryan, who have taken the reins in the interim and smoothly navigated the 2022 vintage which, to their credit, is already promising some exceptionally compelling wines.”
Finally, Burt commented on the seven-month recruitment process that saw Shand appointed, saying: “We have deliberately taken our time to find the right person to lead Voyager Estate’s winemaking and viticulture into the next era”
Shand will officially take control on August 1.