Hunter Valley winery Mount Pleasant Wines has appointed Angus Barnes as its new General Manager.
Barnes has previously served at the NSW Wine Industry Association for 10 years, with the last five as executive officer, a role taken up by Matthew Jessop earlier this month.
Barnes has also spent 15 years working at Pernod Ricard Winemakers, followed by a two-year position as Sales, Strategy and Marketing Manager at See Saw Wines and will continue to serve as Treasurer of Wine Communicators of Australia, of which he was recently awarded a lifetime membership.
“My experience in the industry has been extensive both domestically and internationally,” Barnes said.
“I look forward to focusing on larger strategic goals for Mount Pleasant whilst leading the team and continuing to produce iconic, elegant and expressive wines.”
Barnes brings a local touch to his position as GM, having been born in Pokolbin in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country. He is also the son of Hunter Valley ‘Legend’ Christopher Barnes AM.
Barnes will manage the day-to-day operations of the business while continuing to lead the brand’s Semillon and Shiraz varietals.
Mount Pleasant re-opened its renovated and re-imagined cellar door in June with a renewed focus on the legacy of Founder Maurice O’Shea.
The property has undergone a transformation since being purchased by the Medich Family Office in 2021 with new investments in the winery, vineyards and branding changes.