By Amy Looker, editor National Liquor News
The Yarra Valley’s TarraWarra Estate has kicked off the year with some new appointments and changes to its winemaking team.
Head winemaker since 1996, Clare Halloran, has been promoted to the position of general manager, responsible for overseeing all winery, restaurant and cellar door operations on the estate.
In addition to her new duties, Halloran will retain her head winemaker’s position and be supported by long-time colleagues, assistant winemaker Adam McCallum and viticulturist Stuart Sissins.
Halloran is well known for her work with Pinot Noir, and was instrumental to the highly successful annual Victorian Pinot Noir Workshop.
She has spent time in Burgundy and Oregon learning the traditionally French ways of handling Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as the alternative new world approach that Oregon is famous for.
On the sales front, Ben Yoffa, formerly with Negociants Australia, has joined the TarraWarra team as sales and marketing manager, bringing over 15 years experience in wine, liquor and hospitality, including international sales and operational experience in New Zealand, the UK and Ireland.
“The TarraWarra team is really looking forward to the year ahead as there’s nothing like new people and positions to reassess and reinvigorate,” said Halloran.
“Whilst I’m delighted to have been officially promoted to the GM position, I’m also excited to welcome Ben to the team. He has been a diligent and passionate advocate of our brand and bringing this knowledge and understanding to his new role will be a great asset.”