McLaren Vale wine brand Wirra Wirra has made two senior appointments, with Matthew Deller MW recruited as its new CEO and Emma Wood joining as Senior Winemaker.
Deller, who became a Master of Wine in 2016, joins from Villa Maria where he held the position of Chief Global Sales and Marketing Officer. He brings extensive experience from the US, where he was COO for TOR Napa Valley, as well as holding senior roles at Wine Access and Constellation Brands.
He said: “It’s a huge honour to take on custodianship of Wirra Wirra following 16 years of outstanding leadership by Andrew Kay.
“Wirra Wirra’s amazing people and culture, commitment to biodynamics, and the authenticity, provenance and character of its wines position it firmly amongst Australia’s finest wineries. Now, with Emma Wood at the winemaking helm, I’m excited to work with the team to take Wirra Wirra to the next level.”
Wood joins Wirra Wirra from Treasury Wine Estate and her most recent role as Senior Winemaker for Penfolds, where she headed the brand’s winemaking venture in France. Wood has also held the roles as viticulture winemaker, Senior Winemaker at Seppelt Great Western and she is an accomplished wine show judge.
“The reputation of McLaren Vale wines is world renowned, and the pedigree and consistency of Wirra Wirra wines is a standout amongst them, with wines such as Church Block, RSW, The Absconder and The Angelus.
“I am honoured to build on that history and am excited to be joining the team and looking forward to familiarising myself with the vineyards and valued growers.”
Wood will start on August 22 and Deller on September 1.