By Andy Young
West Australian winery Willow Bridge Estate has appointed a new chief winemaker following the tragic death of Simon Burnell in March.
Kim Horton, who has been the senior winemaker with Ferngrove for the last 13 years, will join the Willow Bridge team next month.
Jeff Dewar, owner of Willow Bridge Estate said: "We are honoured that Kim, who is regarded as one of the leading winemakers in WA, has decided to make the move to the Ferguson Valley.
"The current Willow Bridge Estate wines are a testament to the vineyards, the skills and perfectionism of the entire team and we look forward to the passion, knowledge and expertise that Kim will bring to these wines in the future."
Horton's appointment comes after Burnell died in a windsurfing accident off the Margaret River coast in March.
Friends and former colleagues of Burnell created and released a special edition "Burndog Shiraz" last month in honour of the winemaker. All proceeds from sales of the wine will go to the Margaret River Sea Search and Rescue volunteers who tried to save Burnell after his accident.