Simon Gilbert

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Simon is a fifth generation winemaker, his great-great grand father, Joseph Gilbert having made the very first plantings at Pewsey Vale in South Australia in 1842. Joseph’s wines quickly became renowned internationally and in Australia, following his first vintage in 1847. In 1967 Windy Hillsmith invited the Gilbert family to Yalumba, to sample the new release of the first vintage of the new Pewsey Vale Riesling from the newly established vineyards that were planted just over the hill from the original cellars at Pewsey Vale.

Simon attended the tasting as an eleven year old, and it was to become the turning point in his life. One hundred and twenty years after Joseph Gilbert’s first vintage, Simon was intent on continuing the family’s passion for wine.

“I’m not sure whether it was the wine or the sense of occasion, but I always knew that I wanted to become a winemaker, from that day on.”

Following this early decision, Simon commenced as a Cellar hand at Leo Buring, then part of Lindemans, in 1973 aged 18. Lindemans fostered his ambition and sponsored Simon through his training at Roseworthy College, where he undertook studies in Oenology. The next 10 years, until late 1984, were consumed by an enviable grounding in winemaking, including the production of Lindemans Coonawarra, Padthaway and Rouge Homme Coonawarra brands.

Simon Gilbert is recognised as a quality custom winemaker within the top echelon of New World Winemakers and has been synonymous with the Australian Wine Industry for the past 30 years most recently as Chief Winemaker of Simon Gilbert Wine Services P/L Mudgee, and prior to that as Winemaker/Winery Manager (1984-1993) at Arrowfield.

Simon Gilbert’s mix of technical capacity and desire to innovate has led to wines that he has crafted, including those on behalf of clients, being awarded in excess of 60 trophies and 1500 medals since 1984.

“I would consider Simon to be in the limited number of the very top bracket of Australian winemakers with a perceptive and analytical palate to match his technical skills.”

Brian Croser, Chairman & Chief Winemaker, Petaluma Ltd