Award-winning English winery in Alresford, Hattingley Valley has appointed a new head winemaker, Robert MacCulloch MW.
With over two decades of experience in the wine industry, including a dozen winemaking harvests across five continents, Robert previously held the position of client winemaker for Hawke’s Bay Wine Company in New Zealand.
Robert holds the highest-level wine accolade, the Master of Wine (MW). He is one of a few full-time winemakers experienced in both wine production and wine commerce, and boasts extensive skill with sparkling, white, rosé and red wines, in both cool and warm climates
From Margaret River in Australia to Mosel Valley in Germany, Robert has travelled the globe making wine, and is well experienced in every element from vineyard to dispatch, with small family wineries through to volume-driven, export-focused operations.
In his new role at Hattingley Valley, he will be responsible for leading the team of winemakers, and overseeing the creation of the Hampshire-based winery’s award-winning still and sparkling wines.
Robert shared,“I’m deeply humbled and thrilled to become Head Winemaker at Hattingley Valley, during a hugely exciting time for the expanding English wine industry.
'I’m really looking forward to working alongside Simon Robinson and the talented team that he's assembled to make England’s finest traditional method sparkling wine.
'My role and challenge will be to build on the superb legacy of wine quality that Emma Rice has created whilst exploring new qualitative directions for Hattingley Valley’s winemaking.”
Simon Robinson, Founder and Owner, noted, 'I am delighted that Robert has agreed to join us to take Hattingley on the next stage of its journey. Robert has all the experience and drive needed to take us forward and I very much look forward to working with him.”
Emma Rice, previous Head Winemaker at Hattingley Valley, said, “Knowing that Robert will be taking the helm at Hattingley is hugely reassuring.
'The winery, the vineyard, the team and, of course, the wines, have been an integral and all-encompassing part of my life for the last 14 years and I am so pleased they will be well looked after. I wish Rob and the team the very best for the 2022 vintage and many more to come.”
In addition to the above appointment, current Hattingley Valley Operations Winemaker James Rouse, who has been with the company since 2019, will be promoted to Winemaker.