Winemaking

Wirra Wirra Winemakers

Senior Winemaker: PAUL SMITH (Profile)
Winemaker: PAUL CARPENTER (Profile)
Assistant Winemaker: JAMES ROUSE

Wirra Wirra's Prodigal Son Returns

Media Rlease: December 2009

As the AFL draft frenzy draws to a close, McLaren Vale winery Wirra Wirra has pulled off a recruiting coup with the signing of highly regarded local winemaker and reigning McLaren Vale "Bushing King", Paul Carpenter.It is a happy homecoming for Paul, who worked at the winery until 2004 before heading off to make his mark down the roadat Hardy's Tintara Winery where he became Senior Winemaker in 2005, adding Site Manager to his responsibilities in 2007.

In his role as Winemaker, Paul will work with Wirra Wirra Senior Winemaker Paul Smith, creating a formidable combination of talent and experience.Wirra Wirra Managing Director Andrew Kay said he was thrilled with the new combination. "It's the winemaking equivalent ofhaving Jonathan Brown and Fevola running around up forward," said Kay. "Paul's understanding of the region and his skills
as a winemaker will make him a great asset to our business".

Carpenter joins just prior to vintage 2010 as Wirra Wirra reshapes its winemaking team following the departure of long serving Senior Winemaker Samantha Connew. During his five years at Hardy's Tintara, Paul has overseen someoutstanding wine show successes, highlighted by two Max Schubert Trophy's for Best Red Wine of Show at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show in 2007 and 2008 and Best Wine of Show at the 2007 Royal Adelaide Wine Show and the NationalWine Show Canberra 2008.

Most recently, Paul was crowned 2009 McLaren Vale Bushing King - winemaker of the Best Wine of Show at the Winegrapes Australia McLaren Vale Wine Show and also named as a finalist for Winestate magazine Winemaker of theYear for 2009.

Carpenter is excited about his return. "I have fond memories of my time at Wirra Wirra and feel right at home with the culture, the people and the history of the place," he said. "Smithy [Paul Smith] and I share the same desire to make the bestpossible wines we can. It's a nice fit and I can't wait to be reunited with the tribe".

Paul commences work at Wirra Wirra on 18 January, 2010.

Ends.

JUN 2010 MEDIA RELEASE - Wirra Wirra 2010 Vintage Report 

NOV 2009 MEDIA RELEASE - Sam Signs Off as Smithy Steps Up

JULY 2008 MEDIA RELEASE - Wirra Wirra Welcomes Paul Smith to the Team