The purity of fruit

Neil McGuigan might be the internationally renowned, multi awardwinning chief winemaker and chief executive officer of Australian Vintage Limited (AVL)—the second largest vineyard owner and manager in Australia with a portfolio that includes brands like sparkling wine-producing Miranda, Adelaide Hills-focused Nepenthe, fashionable and upmarket Tempus Two, and, of course, McGuigan Wines. But he is hands on and all over the place: in the vineyards, the winery; with the sales guys, lawyers, accountants, investors; and most importantly, the end consumers. For the third-generation winemaker, this is the best way to know the market and the most direct way of getting people excited about McGuigan Wines.

McGuigan Wines’ history traces its roots back to Neil’s grandfather, who tended to vines in Hunter Valley while being in dairy production. Neil’s father became a winemaker for Penfolds and subsequently founded Wyndham Estates. Neil’s brother took over and ran it for 20 years before the brothers joined forces to start McGuigan Wines in 1992. McGuigan Wines is now owned by AVL, where it is known for  their entry level and popular premium wines. The McGuigan Black Label, in particular, earned them a reputation domestically and internationally.
 

Excerpt from the July 2014 issue of epicure.