Here’s to 175 Years of Looking Forward
A family wine business doesn’t thrive across three centuries by standing still. Change is a constant. Innovation is a must. And while the current, sixth generation Yalumba custodians have enormous respect for those who have gone before them, they spend most of their time looking forward. Not back.
While we are ever grateful and respectful of our past, it’s our future that excites us the most. And always has done. Any business that has managed to flourish across three centuries won’t ever be accused of resting on its laurels or wishing for yesteryear.
We stand on the shoulders of those who went before us and in doing so, we have a clearer view of what lies ahead.
And while it rests with the fifth and six generations of the Hill-Smith family to guide the ship, it’s all those who make up the wider Yalumba family today we are most grateful for. The coopers and growers, the sommeliers and restaurateurs, the retailers, and distributors. Everyone one of them has an undying passion for fine wines and great quality in all they do.
They inspire us and push us to greater heights, and we look forward to further collaboration with them, as well as new partners, in the years ahead. Here’s to the fine wine people of Yalumba.
Each and every one of them.
Robert & Jessica Hill-Smith
From the Hill-Smith family, who have owned and operated the winery for over 175 years, to our community of growers, the whole Yalumba family is dedicated to the same thing: making exceptional wine.
Six generations looking forward.
Bold beginnings
Continuing a legacy
Meet our winemakers
Sam Wigan - Head Winemaker
Having grown up in the Barossa, it was inevitable that Sam would become part of the wine industry as soon as school was out. With two vintages under his belt, Sam started at Yalumba in 2001, and has been a passionate contributor to the team ever since.
Out of work you’ll find Sam in the kitchen, pairing pork belly with his own Yalumba Barossa Grenache Shiraz Mataro.
Kevin Glastonbury - Senior Winemaker
His knowledge of the Barossa helps him understand the environment and innovate as Senior Red Winemaker for Yalumba. KG also looks after the sourcing and purchasing of oak for the crafting of barrels — a proud tradition at our on-site cooperage.
KG’s blend of passion and expertise has been recognised with numerous accolades, such as becoming a Len Evan tutorial scholar, respected wine judge, and Winestate ‘Winemaker of the Year’.
Heather Fraser - Senior Winemaker and Laboratory
Heather has a passion for nature and sustainability and it seemed inevitable that she would be drawn to the practice of organic winemaking. In 2011, Heather was delighted to take on the winemaking responsibility of the Yalumba Organics collection, developing them to what they are today.
Alexey Doumbouya - Winemaker
Louisa Rose - Winemaker and Head of Sustainability
Lou wears many hats at Yalumba; award winner, wine judge, board member, natural leader. She is an inspiring figure in Australia’s wine industry and a proud ambassador for Yalumba’s own brand of progressive winemaking. She is the custodian of both Yalumba traditions and innovation at the winery. It’s a big task but one she has been preparing for since her first vintage at Yalumba in 1992. Her gifts as a taster and winemaker have been on display ever since. In 2023, Louisa retired as Head of Winemaking. Her strong leadership and passion for sustainable winemaking has led her the new role of Head of Sustainability and Brand Ambassador for the winery.
Australia's First Families of Wine
One united family
From our Wine Room ambassadors, to our coopers, to our community of growers, the entire Yalumba family is committed to crafting premium wine and creating memorable experiences. If you’re interested in joining our family, please send us a message and our team will get back to you if we have opportunities available.
Meet our team
Meet our ambassadors at our Wine Room or at events and discover the Yalumba experience for yourself.