Meet the winemaking, rugby star who also happens to be a classically trained singer; Tim Pelquest-Hunt of Pernod Ricard Winemakers, before he joins us for our Masters Apprentices event on May 2.

With your many talents, have you always wanted to be a winemaker?

No, I wanted to be a classical singer, which I achieved! You could say my life turning point was when I left singing to move to New Zealand to seriously pursue winemaking at Lincoln University.

Who do you count as a mentor?

Patrick Materman, Former Chief Winemaker for Brancott Estate. He would often tell me “Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. Stick your nose in where it’s not your business and be inquisitive.”

We’d like you to put aside your humble nature for a moment and share with us some successes you’ve had in your career:

Dux of 2016 Australian Wine Institute’s (AWRI) Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC)

Barossa Future Leaders Graduate (2017)

Judge at Barossa Wine Show and Canberra International Riesling Challenge.

And most of all, being able to work with Steingarten Riesling, which was the first 6-pack of wine I ever bought, at age 19) It was one of my favourite wines then and still is today. This was one of the wines that sparked my interest in all things wine and was the springboard for giving winemaking a go

What’s your vision for Barossa’s future?

To work with our local winemakers, growers, businesses and local community to ensure that our region is relevant, sustainable and thriving. That our community will see that a ‘rising tide lifts all boats’ and that we can work collaboratively to put Barossa first. Not only today, but sustaining growth into the future with a quality mindset.

 

You can catch Tim as part of the winemaking team at Masters Apprentices, a Tasting Australia event Sunday 2 May 2021.

Yesterday’s apprentices > Today’s mentors > Tomorrow’s masters.

5 courses + 10 wines delivered through the eyes of 6 chefs + 10 winemakers destined to make their mark, leading the next generation of Barosssa food and wine.

Tickets $155pp – tastingaustralia.com.au