Pepper Tree wines appoints new Chief Winemaker
Pepper Tree Wines is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Comyns as Chief Winemaker. Scott was hired by Jim Chatto in early 2012 and now takes over from Jim in the main winemaking role for the company. Jim Chatto will continue his association with Pepper Tree in a consulting capacity.
“I’m honoured to be taking over the reins from one of the Hunter’s most respected winemakers, a mentor and friend. I’m looking forward to continuing the direction and maintaining the quality styles which people have grown to love under the Pepper Tree label. Pepper Tree’s wide range of vineyard resources makes this an outstanding opportunity for me as a winemaker.” says Scott.
Jim Chatto said “I first worked with Scott back in 2003. Straight away I could see he had the passion, talent and all-important ‘eye for detail’ necessary to be a great winemaker. 12 months ago I lured Scott to Pepper Tree with the intention of him succeeding me as head winemaker. I am confident Scott will build on the wine quality Pepper Tree now enjoys and seize the opportunity to take things to the next level”.
A wine science graduate from Charles Sturt University, Scott commenced his career at First Creek in the Hunter Valley under the guidance of Jim Chatto in 2003, before heading south to work for the Panorama Winery in the Huon Valley of Tasmania. Scott’s winemaking passions saw him travel extensively through many European wine regions including a vintage at Chateau Guiot in the Rhone Valley.
Scott returned to the Hunter Valley in 2006 to work under Chief Winemaker Liz Jackson at Tempus Two and took over as Head Winemaker soon after. In this role he produced some outstanding wines which achieved both domestic and international acclaim. In 2012 Scott joined the Pepper Tree team and has been integral in every aspect of production since.
Scott has also supplemented his winemaking career with work as an up and coming wine judge.
Pepper Tree Chairman, Dr John Davis said “We are excited that the winemaking handover will bring the fresh ideas of a young rising star winemaker to drive Pepper Tree’s future direction. We are confident that Scott’s long term association with Jim Chatto will see a seamless transition in the winery. We wish Jim all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for his major contribution in building the Pepper Tree brand over the past 7 years”.
For further information or pictures on Scott Comyns, contact Tristan Jones at Pepper Tree Wines – mobile 0438 502 866 or Scott directly on 0400 888 966.