BROOKE BLAIR PROFILE SENIOR

Winemaker

Growing up only forty minutes away from Coonawarra in South Australia’s Limestone Coast meant that Brooke Blair was constantly surrounded by winemaking and viticulture. Initially studying Commerce, Brooke transferred to winemaking when she discovered the science of oenology and its freedom to travel overseas for work experience.

Starting off in Coonawarra’s Jack Estate and Hollick Wines during her university holidays, Brooke’s love for winemaking thrived, followed by her graduation from the University of Adelaide with a degree in Oenology. Brooke’s experience working three vintages at Hollick Wines as an assistant winemaker led her to spend several influential years at vintages overseas in Spain, Chile and Canada. Her first vintage in Spain highlighted the significance of the vineyard, and the importance of fruit prior to being delivered to the winery. With such a focus, Brooke’s viticultural skills were enhanced to realise the imperative nature of cultivating and harvesting grapes for premium wine production. Chile’s 2008 vintage saw Brooke working with nine different wineries, ultimately introducing her to a range of different winemakers, ideas, and practices. The art of winemaking can be seen in its ability to harness and encapsulate the winemakers’ personality, with Brooke’s newfound approach incorporating “reflection of the terroir, balance and harmony” to let the fruit express itself.

Returning to Australia over a decade later with a wealth of experience in both local and abroad vintages, Brooke continued her winemaking career in The Riverland and Currency Creek wine regions.

Since joining the Casella Family Brands team in 2017, with the acquisition of Shaw Family Vintners, Brooke has showcased her adventurous spirit and extensive skill set following her years spent abroad. Consistently working on improving the quality and consistency of the brand, her success was fully celebrated in the 2022 wine show season, with every wine produced receiving a gold medal at one of the major capital city shows. Gold medalwinning merlot wines in Australia are rare and worthy of high praise.

Coming completely full circle, an opportunity as Lead Winemaker with Brand’s Laira Coonawarra opened up. Interestingly, Brooke’s parents were close friends with Jim and Jo Brand, with her father even attending their wedding all those years ago. She recalls fond memories of playing with the Brand sons while the adults socialised. In more recent times, the importance of tradition, family and friendship to this wine label can be seen in a shared love of championing the fruit from Coonawarra, with Sam Brand also having his own winery. Now returning to her hometown and working as Lead Winemaker, Brooke is excited to uphold the “to embrace the past for inspiration to craft a contemporary future”.

Brooke looks forward to evolving Brand’s Laira into a contemporary space and audience by adding new wines to the portfolio, while respecting its long and influential legacy.