News

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Gwyn Olsen as our new Senior Winemaker.

Fascinated with science from a young age, it was Gwyn’s interest in the natural environment that led her to study a career in winemaking. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, she went on to study a post graduate degree in oenology at the University of Adelaide in 2005.

Since then, Gwyn has completed three vintages in France in Languedoc, Saint-Émilion and Burgundy, held the Assistant Winemaker role at Villa Maria in New Zealand before being promoted to Operations Winemaker at Villa Maria.

For her next challenge, she accepted the position of Senior Winemaker with McWilliams covering the pivotal role of building production across New Zealand and the Hunter Valley. In 2013, she was appointed Chief Winemaker at Briar Ridge, followed by Head Winemaker for Davis Premium Vineyards and Pepper Tree Wines in 2015.

Ahead of the 2023 vintage, Gwyn relocated to the Barossa’s Eden Valley and joined Henschke as Senior Winemaker. Her exceptional winemaking skills and robust knowledge of winery operations means she has quickly become an integral part of the Henschke team.

Her accolades and achievements include Gourmet Traveller WINE Young Winemaker of the Year 2014, Australian Wine Research Institute Advanced Wine Assessment Course DUX 2014, Len Evans Tutorial Scholar 2016 and Wine Australia Future Leaders 2017. She has also judged extensively at regional and national wine shows.

“I am thrilled to be part of the Henschke team and excited to continue crafting delicious wines that speak of their time and place from some of Australia’s most iconic and loved vineyard sites,” said Gwyn.

Gwyn’s positive attitude, enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge is inspiring. We are delighted to have her on board, with one excellent Henschke vintage now firmly under her belt and many more to come.

Stephen Henschke, Chief Winemaker

Gwyn joins the Henschke winemaking and viticultural team; Chief Winemaker Stephen Henschke, Winemaker Andy Cummins and Assistant Winemaker Fraser Armstrong, and Chief Viticulturist Prue Henschke and Viticultural Technical Officer Adam Pietsch.