Balnaves of Coonawarra appoints new winemaker Maddie LeMire

Maddie LeMire has been appointed winemaker for Balnaves of Coonawarra just in time for the 2025 Vintage, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for LeMire and the Coonawarra winery.

She will work closely with Pete Bissell to continue Balnaves’ proud tradition of winemaking excellence.

Maddie’s passion for wine began in 2018 with vintage at Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley. She later completed a Bachelor in Viticulture and Oenology, with vintages at Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey in Burgundy, Shaw + Smith in the Adelaide Hills, and Bekkers and Yangarra in McLaren Vale.

“I’m delighted to join Balnaves of Coonawarra, an icon of the Australian wine industry,” she says. “I’m honoured to have this opportunity.”

The Balnaves family including Doug, Kirsty and Peter were excited by the number and quality of applications for the winemaker position and is thrilled to welcome Maddie to the Balnaves of Coonawarra team.

“Maddie’s enthusiasm and passion for the wine industry is a perfect match for Balnaves, on our unwavering quest to produce outstanding wines from the famous Coonawarra region,” the family says.

“We are thrilled to have Maddie as part of the Balnaves of Coonawarra team, heralding a great start to 2025. It’s an exciting time for our family wine company and everyone who loves Balnaves wines.”

Congratulations Maddie on your new appointment! You can also follow Maddie’s own label Forlak at www.forlakwines.com