INTERNATIONALLY recognised winemaker Greg Clayfield has officially stepped down as Zema Estate’s respected winemaker, taking with him a long list of achievements, memories, friendships and knowledge.
Growing up in Coonawarra, Mr Clayfield was one of 10 children and realised from a young age he wanted to be involved in the wine industry.
“Due to growing up with many siblings, having a job back on the land was difficult, so I decided to look at other opportunities,” Mr Clayfield said.
“I was always interested in the grape industry in Coonawarra and I admired the vineyards through my school bus window as we drove down the strip each day.”
Mr Clayfield studied agriculture at Tenison Woods College then chose to study wine making at Roseworthy College.
He undertook his studies and graduated from Roseworthy at the end of 1977 with a diploma, and returned to Coonawarra as a trainee winemaker, which he described as a beneficial experience.
“I worked with many talented people and learned many things during this time,” Mr Clayfield said.
Working in the vineyards produced copious opportunities for the highly regarded winemaker, working in Sydney for four months, Mildura and The Barossa.
However, despite the diverse areas of Australia he travelled and worked in, he continued to return to the picturesque region of Coonawarra.
“For some peculiar reason I kept coming back to Coonawarra and I have now completed my 43rd vintage,” Mr Clayfield said.
During his time as a winemaker, Mr Clayfield witnessed many changes, these included merges and acquisitions which altered the landscape along the way.
Between 1991 and 2005 Mr Clayfield managed the Rouge Homme and the Wynns wineries as they joined under the same banner due to the changes.
“This allowed me to work with many talented people who are sprinkled down the Coonawarra strip during that time,” Mr Clayfield said.
The wine sector officially acknowledged Mr Clayfield’s expertise and talents in 1988 when he won the prestigious International Winemaker
of the Year Award.
“I was presented with the award at the House of Commons in London and awarded a scholarship to work at the Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley,” Mr Clayfield said.
The award propelled Mr Clayfield’s career, producing many opportunities to work internationally.
“The industry was booming and became more successful in the export market, allowing me to travel overseas,” Mr Clayfield said.
He showcased his skills around Europe and the UK for two years, and spent one month every year for five years in America.
After returning home he was offered a position at Zema Estate as a winemaker.
“I enjoyed working at Zema thoroughly as it allowed me to build and produce high quality wine,” Mr Clayfield said.
“It was great to go back to getting hands dirty, and participating in hands on wine making once again after working at computers and desks for some time.”
Mr Clayfield will now take a much deserved six to eight weeks off, toning down his rigorous schedule.
“I would like to be involved with wine in some form in the future and I am excited to see what is out there,” Mr Clayfield said.
