Award winning winemaker Jonathan Holgate at Bendooley Estate.
Bendooley Estate is thrilled to have award winning winemaker Jonathan Holgate on board as our head winemaker.
Jonathan has over 20 years experience working with fruit and wines from many regions throughout Australia and New Zealand. He has also spent time making world class Pinot Noir in Oregon, USA.
Jonathan was born and raised in Coffs Harbour. He moved to Newcastle to study electrical engineering after finishing school, and after numerous visits to the Hunter Valley confirmed his passion for wine and interest in winemaking. Jonathan decided to pick up some work experience with a boutique winery before changing university courses. He worked around the Hunter Valley for 5 years while completing his Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) then moved to the Southern Highlands where he passionately produces some of the region’s best cool climate wines.
Jonathan’s winemaking record includes several awards and over 50 trophies throughout his 10+ years with his previous employer Tertini Wines.
Major awards include:
– Top 10 Riesling at the International Riesling Challenge
– Best Riesling at the Sydney Royal Wine Show
– Best Pinot Noir at the NSW Wine Awards
– Best Pinot Noir in Australia at the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge
“The Highlands stretched-out growing season, helps produce fruit with better character and higher natural acidity, an added benefit for ageing wine.”
