For more than two decades, winemaker Sean Murphy has built his career among the vineyards of South Australia’s Limestone Coast. Now, his journey has brought him back to a familiar Coonawarra name.
Sean has officially returned to Hollick Estates as Head Winemaker, around 20 years after first working with the winery during the mid-2000s.
It’s a full-circle moment for a winemaker whose connection to the region began long before his professional career.
Raised in Padthaway, Sean grew up around his family’s vineyard and viticultural businesses, developing an understanding of the land that would eventually lead him into winemaking.
In fact, wine is quite literally the only industry he has ever known, with Sean having never held a job outside it.
He began his winemaking career at Mount Benson in 2003 while studying Wine Science at Charles Sturt University, before moving to Coonawarra in 2005.
Since then, he has spent more than two decades developing his craft across the Limestone Coast, gaining an intimate understanding of the vineyards, varieties and growing conditions that make the region distinct.
Now, he is bringing that experience back to Hollick.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to Hollick Estates and taking on the role of Head Winemaker,” Sean said.
“Coonawarra is an exceptional wine region, and Hollick has a proud history and a strong connection to its vineyards and the wider community. Having worked here earlier in my career, it feels very special to return with the experience and perspective I have gained over the past two decades.”
Based in the heart of Coonawarra, Hollick Estates produces wines from across the renowned region and wider Limestone Coast, with its portfolio closely tied to the vineyards and growing conditions of the area.
For Sean, taking the reins isn’t about reinventing what has come before, but building on Hollick’s established style while looking at where the wines can go next.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside the vineyard and winery teams, building upon Hollick’s established style and exploring the opportunities ahead,” he said.
Hollick Estates Director Cameron Ding said Sean’s extensive experience in the region, along with his viticultural background and longstanding connection to the Limestone Coast, made him a natural choice for the position.
Sean commenced as Head Winemaker in September, succeeding Jordan Cory, who led Hollick Estates’ winemaking program for the past four years.
Hollick Estates shared, “We extend our sincere thanks to Jordan for his dedication and significant contribution to Hollick Estates throughout that time. As Sean takes the helm, we look forward to his leadership of our winemaking program and the continued evolution of the Hollick wine portfolio.”
More than 20 years after Sean first walked through the doors at Hollick, he’s back with a very different job title, and decades of Limestone Coast experience behind him.
