Pictured above (left to right): Fabian Lehmann and Kyle Connor
McLaren Vale winery Maxwell Wines has appointed a new Head Chef at its on-site restaurant. Kyle Connor will now lead the Maxwell kitchen, as former Head Chef Fabian Lehmann steps into a new ‘Executive Chef’ role.
This change in leadership will allow Fabian to lead Maxwell Wines’ upcoming Tasting Australia events, as well as experiment with new ideas and techniques to further enhance the Maxwell menu.
“Having Kyle running the day-to-day operations in the kitchen is a great new challenge for him and will give him the opportunity to grow,” said Executive Chef Fabian Lehmann.
“It allows me to spend 50% of my time away from the kitchen, doing offsite events, research and we also have a few new, exciting projects here at maxwell.”
Kyle began his career at McLaren Vale’s d’Arrys Verandah Restaurant in 2016, before eventually becoming the Junior Sous Chef for The d’Arenberg Cube Restaurant. Since 2020, Kyle has been working alongside Fabian at Maxwell Wines.
Maxwell’s General Manager, Jeremy Maxwell, says Kyle’s new appointment and Fabian’s newfound time out of the kitchen will help the winery continue to produce the same exquisite food that has earned the restaurant two chef hats.
“I’m really excited by it all! It is a key focus in our business to be able to provide growth opportunities for our staff and I’m glad that Kyle and Fabian have been able to work so well together and are both eager to take on new challenges,” said Jeremy.
“When you are head down and busy you don’t always get the chance to develop new ideas and techniques. This promotion will provide Fabian more R&D time out of the kitchen to continue to develop our menu and dining experiences while looking for new opportunities for Maxwell.
“Kyle will manage the kitchen operations ensuring our standards are upheld. Kyle is a very competent chef with impeccable attention to detail so the kitchen couldn’t be in better hands.”
Kyle himself said that the Head Chef position will allow him the chance to spearhead this next chapter of Maxwells.
“I have always found the most fulfillment when being given the space to grow. It is important for me to feel that what I do is something to be proud of,” said Kyle.
“Since day one at Maxwells I have been afforded the chance to challenge myself and push myself further than ever before. I intend to continue cultivating an open and inclusive environment at Maxwells – this is one of the great foundations established by Fabian.
“I have always been a strong believer in leading by example and take great pride in being a member of the team. I feel it is important to instill a culture of autonomy, while endeavoring to guide creativity, encourage critical thinking and strive for continual improvement.”
As Kyle mans the ship at Maxwell’s, Fabian will be participating in the Great Shiraz Dinner at the Town Square Kitchen this May, a part of this year’s Tasting Australia.
Fabian will also be collaborating with Scott Huggins from Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant to host the six-course SA Producers Showcase Dinner, featuring Maxwell and Penfolds Wines.
To learn more about Maxwell Wines or to make a booking, visit their website.
Maxwell Wines is located at Olivers Road McLaren Vale, 5171.
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