For more than thirty years, Peter Sawrey has been the voice behind one of Australia’s most iconic wines. Now, in a full-circle moment, the storyteller has become the story, with Yalumba naming him the 2023 Signatory of The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz.
Set for release on May 1st, the 52nd vintage of The Signature honours Pete’s remarkable contribution to the Barossa winery’s culture and legacy. Known for his warm personality and showstopping wit, Pete has written the back label of every vintage since 1994, capturing the nature of the individuals who have shaped Yalumba’s history.
Each year, The Signature pays tribute to a person who has made a profound impact on the winery. Personally chosen by fifth-generation proprietor Robert Hill-Smith, the Signatory is announced at Yalumba’s annual staff Christmas lunch. For Pete, receiving the honour came as a genuine surprise.
“It shocked me. It really did,” shared Pete in a chat with Glam Adelaide. “I didn’t think I was eligible because I’ve been working on the back labels for so long. I thought I was kind of non-compliant, but I got the thrill of my life. I really did.”
Having interviewed and immortalised generations of industry figures in print, Pete shared that he’d never imagined his own name would grace the label. Yet his connection to The Signature runs deeper than most. After joining Yalumba in the 90s, he contributed across events and marketing before becoming the custodian of its narrative. His first back label interview, with Peter ‘PJ’ Wall, sparked a tradition that would span more than 30 years.
“I was minding my own business, sitting in my office, when the lovely Robert Hill-Smith walked in. He asked, ‘Would you mind having a go at writing the Signature back labels?’ And I said, ‘Yes, I’ll have a go’,” said Pete, recounting how he got the job.
“My first task was Peter ‘PJ’ Wall, who was the production manager at Yalumba. To be honest, I was quite terrified of him, he was one of those genius-type characters who seemed miles above my thinking power. But it turned into one of the greatest interviews I’ve ever done. I was relieved, and we became quite close as a result.
“Then Robert asked if I’d like to have a go at the next one, which was Mark Hill-Smith, and away I went. I think I’ve done about 31 or 32.”
From Mark Hill-Smith to Eddy Waechter and almost every Signatory since, Pete’s words have travelled the world, accompanying each bottle with fascinating stories that are as rich as the wine itself. Even after retiring in 2009, he was invited to continue writing the labels, a testament to the trust and respect he earned over decades.
Pete went on to interview some truly fantastic innovators and characters in the wine industry. “I’ve been to some incredible places to interview people. Lehmann was a special one. Sitting in his kitchen over in Tanunda was an amazing day. He was keen to start drinking at about 11 in the morning, and I don’t remember getting home!
“I remember drinking port with Eddy Waechter in 1993, again, early in the day, and I don’t recall getting home terribly well from that either. They were all special. Sometimes it was over a meal, I think of Rhonda Sexton, that was a beautiful lunch in Melbourne.
“If it was a Barossa person, it was normally around a drink or two. It’s been an absolute creative and brilliant curve for me to be on, and I’ve just been so proud of it.”
While the recognition came as a shock, staying true to form, Pete accepted the recognition with humility and humour. Known for his colourful anecdotes and unforgettable interviews, it’s clear to see why he has long been regarded as one of the Barossa’s great raconteurs.
The 2023 vintage itself is equally as exciting. “It’s going to be an absolute corker,” said Pete. “It’s still young, as a 2023, but having tasted it over the last couple of weeks, I can say it’s going to be outstanding. If you buy a bottle in about 10 years time, you’ll certainly be rewarded with an absolute cracker.”
With its release, The Signature once again celebrates the coming together of heritage, craftsmanship, and storytelling. And this year, it honours the man who has made sure every bottle carries not just a name, but a legacy.
Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz 2023 will be released on May 1st, 2026, with a pre-release opportunity available online.
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