Chief Winemaker - William (Willy) Lunn
Willy grew up in a small farming community in rural South Australia and has always had a great affinity with the land. This has led him to develop a passion for regionality and making wines that are always the truest expression of place.
His introduction to winemaking was straight out of high school, working at Petaluma under the watchful eye of Brian Croser. Beginning as a cellar hand in 1984, he rapidly progressed to a senior winemaking position. His attention to detail and focus on quality during his 15 years at Petaluma forged the “no compromise for quality” philosophy that continues to guide him today.
A love of travel led him around Australia and beyond, and in 1988 he landed at Argyle winery in the Willamette Valley (Oregon US.) where he joined friend and mentor, Rollin Soles. Together, they started making cool climate sparkling wines that were later destined for the White House. It was at Argyle in those early days that his love of cool climate viticulture and ultra premium winemaking came to fruition. The friendship lasted twenty years and would bring him back to Argyle to run their winemaking in 2003.
He completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Oenology) at Adelaide University in 1996 and has been involved in wine judging both in Australia and abroad.
Following his period at Petaluma, Willy spent two years as winemaker at Shaw and Smith winery in the Adelaide Hills where he honed his experience making award winning Chardonnay, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc.
In 2003, Rollin Soles lured him back to Argyle winery to concentrate his efforts making ultra premium, world class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wines. In 2008 they were awarded Argyle’s 9th Top 100 wine in Wine Spectator for their sparkling which holds the distinction of being the highest rated US sparkling wine. His experience with Rollin Soles in the US, has lauded Argyle winery as contributing to the reinvention of the Oregon wine industry by increasing the quality of Oregon’s vineyards and winemaking.
It is a great boon to Yering Station that Willy has taken over the role as Chief Winemaker marking a new, exciting chapter for the Rathbone family’s journey in the wine industry and the unsurpassed quality of their regionally acclaimed wines.
Willy’s commitment to encouraging a strong team spirit throughout the winery will continue to allow the passionate team at Yering Station to thrive.
Click here to watch an overview of Yering Station with Willy