Brett Williams
QUALITY FROM THE GROUND UP
The Coonawarra wine region is famous for its elegant, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon – and few people know Coonawarra Cabernet like viticulturist Brett Williams.
Brett has been growing things and producing food most of his life. Coonawarra to the core, he’s behind some of the top-quality fruit that goes into the region’s celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Since he started managing the vineyard at the acclaimed Parker Coonawarra Estate, the vineyard has never been in better shape. That’s thanks to Brett’s meticulous approach and bold decisions.
Branching out
There aren’t many people who know the sights, sounds and soils of the Coonawarra wine region better than Brett. He grew up in the region on his parents’ farming property, and then planted his own vineyard from scratch.
More than two decades later, Brett still meticulously cares for the vineyard and lives on the property with his wife, Julianne. His three kids grew up there, with the vineyard just outside their backdoor. For Brett, this picturesque, world-renowned wine region will always be home.
“It’s the close-knit community here that makes a difference for me,” says Brett. “It’s a supportive community and you can always get help if you want it. We also grow the best Cabernet in the world so I get really excited about that.”
Cabernet Sauvignon is Brett’s favourite variety to grow and wine to drink. He sells most of his top-quality fruit to Parker Coonawarra Estate, just five minutes away by tractor. So when the chance to work for this renowned company came up, Brett jumped at the chance.
“I wanted to push myself a bit,” he says. “I was pretty comfortable in my vineyard. I wanted to try something else.”
Brett brought fresh ideas, including a new pruning regime, the introduction of new microbes to the soil, and an ongoing program to replant the entire vineyard with new, strong Cabernet vines. Boosting the health of the vineyard is Brett’s priority. And it all starts with that rich terra rossa soil.
“My motivation is to achieve excellence,” says Brett. “I want to be as good as I can at what I do. And I’m pretty proud of some of the fruit I’m growing, for sure.”
“In Coonawarra we grow some of the best Cabernet in the world. And I’m pretty proud of some of the fruit I’m growing.” – Brett Williams
Disclaimer
This information is presented in good faith and on the basis that Wine Australia, nor their agents or employees, are liable (whether by reason of error, omission, negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any statement, information or advice given via this channel.
