Hatch Wines
Barossa , South Australia
Winery Overview
Affectionately known as Hatch, after 50 years creating wines for some of Australia’s most recognised labels, Chris “Hatch” Hatcher launched HATCH Wines in October 2023 to continue crafting beautiful, classic wines that stand the test of time. Bringing together his winemaking skills and love for 1920s art déco design, jazz and refined revelry, you’ll enjoy affordable luxury in every bottle.
Hatch spent a lifetime in the bold pursuit of perfection, making wines that have won major global awards against the best of the best. Launching HATCH, he wanted to make elegant and sophisticated wines using the best regional varietal expressions of fruit. He is enjoying the opportunity to build a small, family-run brand from the ground up. From making and blending the wine, to marketing, showcasing and selling the wines. It’s a chance to share his continuing passion and knowledge with a whole new audience.
Growing up in a strict Methodist family, wine was never on the menu. Several years into his career, Hatch was surprised to learn that his maternal great-grandfather, Alf Vesey was also a winemaker. He’d started work at Penfolds in 1883, where he stayed for 69 years. For almost 50 years, he was the Master Winemaker. During that time, he mentored his young assistant on the art of winemaking and blending. That young winemaker was Max Schubert, who would go on to make Penfolds Grange, arguably Australia’s best-known wine.
Hatch’s winemaking philosophy is simple. Make exceptional wines that respect the unique characters of the very best regions and varieties. Wines that show varietal purity, balance, elegance and finesse. Wines that are excellent when young and vibrant but will reward with aging.
Seeking Distribution in
Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Winemaker Bio
"Hatch" is one of Australia’s most respected and highly awarded winemakers and one of the country's most respected wine show judges.
Over 35 years leading the Wolf Blass winemaking team there were many accolades including:
IWSC (London) – International Winemaker of the Year – 1992, 2002, 2013
IWSC (London) – International Red Winemaker of the Year – 2020
IWC (London) – International Red Winemaker of the Year – 2008, 2013, 2016, 2021
Hatch has judged at more than 75 wine competitions in Australia, UK and USA including being:
Chairman of Judges Perth Royal Wine Show 2011, 2012
Panel Chair at all Australian mainland National Wine Shows
Panel Chair IWSC (London) – 2016, 2017, 2018
His winemaking philosophy is simple. Make exceptional wines that respect the unique characters of the very best regions and varieties. Wines that show varietal purity, balance, elegance, and finesse. Wines that are excellent when young and vibrant but will reward with aging.