Bernard Hickin, Chief Winemaker at Jacob's Creek

Having grown up a city boy, the idea of becoming a winemaker hadn't really crossed Bernard’s mind. To end up in charge of Jacob’s Creek wines, one of the world’s largest and most respected wine brands, is an amazing achievement and a testimony to Bernard’s character and talent. Bernard started at Orlando in the same year as the first Jacob’s Creek (1973 Shiraz Cabernet Malbec) was launched. By 1987 his passion for white, botrytis and sparkling wine saw him permanently relocated to the Barossa winery as the new Operations Winemaker. 

In 1994 Bernard was made Senior White and Sparkling winemaker, and by 1997 was promoted to Group White and Sparkling Winemaker. In 2006 Bernard became Chief Winemaker at Orlando Wines where he continues to find great satisfaction in honing and improving the company’s respected brands. From 2010 he also took on responsibility for promoting the Jacob’s Creek brand internationally. With Jacob’s Creek as his primary focus, Bernard is driving the brand with a steady, considered hand, ensuring that from vine to bottle standards and quality is maintained.

Bernard is a presenter at the ‘Mythbusting - Australia’s regions, sites, innovations, quality, diversity and characters’ business session.