Hattingley Valley Welcomes New Head Winemaker
Congratulations to Robert MacCulloch MW on his appointment as Head Winemaker at award-winning winery Hattingley Valley. Since it was established as a farm diversification project back in 2008, Hattingley Valley has grown to become one of the leading wineries in the UK. This largely due to the guidance of the previous Head Winemaker, Emma Rice, who advised founder and owner Simon Robinson to invest in the best equipment and build a purpose built 600 tonne, eco-friendly winery, creating one of the most advanced wineries in the world. Emma Rice and Hattingley Valley have gone on to pick up numerous awards for some rather remarkable wines.
Having decided to step away from her role, Emma is delighted by Robert MacCulloch’s appointment: “Knowing that Robert will be taking the helm at Hattingley is hugely reassuring. The winery, the vineyard, the team and, of course, the wines, have been an integral and all-encompassing part of my life for the last 14 years and I am so pleased they will be well looked after. I wish Rob and the team the very best for the 2022 vintage and many more to come.”
Robert MacCulloch MW brings with him over two decades of experience in the wine industry, including a dozen winemaking harvests across five continents. He previously held the position of client winemaker for Hawke’s Bay Wine Company in New Zealand, holds the highest-level wine accolade, the Master of Wine (MW), and is one of a few full-time winemakers experienced in both wine production and wine commerce. Robert boasts extensive skill with sparkling, white, rosé and red wines, in both cool and warm climates.
From Margaret River in Australia to Mosel Valley in Germany, Robert has travelled the globe making wine, and is well experienced in every element from vineyard to dispatch, with small family wineries through to volume-driven, export-focused operations. In his new role at Hattingley Valley, he will be responsible for leading the team of winemakers, and overseeing the creation of the winery’s award-winning still and sparkling wines.
Robert MacCulloch comments: “I’m humbled and thrilled to become Head Winemaker at Hattingley Valley, during a hugely exciting time for the expanding English wine industry. I’m really looking forward to working alongside Simon Robinson and the talented team that he's assembled to make England’s finest traditional method sparkling wine. My role and challenge will be to build on the superb legacy of wine quality that Emma Rice has created while exploring new qualitative directions for Hattingley Valley’s winemaking.”
Simon Robinson added: “I am delighted that Robert has agreed to join us to take Hattingley on the next stage of its journey. Robert has all the experience and drive needed to take us forward and I very much look forward to working with him.”
In addition, Hattingley Valley Operations Winemaker James Rouse, who has been with the company since 2019, will be promoted to Winemaker.