HUNTER VALLEY LEGENDS
Neil McGuigan - CEO and Chief Winemaker. Neil is passionate about delivering innovative, quality wine to the world, and his commitment and dedication to winemaking is evident in the entire Australian Vintage portfolio and is paramount in his role as Chief Winemaker for the McGuigan brand.
Neil McGuigan first rose to fame in 1985 when restaurateur and wine merchant, Jonnie Walker referred to Neil as "the most brilliant young winemaker of his time".
Neil has lived up to these expectations by leading the McGuigan Wines Team to the prestigious title of International Winemaker of the Year and Australian Producer of the Year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition, London in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2016, becoming the first and only winemaker in the competition's 48 year history to win this award four times. Alongside this, Neil and the winemaking team were also crowned International White Winemaker of the Year in 2009, 2012 and 2013 at the International Wine Challenge, London.
Neil McGuigan is one of Australia's foremost winemakers and brings over 30 years' experience in the wine industry to Australian Vintage and McGuigan Wines.
Growing up in a family of winemakers in the Hunter Valley, naturally led Neil to pursue a career in winemaking and viticulture. After studying and graduating with a degree in Oenology in South Australia, Neil joined his eldest brother, Brian as a winemaker at Wyndham Estate where he established his career, eventually moving into the role of Group Production Director.
From there, he worked with Brian and his other brother, Ross, to establish the McGuigan Bothers label. Neil then stepped out on his own, becoming part owner and winemaker for Briar Ridge Vineyard, building on of the most sought-after vineyards in the Hunter Valley. His next challenge took him to Rothbury Estate in the role of General Manager/Chief Winemaker for four years, before he re-joined his brother Brian at McGuigan Simeon Wines (now Australian Vintage) as General Manager of Production and Wine Supply in 2004.
As an internationally acclaimed winemaker with extensive experience and insight into the wine industry, Neil is a respected wine judge at national and international competitions and events.
Neil was appointed CEO of Australian Vintage in July 2010, and was named President of the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2015 - the fourth Australian in the Competition's history.
Neil's passion remains winemaking and his philosophy has always been; 'make the wine the hero'.
Neil McGuigan was inducted as a Living Legend in 2022