Growing up in the Adelaide Hills and helping to establish family vineyards led to Alex Clark studying Oenology at the University of Adelaide.
After graduating in 2010, a three year stint followed in the McLaren Vale with the opportunity to work with a range of new varieties and producers adapting to biodynamic and organic practices.
An opening in Coonawarra led to a two year winemaking role, where Alex gained further appreciation for the longevity of these wines and the potential of the cool climate sites within the limestone coast.
Alex joined the Shaw + Smith Team in 2015, and in 2024 took on the role of Winemaker. He works closely with Chief Winemaker Adam Wadewitz, Assistant Winemaker Hugh Duckworth.
An opening in Coonawarra led to a two year winemaking role, where Alex gained further appreciation for the longevity of these wines and the potential of the cool climate sites within the limestone coast.
Alex joined the Shaw + Smith Team in 2015, and in 2024 took on the role of Winemaker. He works closely with Chief Winemaker Adam Wadewitz, Assistant Winemaker Hugh Duckworth.
His first vintage leading the team was early and compact. This pace can be challenging, as it requires a lot of forward planning which is key to ensuring each batch receives the time and attention it deserves.
"We had a great mix of personalities working vintage this year, with a broad range of experience between them. This sparks a lot of interesting conversations about the way we make wine."
"We had a great mix of personalities working vintage this year, with a broad range of experience between them. This sparks a lot of interesting conversations about the way we make wine."
While the 2025 vintage was drier and warmer than we've seen in recent years, our hard work in the vineyard has really paid off.
"I'm really excited about the quality of Chardonnay we've seen this season, particularly from Piccadilly Vineyard. We're starting to see the power and intensity from our high density plantings."
"I'm really excited about the quality of Chardonnay we've seen this season, particularly from Piccadilly Vineyard. We're starting to see the power and intensity from our high density plantings."