Bryant takes the hot seat as chief winemaker for Jacob's Creek

By Nigel Huddleston

Published: 12 August, 2015

Pernod Ricard has appointed Ben Bryant as chief winemaker for its Jacob's Creek Australian wine brand, replacing Bernard Hickin, who will retire in June 2016.

Bryant will take over as chief winemaker for the French drinks giant's Pernod Ricard Winemakers division in Australia after 16 years with the company.

He has held a number of positions including chief winemaker for Wyndham Estate.

Bryant said: "I have inherited not only a world class brand in Jacob's Creek, but a world class team of passionate winemakers who have worked tirelessly to make the brand what it is today.

"From grape sourcing to winemaking, we all live and breathe our passion for wine, and we are united by a common goal - to make great wines that people love."

Hickin will remain with Pernod Ricard Winemakers until June of next year as international winemaker, assisting with the transition and focusing on various winemaking projects within the group.

Hickin joined what was then G Gramp & Sons in 1976, the year Jacob's Creek launched. He became chief winemaker of Australian brands for Pernod Ricard in 2006 and Jacob's Creek global chief winemaker in 2010.

Brett McKinnon, global operations director for Pernod Ricard Winemakers, said: "We are extremely grateful for the contribution that Bernard has made towards our success.

"He will be missed by the team and we wish him all the vey best for his retirement."

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