May 7, 2014
The South Burnett’s longest serving and most-awarded winemaker will be leaving the region on Friday.
Luke Fitzpatrick has stepped down from his role as chief winemaker at Clovely Estate to take up a Brisbane-based area manager role with Australian wine merchants Samuel Smith and Son.
The move will bring an end to his 10-year association with Clovely Estate and the South Burnett’s wine industry.
During his decade with the company, Clovely Estate’s wines won dozens of medals at major State and national wine shows.
His wine-making skills have also been used by several other South Burnett cellar doors and vineyards to produce their own award-winning wines
Mr Fitzpatrick announced his departure today in an email to fellow South Burnett Wine Industry Association members.
“I would like to sincerely express my thanks and gratitude to all the people who have supported me during my time at Clovely,” he said.
“Taking the time to reflect on this period the friendship, kindness, generosity and warmth offered to me by so many has been truly overwhelming.
“There have been so many wonderful, genuine and colourful people whom I have met and had the pleasure to work with. And so many that have extended the offer of a meal, a coffee, a beer, a wine or simply an ear and some advice – I am so grateful for this.”
SBWIA secretary Paula Greenwood said she was extremely sorry to see Mr Fitzpatrick leave the region but sincerely wished him well.
“Luke has been a major figure in the growth of our region’s wine industry for longer than anybody,” she said.
“He’s always been very supportive of the Wine Industry Association’s initiatives, and always amongst the first to offer advice, expertise and assistance whenever anyone had a problem.
“His contribution to the South Burnett’s wine industry has been outstanding and he’ll be sorely missed.”
SBWIA President Jason Kinsella agreed, saying Mr Fitzpatrick had been “a great ambassador” for the South Burnett.
“Luke gave the South Burnett credibility and respect as a wine-making region.” he said.
“He was in many ways the face of the South Burnett’s wine industry at a State Government and international level, and his presence will certainly be missed by all of us.”
Mr Fitzpatrick will be succeeded as chief winemaker by Sarah Boyce, assisted by winemakers Stefano Radici and Ken Parke.
“Sarah is a very talented, passionate and capable winemaker and I have no doubt the wines will continue to improve and flourish under her stewardship,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
He added that he would be continuing his association with Clovely Estate in a limited consulting role for a short time to assist both Ms Boyce and Clovely Estate managing director Dr Susan Mercer with the transition.
[Updated]
