March 29 2018: After an incredible winemaking career with Accolade Wines that has spanned almost four decades, Tom Newton is embarking on the next new chapter – retirement.
In his most recent role as Group White Winemaker which he has held since 2003, Tom was responsible for overseeing the white wine production for all brands across Accolade Wine’s extensive portfolio.
Paul Lapsley, Global Wine Director at Accolade Wines, said Tom started out in 1982 as a young and talented cellar hand in Reynella, a move that turned out to be the beginning of a wonderful career.
“Blessed with an exceptional palate, Tom earned a promotion to winemaker in 1988, concentrating on white wine production. Eileen Hardy Chardonnay was born with Tom at the helm, a wine he has particularly championed over the last 30 years of its production,” he said.
Many wine show successes have come his way throughout his career. While these have not always been with Chardonnay, one of his most notable successes came in 2005 when the Eileen Hardy Chardonnay was awarded the President’s Medal at the Sydney Royal Show for the most outstanding exhibit of any agricultural product; the first and only time this achievement has been won by a wine.
So good was the wine that one of the world’s greatest wineries, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Burgundy, France, ordered a case for their cellars said Lapsley.
“It must be noted that Tom’s influence on the production of cool climate Chardonnay in Australia helped set a new trend for a more refined and elegant style of this great variety, and his philosophy continues to be adopted by many other wineries.
“On behalf of everyone at Accolade Wines, I wish Tom all the best in retirement. I’m sure that he will enjoy spending more time with his family, continue to travel, support the Carlton Blues, get some fishing in and imbibe a few more great wines. Thank you for your 36 years of outstanding contribution,” said Lapsley.
