Dan Swincer

Orlando, SA

Gramps Botrytis Semillon 2008
JC Barossa Steingarten Riesling 2007

The Wine Society Young Winemaker of the Year 2011

Growing up in Mildura, despite his father’s best efforts to introduce him to the delights of Eden Valley Riesling, Dan’s first dream was not to become a winemaker but a fighter pilot after watching “Top Gun”.  However, when this fell through it was obvious that the wine industry was the only one that could offer the excitement to rival flying a fighter jet.  Going straight into the Oenology degree at Adelaide University after completing school, he joined his sister who was already studying the same degree.

Since completion of his studies in 2003 Dan has worked in the Barossa, Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Sunraysia before commencing his role within the white and sparkling winemaking team at Orlando Wines in August 2006.  During this time he has had exposure to the vast range of wines, regions and styles within the Orlando Wines portfolio.  He is also a passionate promoter of wine domestically and overseas, was an associate judge at the 2010 Royal Adelaide Wine Show and will do so again at the upcoming 2011 show.  He doesn’t profess to have a favourite variety as it tends to be whatever he is working with most at the time.

In that time, Dan also got married to his lovely wife Alicia, who he meet while working in the Napa Valley, and lives in Tanunda with their son Sam.