Wine Production Team...
Our team includes our two winemakers Chris Derrez and Tom Ward.
Chris Derrez
Chris started his career at home in Burgundy, France, in the family winery. He has worked in wineries across Europe, Africa and Australia and is passionate about producing wines that demonstrate the best of the grapes origin and climate.
He grew up learning the art of winemaking from his father. Also he expanded on this experience in Burgundy working at Domaine Vachet Rousseau, learning more about wine and the influence that the grapes have on the quality. Chris has also been involved in other vintages in Australia, Germany, South Africa, Greece and France.
He then travelled and worked in Tunisia and Switzerland before settling in Orange, NSW and starting his own winemaking business. Chris is assisted by his partner/winemaker Lucy Maddox and daughter Lila.
Chris has achieved exceptional success with Swinging Bridge Estates wines and continues to strive to maintain our standards and quality.
Tom Ward
After completing a Bachelor of Commerce from Sydney University in 1997 he decided the accounting world was not for him. With an interest in wine, Tom headed to Adelaide where he completed a Graduate Diploma in Wine Business and gaining experience in the surrounding wine regions (Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale). After completing his studies he started work for Jarretts of Orange where he was involved in the development and management of vineyards. This involved experience with different varieties and climates.
In 2002 he decided to head overseas for winemaking experience for 18 months with vintages, winemaking and traveling through America and Europe. A marriage proposal whilst overseas in Sonoma Valley in California ensured he returned for the 2003 vintage and to take over the management of Swinging Bridge Estate vineyard in partnership with his father (Mark).
Since returning to Canowindra, Tom has been busy with a wedding (Georgie 2003), children (Eliza 2005) and (William 2007), as well immersing himself in the family business.
He has winemaking degree from Charles Sturt University (Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in Oenology).
Tom is the President of the Cowra Regional Vignerons Association and chair of the research and development committee. He is on the Board of the Wine Grape Growers of Australia and executive committee of NSW Wine Industry Association and is also in the Australian Wine Future Leaders Program. He has been involved in judging at wine shows having associate judged at the Cowra Wine Show and Orange Regional Wine Show.
