Winemaker

Winemaker - Conrad Slabber

Conrad’s love for wine started in South Africa, studying winemaking at the University of Stellenbosch, from which he graduated in 2007 and working at Beyerskloof Winery for a number of years before he decided to expand his horizons. He ventured to California’s Napa Valley – one of the world’s greatest destination for beautiful views, fantastic food and of course great wine! Famous for their Cabernet Sauvignon.

…Fast forward a little and Conrad found himself on Australian shores!

Whilst Conrad only planned on doing one vintage in South Australia and then continuing to the next chapter of his winemaking life he was presented with an offer too good to refuse. Gaining sponsorship from his then current winery did mean Conrad lost the travel bug but the good news is, after a few years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears he finally obtained his permanent residency and became an Australian Citizen.

Having experienced the cool and warm (very warm) wine regions of Australia it was his love of the ocean and working with his favourite varieties of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon that brought him back to the Limestone Coast. He cites the combination of complexity and purity that these two varieties can present when at their finest, and strives towards this in the wines that he helps create at Jack Estate.

Conrad originally joined the Jack Estate team for Vintage 2014 for a vintage winemaker position and then continued experiencing what else Australia had to offer him before re-joining the Jack Estate team in a permanent role late in 2016.