The Winemakers

Guiding Hands

The winemakers behind Songlines are David Fatches and John Duval, two of Australia's finest and most highly regarded makers of wine.

 

John Duval

Without doubt one of the pre-eminent figures in the Australian wine industry, John works closely with David to ensure that each vintage of Songlines is of the very highest standard.

John started with Penfolds in 1974 and was appointed Chief Winemaker in 1986. He led the winery through a dynamic period of development, ultimately establishing it as one of the world's most famous wine brands.

"Songlines reflects the culmination of my Australian experience and believe it has the distinctive character and quality to make it one of the world's finest Shiraz."

David Fatches

Training in the Hunter Valley ignited David's desire to create great wines, which led to training at Charles Sturt University and then working for the Orlando Wyndham group.

His first foray as solo winemaker for Millfield saw a continuous string of trophies and show medals and his work in Bordeaux has also been highly acclaimed.

"Through my family restaurant business I was exposed to great early vintages of Grange and Hill of Grace sparking my interest, which has developed into a lifelong passion for me. I am now focusing this passion on marrying the best of the Old World and New for Songlines."