Fragos has joined the team at Haselgrove as CEO and chief winemaker. Image supplied

Chairman of McLaren Vale-based winery Haselgrove, Don Totino, has today announced the appointment of esteemed winemaker Michael Fragos to the role of CEO and chief winemaker.

The appointment comes after it was announced last month by Endeavour Group that Fragos had departed from his long-term position at Chapel Hill, where he worked in winemaking roles for 22 years.

Haselgrove said Fragos needs no introduction to the McLaren Vale community, growing up on a local vineyard and having worked 37 vintages “crafting some of the region’s most celebrated wines”.

“I am incredibly proud to have been entrusted by Haselgrove to lead this wonderful winery. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to help shape all aspects of the business. Leading wineries has always been my passion, and Haselgrove offers a truly unique opportunity with its exceptional vineyard, well-equipped winery, and rooftop cellar door,” Fragos shared.

Fragos first worked with now co-owners of Haselgrove, Steve Maglieri, Don Luca and Tony Carrocci at Tatachilla winery in the 1990s. During this time, he also worked as an advisor to fellow co-owner, Don Totino, as he established his Adelaide Hills vineyard. As Fragos moved on from Tatachilla to Chapel Hill Wines, the relationship turned to that of winemaker and grower.

The timing of this next phase was described by Totino as “almost blessed”.

“When (previous CEO) Christophe Forel, decided to make a move to a new industry, at the same time as Michael becoming available, you could say the timing was almost blessed. We didn’t hesitate to bring Michael in. We have absolute trust in his expertise and professionalism; he’s going to take Haselgrove to the next level,” Totino said.

Fragos said he is delighted to continue his connection with the “remarkable” McLaren Vale wine region.

“McLaren Vale is special for so many reasons. It is home to outstanding vineyard sites, breathtaking natural beauty, a pristine coastline and a world-class wine and food culture.

“Above all, it is the people who make this region extraordinary. There is a genuine sense of community, and together we share the privilege and responsibility of being custodians of this beautiful place,” he said.

Fragos is also looking forward to working with long-term senior winemaker Andrew Locke in this new role.

“I am looking forward to working with Andrew and the talented Haselgrove team to continue nurturing and developing this important McLaren Vale winery. Together, we will build on its strong foundations to showcase the character and splendour of this exceptional region through our wines.”

Outside of winemaking, Fragos acts as chair of the McLaren Vale Districts Working Group.

Michael Fragos is an Australian winemaker of Greek heritage. He was born/raised in South Australia rather than Greece: sources say his parents were migrants from Greece, and he grew up in McLaren Vale in a family where wine and food were central to daily life. His father planted a vineyard at Willunga in the late 1960s and made Grenache for the family.

Fragos is the Chief Winemaker at Chapel Hill Winery in McLaren Vale, where he has led the winemaking team since 2004. He was named Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London in 2007.

SOURCE: WINETITLES MEDIA