Cafe and Cellar Door
Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm
Public Holiday: 12pm - 4pm

Restaurant - Lunch
Wed - Sat: 11am - 3pm
Sun 12pm: - 3pm
Public Holiday: 12pm - 2.30pm

Restaurant - Dinner
Fri - Sat: 6pm - 11pm

8691 West Swan Road
Henley Brook WA 6055
Tel: 9296 3444
Fax: 9296 3555
Winemaker Profile

 Tuesday, 16th Mar 2010
Name: Liam Clarke

Age: 32

Qualifications:
    Bachelor of Science (Oenology & Viticulture), Curtin University

Professional experience:
    Professional Experience:

    2002 - 2007: Oakover Wines Swan Valley:

    • Employed as Cellar Door Attendant for 9 months until winery built
    • Began winemaking career as a cellar hand progressively promoted to cellar supervisor, assistant winemaker and finally winemaker
    • Crushed in excess of 1000 tonnes annually for Oakover and contract winemaking clients


    2007 - Present: Heafod Glen Wines Swan Valley

    • Employed as head winemaker and vineyard manager
    • This is a hands-on role with Liam performing all winemaking duties and the majority of vineyard work. Pruning and picking being the exceptions due to logistical reasons

Wine making Philosophy:
    Liam firmly believes in allowing a variety and region to express itself in the wine. He sees that his function as a winemaker is to encourage and facilitate a natural expression of these aspects.

The Future:
    Liam continues to refine the winemaking process and is realising the full potential of the facilities and vineyards. The main area of focus for the future is the vineyards. Liam firmly believes that good wine is made in the vineyard and if the fruit is at its best then his job as a winemaker is much easier.

    He is aiming to manage the vineyard in an integrated way, taking into account the health of the soil, microbiology and not just the vines themselves. If the entire vineyard is healthy it results in less pathogens and happier vines which can only produce better fruit.

    In terms of the wines, the near future will see the introduction of a Family Reserve range of wines including two Methode Champenoise sparkling wines (Liam's pet project), a Chardonnay and a Shiraz, both of which are quietly maturing in new imported French Oak barrels. These ultra-premium wines are being made with an attention to detail that can only be achieved when producing small volumes. Most the the batches are less than 100 cases in volume.



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© Chesters Restaurant
Gold Plate Winner 2006, 2008 & 2009 - Licenced Casual Dining, Tourist Restaurant, Restaurant in a Winery
Winner R+CIA Awards for Excellence 2005 - Restaurant in a Winery.
Gold Plate Finalist 2004 - 2008