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Bimbadgen Welcomes Michael Hatcher as Chief Winemaker and Head of Sales & Distribution

  • Writer: Your Hunter Valley Magazine
    Your Hunter Valley Magazine
  • Jul 3
  • 2 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Man smiling in a blue shirt against a plain gray background. He appears relaxed and confident. No visible text.
Michael Hatcher

Bimbadgen Estate is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Hatcher as Chief Winemaker and Head of Sales & Distribution. With more than 25 years of experience across winemaking, commercial leadership, and national wine buying, Michael brings a valuable and unique skill set to this integral role.

Michael’s appointment marks a strategic step forward for Bimbadgen as the business strengthens its winemaking operations and endeavours to expand its reach across both domestic and international markets. He will lead the estate’s winemaking program while evolving and fortifying Bimbadgen’s distribution and export strategy.

 

“It’s great to have Michael join our team,” says Jordan Rodgers, General Manager – Hunter Valley Operations. “His genuine pride in the place the Hunter Valley holds in Australian wine history and his understanding of the nuances of Hunter Valley viticulture and winemaking are impressive and genuine. In addition to Michael’s winemaking success and experience, his commercial understanding of sales and distribution makes him a key appointment to our team in this critical role.”

 

Michael’s career began in southern New South Wales, where he cut his teeth producing world-class Chardonnay in the cool climates of the Snowy Mountains. He trained under the late Phillip John, the celebrated winemaker behind Lindeman’s iconic Bin 65 Chardonnay, and holds a Bachelor of Oenology from Charles Sturt University as well as an MBA and a Master of Marketing from the University of Newcastle. After honing his skills in the vineyard, he broadened his industry knowledge as National Wine Buyer for Wine Selectors, gaining national exposure to new winemaking techniques and varietals. He later held senior roles at Hungerford Hill and most recently served as Operations Manager and Winemaker at Bunnamagoo Estate Wines in Mudgee.

 

Beige winery with "Bimbadgen" text, tower, and arched windows. Green hedges and fountain in the foreground, under a clear sky.
Credit: Tim Pascoe

In addition to leading Bimbadgen’s winemaking team, Michael will also focus on strengthening existing trade relationships, building new partnerships across Australia and internationally, and engaging the next generation of wine drinkers.

 

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Hunter Valley after 14 years,” Michael says. “To me, this is Australia’s premier wine region, rich in history and authenticity. My winemaking philosophy is about creating wines with a true sense of time and place, allowing each vintage to speak for itself with minimal intervention. I’m excited to join a business like Bimbadgen that has the scale, spirit, and ambition to reach more people, more meaningfully, both in Australia and abroad.” 


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