New Chapter for Hungerford Hill

Hungerford Hill General Manager and Chief Winemaker, Pierre Durand Credit: Newcastle Herald | Source: Hungerford Hill

Hungerford Hill has announced a changing of the guard, with Pierre Durand appointed General Manager and Senior Winemaker. He takes over from Bryan Currie, who departed in June 2026 after nearly a decade shaping the direction of Hungerford Hill, Dalwood Estate and Sweetwater Wines.

For Durand, the appointment is something of a homecoming. Born in the South West of France and raised in a farming family in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Pierre's early passion for wine led him to change career and relocate to Australia in the early 2000s, where he settled in the Hunter Valley to study viticulture at Kurri TAFE.

It's here that Durand's career, and his life, took shape. He's spent more than 20 years working across viticulture, winemaking, management and sales, both locally and internationally, with stints at Hunter Valley names including Tyrrell's, Brokenwood, First Creek and Margan, as well as time in South Australia and at renowned French estates Château Pape Clément, M. Chapoutier and Vinovalie. More recently, he's held senior commercial roles at Endeavour Group and DMG Fine Wine, overseeing national and international distribution for some of Australia's best-known wine brands.

Fittingly, the first vineyard Durand ever visited in Australia, back when he was just 17, was Dalwood Estate. He now returns to lead it, alongside Hungerford Hill and Sweetwater Estate.

"The Hunter Valley has become part of my soul," Durand says.

Durand is quick to credit the strong foundations already in place. "I have great respect for the work Bryan and the team have achieved, and everyone else before them," he says. "These estates have a remarkable history and a clear sense of identity."

His approach is fruit-first, minimal intervention, letting each vineyard's distinct character, whether Hungerford Hill's estate sites, Sweetwater's red loamy soils, or Dalwood's historic vines, speak for itself.

Currie, meanwhile, leaves a lasting legacy. "His leadership, dedication and commitment to quality have left a lasting imprint on the wines and the team," the company said, wishing him well for his next chapter.

With nearly 200 years of combined history across the three estates, Durand's arrival marks not a change in direction, but a continuation of the pursuit of quality, precision and regional expression that has defined Hungerford Hill for generations.

For more information, visit www.hungerfordhill.com.au.