Hill-Smith Family Estates
Simon Spence has extensive work experience in the wine industry. Simon started their career in 1997 as the National Viticulture Manager at Matua Wines, where they worked until 2009. Simon then joined Treasury Wine Estates, where they held various roles including National Vineyards Manager and later General Manager Grape Resources. In 2017, they joined Kingston Estate Wines as the Group Viticulturist and worked there until 2022. Simon is currently serving as the Chief Viticulturist at Hill-Smith Family Estates.
Simon Spence attended Mt Albert Grammer School from 1982 to 1987. Simon then pursued Viticulture and Enology at Roseworthy Agricultural College from 1989 to 1991.
Hill-Smith Family Estates
For more than 170 years and across six generations, the Hill-Smith Family has been planting vineyards and crafting quality wine. Each generation of our family has been pioneering and innovative leading us to where we are today; a winemaker integrated through vine cultivation, wine growing, wine making and distribution of fine wine. We have evolved from a single brand to a family of wine brands including Yalumba, Jansz Tasmania, Oxford Landing, Winesmiths, Pewsey Vale Vineyard, Dalrymple Vineyards, Heggies Vineyard and Nautilus Estate. Through the guidance of our Yalumba Nursery we have developed vineyard sites in many of the best regions including Barossa, Limestone Coast, Riverland, Tasmania and Marlborough. Our businesses Samuel Smith & Son and Negociants distribute some of the most revered family wine brands of the world, bringing these wines to the tables of wine lovers around the globe. From our very first vintage in 1849 to the multi-faceted wine company we are today, we pride ourselves on our family heritage and our connection to people, but above all the burning desire to remain a sustainable and successful family-owned wine business for generations to come.