Sometimes, the most remarkable paths begin in the most unassuming places. Born and raised in Cessnock, Hunter Valley, Liz Silkman was surrounded by an eclectic mix of influences—her mother, a language teacher, and her father, an electrician. Winemaking was not an obvious career choice. Yet, in a twist of fate, Liz has become the region’s very first recipient of the prestigious Halliday Winemaker of the Year award for 2025, making her a genuine trailblazer for the Hunter wine industry.

A Serendipitous Start

Liz’s fascination with science first led her to the University of Newcastle, where she studied for a Science degree. Needing a part-time job to support her studies, she joined Pepper Tree Wines’ cellar door before moving to Brokenwood as a lab technician. Although she soon discovered that she was far more drawn to the winery’s sights and sounds than a lab bench, it took determination to break into a winemaking role—especially in an era when men dominated the cellar, and women were often confined to laboratory work.

“One of the biggest hurdles was having the confidence to apply for assistant winemaker roles,” Liz recalls. “My male peers seemed far more comfortable just going for it.”

Defying Conventions

Undeterred, Liz earned a Graduate Diploma in Oenology from the University of Adelaide, steadily building experience in Australia, the US, and New Zealand. A turning point came at Tempus Two, where she served as Assistant Winemaker under Lisa McGuigan’s leadership. Here, Liz also found a lifelong mentor and friend, Sarah-Kate Dineen, whose support was instrumental in navigating a male-oriented industry.

Before long, Liz’s reputation soared: in 2006, she became Dux of the Len Evans Tutorial, and a year later she was a finalist for Young Winemaker of the Year. By 2008, she was Chief Winemaker at First Creek Wines, helming one of the most significant contract winemaking and bottling operations in Australia.

Family and Flexibility

It was at a Hunter Valley Winemaker’s Dinner in 2004 that Liz met her future husband, Shaun. Armed with a Bachelor of Business & Commerce, Shaun was already immersed in the wine world, having grown up in a winemaking family. Together, they share three children. This blend of work and family life has not always been smooth sailing, but Liz and Shaun have made it a priority to develop a culture of flexibility at First Creek, enabling their team to balance career and personal commitments—an approach Liz believes is essential for modern winemaking.

From Side Hustle to Showstopper

The concept of Silkman Wines emerged from their desire for creative freedom and total control over the winemaking process. As contract winemakers at First Creek, Liz and Shaun often had to tailor wines to suit clients’ palates. The moment a flawless Semillon was “sweetened up” on a client’s insistence convinced them to focus on their own micro-label, free from compromise. Launched in 2013, Silkman Wines began as a small-scale project, driven purely by passion.

Little by little, word spread: suddenly, Silkman Wines was winning awards and earning exceptional marks in wine shows, all without a dedicated website. This under-the-radar success proved to Liz that real recognition comes from the wine in the glass.

Halliday Accolades and Beyond

In 2025, Silkman Wines truly hit its stride. Liz claimed the Halliday Winemaker of the Year award, a first for any Hunter Valley winemaker. Silkman Wines was also shortlisted for Best Winery 2025. Adding to the excitement, the Silkman Blackberry Vineyard Semillon 2023 scored an impressive 98 points in the Halliday Wine Companion, hailed as Best Semillon of the Year.

Despite the fanfare, Liz and Shaun remain as hands-on as ever, deftly juggling their responsibilities at First Creek Wines—where they oversee production of more than 90,000 cases annually—with the intimate approach of Silkman Wines. Their own label continues to focus on Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and a Shiraz Pinot blend, often sourced from small, select parcels of premium fruit. Every wine is produced in minimal volumes, showcasing the Hunter’s regional strengths without surrendering to fleeting trends.

Looking Ahead for Liz Silkman

Liz and Shaun’s passion for genuine, terroir-driven wines underscores every decision they make, whether in the vineyard or the winery. Future plans might include a new “Silk” range and an expansion into export markets, but the heart of Silkman Wines remains the same: limited production, unwavering quality, and a commitment to family values.

For connoisseurs keen to get their hands on a Silkman bottle, these wines—each with a Halliday score of at least 95 points—are available online and soon through an exclusive allocation club. While the brand has achieved national acclaim, it is still very much a personal affair: Liz and Shaun steer every aspect, fuelled by a shared belief that wine is an art best crafted on their own terms.

In a region known for its storied heritage, Liz and Shaun Silkman represent the future of Hunter Valley winemaking. From a humble upbringing in Cessnock to holding Australia’s most prestigious winemaking honour, Liz’s journey celebrates resilience, vision, and a refusal to be defined by anyone else’s rules. For those looking to experience the very best of what the Hunter has to offer, Silkman Wines is far more than just a label—it is a testament to a winemaker who dared to dream, and a family determined to do things their own way.

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