Xanthe Hatcher: A Modern Winemaking Pioneer at Audrey Wilkinson

At the helm of Audrey Wilkinson, one of the Hunter Valley’s most revered wineries, stands Xanthe Hatcher, the chief winemaker whose name is becoming synonymous with innovation, tradition, and excellence. As part of the Agnew Wines group, Xanthe has crafted a portfolio of wines that showcase both her technical brilliance and deep respect for the unique terroir of the Hunter Valley.

A Journey into Winemaking

Xanthe Hatcher’s path into winemaking might not have been preordained, but it was certainly guided by her passion for wine and a relentless curiosity about the craft. Raised with an appreciation for nature, science, and the joy of wine, Xanthe was drawn to the world of viticulture. Her formal education in winemaking honed the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to transform grapes into world-class wines, but it was her instinctive flair and intuitive understanding of the land that truly set her apart.

From her early days working in various wineries across Australia, Xanthe developed a keen interest in regionality and the unique expressions of wine that different environments can produce. Her experiences in cool climate regions, warm inland vineyards, and coastal terroirs provided her with a broad understanding of how climate, soil, and tradition come together in the bottle.

Joining Audrey Wilkinson

When Xanthe joined Audrey Wilkinson as chief winemaker, it was a natural fit. Audrey Wilkinson is a winery that dates back to 1866, making it one of the oldest in the Hunter Valley, with a reputation for producing iconic Semillons and superb Shiraz. Xanthe’s role was to honour that history while steering the winery into the future. Her leadership has seen the winery produce some of its finest vintages yet, with a deep focus on sustainable viticulture, cutting-edge techniques, and a respect for the land that runs through every bottle.

Xanthe is particularly proud of the single vineyard wines that reflect the specific characteristics of Audrey Wilkinson’s unique estate vineyards. The winery sits at the base of the Brokenback Mountain Range, and the diverse soils and microclimates offer endless opportunities for crafting wines that are as complex as they are elegant. Xanthe’s deft hand ensures that the wines retain the bright acidity, fresh fruit, and minerality that are the hallmarks of the region.

The Art of Winemaking

Audrey Wilkinson The Ridge Semillon Vineyard Pokolbin Hunter Valley

Under Xanthe’s leadership, Audrey Wilkinson’s wines have garnered widespread acclaim for their balance, finesse, and expressive qualities. At the heart of her winemaking philosophy is a belief in minimal intervention. She allows the fruit and the land to speak for themselves, using gentle winemaking techniques that emphasise purity of flavour and texture. This is particularly evident in the winery’s flagship Semillon, a varietal that Xanthe has mastered with precision and artistry.

The 2021 Audrey Wilkinson The Ridge Semillon, for example, is a testament to Xanthe’s talent. Handpicked from old vines and treated with utmost care, this wine offers an intense aroma of lime, lemongrass, and green apples. On the palate, it’s structured and fresh, with a zesty acidity that promises a long ageing potential. Xanthe’s understanding of the nuances of Semillon—its ability to shine in youth yet develop into something richer with age—is one of the many reasons why she’s revered among her peers.

But Xanthe’s talents don’t stop with Semillon. Her work with the estate’s Shiraz, Chardonnay, and other varietals shows her ability to coax the best from each grape, creating wines that offer a true sense of place. Each wine she produces is a reflection of the vineyard, the season, and her careful stewardship.

A Champion of Sustainability

Xanthe Hatcher is also a passionate advocate for sustainability in winemaking. At Audrey Wilkinson, she has spearheaded efforts to reduce the winery’s carbon footprint, improve water management practices, and encourage biodiversity within the vineyard. This commitment to sustainability ensures that the historic Audrey Wilkinson estate will continue to produce exceptional wines for generations to come.

Her approach extends beyond the vineyard into the cellar, where she employs energy-efficient technologies and techniques that allow for minimal waste and lower environmental impact. This forward-thinking mindset, combined with her reverence for tradition, makes Xanthe a unique leader in the Australian wine industry.

The Future of Audrey Wilkinson

As the chief winemaker of Audrey Wilkinson, Xanthe Hatcher is leading the winery into an exciting new era. Her vision for the future is clear: continue to produce wines that honour the rich history of the Hunter Valley, while embracing innovation and sustainable practices that will set new benchmarks for quality and environmental responsibility.

With a reputation for crafting some of the finest wines in the region, Xanthe’s influence is undeniable. Whether it’s the crisp, cellar-worthy Semillon, the bold yet elegant Shiraz, or the nuanced Chardonnays, each bottle crafted under her watch is a testament to her skill, dedication, and passion for winemaking.

Audrey Wilkinson’s wines are more than just a drink; they are a story of place, history, and craftsmanship—and Xanthe Hatcher is the storyteller, using her artistry to ensure that the legacy of Audrey Wilkinson continues to thrive in every glass.