Lewis White announced as new winemaker at Zema Estate
RELEASE
Zema Estate has announced the appointment of Lewis White as Winemaker, marking the next chapter in the winery’s 44-year history while reinforcing its long-standing commitment to regional knowledge and hands-on family involvement.
Since releasing its first vintage in 1982, Zema Estate has worked with just four winemakers - Tom Simons, Greg Clayfield, Joe Cory, and now Lewis White - all of whom have lived and worked locally, contributing directly to the strength and evolution of the Coonawarra wine community.
Lewis joins Zema Estate following more than a decade in Australian winemaking, most recently as Head Winemaker at Rymill Coonawarra, a role he has held since 2020.
A highly regarded cool-climate winemaker, he holds a Bachelor of Wine Science from Charles Sturt University and has worked across Coonawarra, Tasmania, McLaren Vale, the Hunter Valley, the Adelaide Hills, and internationally in Sussex, UK.
Lewis said he was drawn to Zema Estate’s clear sense of identity and long-term approach.
“Zema Estate has a strong reputation in Coonawarra, and I’ve always respected the quality and consistency of the wines,” Lewis said. “It’s an exciting opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the 2026 vintage in a few months.”
