Alex Macclelland - Chief Winemaker

Alex brings a wealth of experience to the role of Chief Winemaker at Bethany. His passion and knowledge has taken him across the globe, working in the Rhone Valley, Burgundy and New Zealand. In Australia, Alex has made wine in the Coonawarra, Clare Valley, Limestone Coast and more recently the southern Barossa.

Alex’s winemaking philosophy is to strive to deliver wines that are a true expression of the land. He makes wines that offer complexity, elegance, and exceptional quality for the consumer. He likes to keep things simple.

‘For me, making wine is about looking to allow the unique characteristics of each site shine through. A unique and expressive wine needs gentle caretaking throughout the fermentation and maturation process.’

Alex acknowledges the vineyard is the key to crafting each wine. He focuses on understanding the terroir of each block, being hands on and tasting the fruit as it ripens. Deciding the day of harvest based on flavour rather than numbers are critical elements to creating each wine. 

‘It’s an honour to make wines from a collection of vineyards that have been under continuous family ownership since 1852. It’s a stunning location, steeped in history and traditions that make you feel you’re part of something great.’