David Slingsby-Smith

Winemaker

David Slingsby-Smith has been involved in the Australian Wine Industry for more than 20 years. He began his career as a laboratory assistant at Penfold's Wines then went on to study Oenology at Roseworthy completing his degree in 1983.

He continued to work for Penfold's and eventually was appointed Senior Red Winemaker.He was part of the team that made the now world famous 1990 Grange Hermitage, a career highlight.

David commenced with De Bortoli in 1992 and has had a hand in making some of the finest wines in the Yarra Valley including the 1996 GS Reserve Shiraz which won the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy in 1997, another career highlight.

David's main responsibility at De Bortoli is overseeing the production of premium varietal wines from the Yarra Valley particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

In his spare time David enjoys dining at some of Melbourne's wonderful restaurants and also is a keen follower of many sporting codes.