Wolf Blass AM was born in East Germany in September 1934. After studying and working in the European wine industry for 13 years he migrated to the Barossa Valley, South Australia in 1961.

Wolf's first job after arriving in Australia was as Sparkling Wines Manager for Kaiser Stuhl in the Barossa Valley. He also worked as a freelance technical adviser for independent procedures.

In 1966 Wolf registered the business name Bilyara, the aboriginal word meaning 'Eaglehawk', and adopted this as his symbol for the national emblem of this home land which was a constant source of pride and inspiration to him. Wolf produced his first vintage of 250 dozen in the same year.

Through 1969 to 1973 Wolf worked as Manager and Winemaker for Tolleys where he made his first significant impact on the local wine industry with development of red wine styles. He was considered one of the leaders of the new generation of Australian winemakers, creating individual wines of various styles under his own label.

In 1992 Wolf Blass AM was awarded the International Winemaker of the Year award by the International Wine and Spirit Competition and in 2000 the prestigious Maurice O'Shea award for his contribution to the Australian wine industry.

Wolf Blass AM is currently the ambassador for Wolf Blass Wines International, participating in promotions, overseas development and maintaining the quality style of the winemaking production.

He is married to Shirley Nyberg-Blass. They have three children, Susan, Sharyn and Anton and two grandchildren - Braiden and Shae.


Wolf Blass Interview
Listen to the Wolf Blass interview recorded in 2001 for the National Wine Centre of Australia in Adelaide.
CLICK HERE

Wolf Blass AM: a chronological biography

1934
Born in East Germany

1949
Apprenticeship wine-making & viticulture

1953-54
Wine university, Kellermeister Diploma (Master of Wine), Wurzburg University

1954
Sparkling wine maker & Kellermeister, Germany

1957
Wine chemist and cellar superintendent, London and Bristol.

1960
Job offers as sparkling wine expert - Australia or Venezuela (South America)

1961
Wolf Blass AM migrates to Australia with 100 pounds in his pocket and the belief that he could "probably add something" to the Australian wine industry

1966
Wolf Blass Wines established - Australia's first freelance winemaking business

1969
Purchases a property in the Barossa. Adopts the Eaglehawk as his emblem and source of inspiration

1973
Goes into business on his own and joined by legendary winemaker John Glaetzer

1974, 1975, 1976
Jimmy Watson Trophy Winner

1992
Wolf Blass AM is awarded International Winemaker of the Year award by the International Wine and Spirit Competition

 


History Vineyards The Winery The Wines Advertising Availability Press Room

Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Location