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.
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