Andrew Leembruggen
Australia
A Hunter Valley and Semillon tragic! Having made wine for McWilliams for years, he is now going out on his own, making approachable and sophisticated wines.
- Our first Hunter Valley winemaker, Andrew is crafting delicate and perfumed wines from prime vineyards in the Hunter Valley and the diverse regions of NSW
- Over 25 vintages, Andrew made wines for some of Australia's oldest and most prestigious wineries. His experience making internationally multi-award winning wines has connected him with dedicated growers that share his passion for wines that typify the styles best reflective of the region.
- Andrew has quit his regular job, leased a winery and gone it alone. He would not have been able to do this without the support of the Naked Angels.
Andrew Leembruggen's Story
Andrew's story
Andrew started in the wine industry in sales in 1995 and fell in love with wine. Andrew worked for McWilliams Wines, one of Australia's largest and most successful wineries from the Hunter Valley in NSW. Corporate life wasn't working out for Andrew, he wanted the freedom and flexibility to make the wines that he wanted to make and apply the knowledge built up over 20 vintages to do that himself.
Growing up as the son of chicken farmers in the Hunter Valley I had three choices - shovel chook poo, coal or grapes... it was an easy decision.
My wines are soft, fruity and elegant. They are affordable so can be enjoyed everyday but are sophisticated and can be taken out to impress.
I love Hunter Valley Semillon, it is fresh and vibrant, bursting with citrus flavour when young but matures to a complex beauty when aged. I love fresh seafood and this wine style is the perfect accompaniment.
I have won many awards working for other companies, the highlight was at the 2010 London international Wine and Spirit competition winning the best White wine trophy for the 2005 Lovedale Semillon.
The Naked model provides me with an opportunity to connect with consumers in a way that the regular wholesale model cannot provide. I am excited to be taking the journey together with the Naked Angels and team
