i. Biography
Frankland River gives Rob Mann a fixed set of raw material: Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre and Riesling for Swinney, worked into wines that read as the estate’s own language rather than a display of individual style. Corymbia widens the brief with Chenin Blanc, a Tempranillo/Malbec blend and Cabernet Sauvignon from Western Australian fruit, extending the range without losing coherence.
The Climb
Winemaking at Newton Vineyard in Napa placed Rob Mann in a role that depended on control, timing and consistency. Senior winemaker at Hardy's Tintara followed, then head winemaker at Cape Mentelle from 2005, a sequence that tracks a steady rise through established houses and reflects a career built on discipline rather than noise. Since 2013, Rob has been winemaker of Corymbia, and since 2018 winemaker of Swinney Wines, holding both posts in parallel. The arrangement gives his work two distinct fields: one spanning different varieties and regions, the other anchored in the specific possibilities of Frankland River.
Today
At Corymbia, the current range includes Chenin Blanc from Swan Valley, a Tempranillo/Malbec blend from Swan Valley, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River. The line-up moves between white, red and blended forms, and that spread marks a winemaker working comfortably across site and style. At Swinney Wines in Frankland River, the named output includes Swinney Grenache, Swinney Syrah, Swinney Mouvedre and Swinney Riesling. Swinney 'Farvie' Syrah stands as the sharpest expression of that work: a Frankland River bottling tied to variety and site, with the precision of the place carried through the wine. Taken together, the two roles define a broad cellar practice rather than a single-track identity. Corymbia runs through Swan Valley and Margaret River; Swinney runs through Frankland River, where Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre and Riesling supply the working material.
Signature
Rob's signature wines include Swinney 'Farvie' Syrah, Swinney Grenache, Swinney Syrah, Swinney Mouvedre, and Swinney Riesling.
Recognition
The score attached a clear critical marker to one of Mann’s signature wines at Swinney, placing that bottling at the front of his recent public recognition. Set beside the Swinney Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre and Riesling, and the Corymbia Chenin Blanc, Tempranillo/Malbec blend and Cabernet Sauvignon, it shows a winemaker whose visible work is expressed through named bottles rather than slogans.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Rob
What is Rob Mann's current role?
As of 2026, Rob Mann is Winemaker.
Where did Rob Mann work before?
Rob Mann's earlier career included Newton Vineyard, Hardy's Tintara, and Cape Mentelle.
