Winemaker
Stephen George
- Discipline
- Winemaker
- Based in
- Adelaide Hills, Australia
i. Biography
The Climb
In the Clare Valley, winemaking under Stephen George took shape through close attention to place: bright light, a hard-edged landscape, and a region with its own tempo. At Skillogalee Winery, where he worked until 1982 as winemaker, that discipline was formed early and carried forward. His time at Wendouree in Clare Valley added another layer of regional knowledge. By 1982, the craft had moved into a new form with Ashton Hills Vineyard, where Stephen George became founder and winemaker. From there, the work shifted from individual vintages to house style, with the vineyard and the wine tied to a single, sustained identity.
Today
Since 1982, Stephen George has remained the founder and winemaker of Ashton Hills Vineyard in Piccadilly Valley. The role has been one of long stewardship, built on continuity rather than rotation. Year after year, the work has depended on consistency, familiarity, and the accumulated judgment that comes from staying with one estate over time. Ashton Hills Vineyard is the clearest expression of that approach, drawing together his Clare Valley background into a lasting vineyard identity.
Signature
Ashton Hills Estate Pinot Noir and Ashton Hills riesling are Stephen George’s signature wines. Together, they show the range of his focus: Pinot Noir for layered finesse and nuance, riesling for clarity and precision. Those two wines are the clearest markers of his work at Ashton Hills, and the varieties through which his name is most directly recognized. As a pair, Ashton Hills Estate Pinot Noir and Ashton Hills riesling define the estate’s public face and the style most closely associated with Stephen George.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Stephen
What is Stephen George's current role?
As of 2026, Stephen George is Founder of Ashton Hills Vineyard.
Where did Stephen George work before?
Stephen George's earlier career included Skillogalee winery and Wendouree.
What is Stephen George known for?
Pinot Noir.
