With over two decades of winemaking experience under his belt, Cliff brings an intimate knowledge of Margaret River winemaking to his role. Prior to Flametree, he was Chief Winemaker at Voyager Estate in Margaret River, where he was responsible for winery operations over a ten-year period that saw the winery more than double in size. Under his leadership, Voyager Estate received numerous accolades, both at home and overseas.In terms of personal recognition, Cliff was awarded Winemaker of the Year by Winestate Magazine in 2003 and was a finalist in Gourmet Traveller’s Winemaker of the Year in 2005. Cliff has also been active in wine judging across the country; including Senior Judge at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show and Royal Perth Wine Show over many years, as well as judging three years of the James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge. Additionally, he’s played a pivotal role in kick-starting the Margaret River Wine Show and has been a committee member since the show’s inception. Naturally Cliff is very passionate about making wines in Margaret River; “I think Margaret River is without a doubt the number one premium wine region in the country and consistently produces benchmark wines made from the classic grape varieties of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. When he’s not making wine, Cliff enjoys travelling within his other favourite wine regions – Barolo, Burgundy and Champagne (four visits each thus far) – as well a hiking up and down Margaret River’s stunning coastline on the Cape to Cape Track.