Chief Winemaker Robert Heywood, raised near Taltarni Vineyards in Victoria’s Western District, discovered his passion for winemaking early. As a young flying winemaker, Rob gained experience across the world.

Rob has crafted wines in diverse climates and soils: from Bordeaux’s Saint-Émilion with its maritime influence and gravel soils, to California’s Napa Valley with its varied microclimates and soils, to the warm, rolling hills of Barossa Valley.

Over 15 years ago, Rob returned home to the Pyrenees. After working at Taltarni, he was appointed Chief Winemaker of both Taltarni Vineyards and its sister winery, Clover Hill, a renowned sparkling house in Tasmania’s Pipers River.

Under Rob’s leadership, both wineries achieved 5-Star Halliday Winery status. Taltarni Vineyards received accolades including The Premier’s Trophy for Top Wine in Victoria and numerous other gold medals, while Clover Hill was awarded Best In Class Australian Rosé at Champagne & Sparkling World Championship.

Robert consistently produces outstanding wines across a range of styles, from méthode traditionnelle sparkling to long-lived Shiraz and Bordeaux-blends. There's a common thread that runs through Robert’s winemaking philosophy: great wines are made in the vineyard, with deep respect for the land, meticulous fruit handling, and an approach that is anchored intradition yet driven by innovation.