Meet Alex Sherrah, an Australian winemaker whose journey began with a misspent youth, followed by a BSc in Organic Chemistry and Pharmacology. After traveling the world, he returned home in need of a job and landed a position at Tatachilla in McLaren Vale. It was here, working alongside talented and lively individuals, that Alex developed a love for the winemaking lifestyle - work hard, play hard.
Utilizing his Science degree, Alex completed a Graduate Diploma in Oenology at Waite University while working at Tatachilla. His dedication and hard work earned him the nickname 'Boy Friday', as he would show up each Friday to work and then join in on the weekly BBQ. After two vintages at Tatachilla, Alex had the opportunity to work at Kendall Jackson's prestigious Cardinale Estate in Napa Valley, making ultra-premium Bordeaux-based wines.
In 2011, Alex made his way to the Clare Valley, where he worked at Knappstein for two years before moving on to O'Leary Walker Wines. During his six years at O'Leary Walker, Alex was able to complete vintages in Burgundy and Austria. His next move brought him back to McLaren Vale, where he joined Coriole as Senior Winemaker and worked there until late 2017. It was at Coriole where Alex's love for the region truly blossomed, as he met and married his wife and started a family of his own.
For Alex, winemaking is all about hands-on experience and gut instinct. While education and qualifications are important, Alex believes that the real skill comes from actually doing the job. He also believes that great wine starts in the vineyard, but careful handling and consideration in the winery are crucial. This belief is what drove Alex to create his own label, SHERRAH, to showcase the best varieties of McLaren Vale - a region he believes to be one of the finest places for grape growing in the world.
For Alex, wine is not just about the flavor, but also about the feeling it evokes. He believes that a great wine should flow effortlessly from the first sip to the aftertaste, with no sharp edges but rather smooth curves all the way through. Working with exceptional sites and top-notch growers, many of whom he has worked with for years, allows Alex to access small parcels of quality fruit and create truly exceptional wines.
In the words of James Halliday, "Small wonder he makes such wonderful wines." With Alex Sherrah's passion, expertise, and dedication, it's no surprise that his wines are a true reflection of McLaren Vale - a region known for producing some of the world's finest wines.
