WHO ARE RIGGS & WIGGS?
WINEMAKER IAIN RIGGS AND VIGNERON PETER WIGGS HAVE JOINED FORCES TO CRAFT A RANGE OF WINES FROM HISTORIC VINEYARD SITES, BLENDING TRADITION WITH INNOVATION BY USING THE 130-YEAR-OLD OPEN FERMENTERS FROM THE ORIGINAL COTE D’OR WINERY.
IAIN RIGGS AM
Iain Riggs has over 50 years of experience in winemaking and grape growing, having worked across South Australia and the Hunter Valley. Joining Brokenwood Wines in 1982, he became Chief Winemaker and Managing Director, a role he held for nearly four decades. Now a part-owner, Board member, and consultant, Riggs remains active in the wine industry through judging and mentoring with the Len Evans Tutorial, earning recognition, including a Member of the Order of Australia.
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Iain Riggs has more than 50 years of experience in winemaking, grape growing, and management, spanning South Australia's Riverland, Langhorne Creek, and McLaren Vale. He arrived in the Hunter Valley in 1982 to join Brokenwood Wines, becoming part-owner, Chief Winemaker, and Managing Director in 1985.
After 38 years at the helm, Riggs has stepped back from day-to-day operations but retains part ownership and currently serves as a Board member and consultant. His industry experience includes serving as an inaugural Board Member of the Winemakers' Federation of Australia (WFA) from 1989, as well as Vice-President and President of the Small Winemakers' Forum of Australia. Riggs also chaired the WFA Technical Sub-Committee for many years.
Iain's 40 years of judging experience include serving as Chair of the Sydney Royal Wine Show for six years and Chair of the Hunter Valley Wine Show for ten years, along with judging and chairing numerous regional and state wine shows. His international judging experience includes nine years as Chair of the Shanghai International Wine Challenge.
As a Board Member and Tutor of the Len Evans Tutorial (LET), Iain has mentored and guided many up-and-coming Australian wine professionals over the tutorial’s 23-year history. The Len Evans Tutorial, a week-long immersion into judging and tasting great wines from the northern and southern hemispheres, has been described by James Halliday as "the greatest wine school in the world."
Iain continues to contribute to the Hunter Valley wine industry as Chair of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association’s Bicentennial Committee and the Living Legends Committee. He has been recognised for his contributions with numerous awards, including the Graham Gregory Award for his services to the New South Wales wine industry, the Wine Communicators of Australia Legend of the Vine, and, most recently, being named a Living Legend of the Hunter Valley.
In 2018, Iain was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the Australian wine industry.
When not immersed in wine, Iain manages the Mistress Block Vineyard Boutique Accommodation and Vineyard—and occasionally enjoys time on the golf course.
PETER WIGGS
After a 30-year career in finance, Peter purchased the Cullarin Vineyard in 2010, the oldest vineyard in the Canberra District. He later acquired Eden Road Wines and the historic Cote d'Or vineyard in Pokolbin, where he and Iain Riggs restored 19th-century concrete vats. In 2024, he added Stanleigh Park, a renowned Hunter Valley Semillon vineyard, reflecting his dedication to NSW’s vineyard heritage.
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After initially working in the retail wine trade in Sydney and London, Peter’s oenological pursuits were sidetracked by a 30-year career in the finance sector. Never forsaking his vigneron ambitions, Peter returned to the industry in 2010, purchasing the Cullarin Vineyard. Established at Lake George by wine industry legend Dr Edgar Riek in 1971, it is the Canberra District’s oldest vineyard. Later, Peter became the majority owner of Eden Road Wines and its “Doonkuna” vineyard in Murrumbateman.
Continuing his devotion to high-quality NSW vineyards, Peter acquired the historic Cote d’Or vineyard in Pokolbin in 2014. In addition to 7 acres of dry-grown hiraz, the vineyard is home to the original concrete fermentation vats used in the 19th century by the Wilkinson family. After many afternoons looking at the derelict vats, he and his neighbour Iain Riggs suggested, “we fix them up and make wine.” Completing the portfolio of vineyards, Peter acquired one of the Hunter’s best semillon vineyards, Stanleigh Park, in 2024.
Peter is dedicated to producing wines that capture the essence of NSW’s unique vineyards.
AWARDS
Forbes Small Winemaker Show 2024
Class 5
Winetitles Trophy: Most Successful New Exhibitor
Gold: 2024 Mangerton Block 1 Semillon
Hunter Valley Wine Show 2024
Class 1
Gold : 2024 Mangerton Semillon
Bronze: 2024 Mangerton Block 1 Semillon
NSW Wine Awards
Class 5
Sliver: 2024 Mangerton Block 1 Semillon
Bronze: 2024 Mangerton Semillon
