WINEMAKING TEAM

KATE MORGAN

Born and raised in Perth, it was summers spent ‘Down South’ that planted the idea of winemaking as a profession in Kate’s head. Her first hands on winemaking participation came through year 10 work experience spent at Houghton Wines in the Swan Valley, where she met people who she would  later work and judge at wine shows with.

Upon completion of a Bachelor Degree in Viticulture & Oenology Kate spent the next few years exploring the world of wine, in both Australia and overseas, gathering diverse experiences from dancing in the old concrete lagars (special port fermenters) while making Port in the Douro Valley, to some chilly days making sparkling wine in the UK, to the gravity fed barrel storage caves in Oregon, as well as learning from the many incredible winemakers, viticulturalists and cellar crew she met along her path.

Her winemaking achievements have been recognised by Gourmet Traveller Wine who have named her as a finalist as Young Winemaker of the Year, and the Young Gun of Wine Awards where she was a Top 12 finalist.

She has been with Jilyara since 2018, and has a natural affinity to Wilyabrup after spending nearly 10 years working with Fraser Gallop Estate. Drawing on her experience, Kate is crafting wines of the highest quality, and by respecting the fruit she is allowing the wine to express the terroir of the vineyard. She works very closely with Craig and Maria throughout the year to ensure the wines are a true team effort.

These days Kate is often accompanied to the vineyard and winery by her young daughter. When not winemaking Kate loves spending time with her family and friends, making the most of Margaret River’s outdoor lifestyle, and great food & wine scene.