Michael Downer

Michael Downer formally trained in oenology before working alongside some of the finest winemakers in Australia and Italy. In 2012, he returned to his family’s Adelaide Hills farm and took over as chief winemaker at Murdoch Hill. 

Since then Downer has refocused the family business on producing outstanding Adelaide Hills wines – approachable, adventurous and always of the highest quality. He is passionate about high-altitude chardonnay, pinot noir and syrah, sourcing from several cool blocks across the Piccadilly Valley, plus the family’s estate vineyards in Lenswood and oakbank.  

Regenerative in the vineyard and experimental in the winery, Downer takes a minimalistic approach that allows the Adelaide Hills’ unique characters and regionality to shine.