Dave Cleary - Senior Winemaker

Dave is our longest serving staff member, having joined the team back in 1999 in time for the winery's second vintage.

After working extensively in the retail liquor industry in his hometown of Melbourne, a brief stint working at a winery and vineyard on Victoria's picturesque Mornington Peninsula reinforced his desire to become a winemaker. Dave relocated to Wagga Wagga in NSW to study winemaking, a move that resulted in two scholarships and a role as Assistant Winemaker at the University's 1000 tonne winery.

Following a visit to the West on a wine excursion in 1998, an advertisement for an Assistant Winemaker on WA’s south-coast caught his eye – and soon after Dave was making the big move across the Nullarbor to launch his new career at West Cape Howe Wines.  He quickly settled into the somewhat laid-back Denmark lifestyle!

Dave's role has changed over the years, from being part of a very small team initially requiring all hands on deck, to more of a managerial and senior winemaker role these days. He has been instrumental in the development of the business, from its infancy to what you see today, and is the man behind the wine styles for our company.

Contact: davec@wchowe.com.au