CHRISTOPHER MACKLIN PFEIFFER OAM
B.Sc.Agr (Syd University)
B.App.Sc(Wine Sc) (CSU)
Education
Brighton Beach Primary School (1955 – 1959)
Haileybury College (1960 – 1966)
Knox Grammar School (1967 – 1968)
Sydney University (1969 – 1973)
Riverina College of Advanced Education (now Charles Sturt University) (1974 – 1978)
Work History
Lindemans Wines (1974 -1984)
Joined Lindemans Wines in 1974, as a Trainee Winemaker/Winemaker at Corowa, NSW (then, Lindemans largest Winery).
Then worked as a Winemaker at Head Office (Sydney); Hunter River, NSW; Coonawarra, S.A.; Corowa, NSW (Winemaker and Manager of Winery).
Appointed Group Fortified Winemaker in 1980, based in Mildura, Victoria working at Barossa, SA and Corowa, NSW. Chris was one of the youngest Group Winemakers at the time. Concluded employment in 1984, worked as Vintage Contract Winemaker at Mildura in 1985.
Pfeiffer Wines (1984 0nwards)
Purchased Seppelt’s Distillery and vineyard, Rutherglen in 1984 in partnership with my wife, Robyn. Commenced Pfeiffer Wines. Developed Pfeiffer Wines from a Direct to Consumer (Cellardoor / Mail Order) Winery to a Winery with DTC, National and International (Canada, US, UK, Belgium, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong) distribution in 2022. Pfeiffer Wines is a James Halliday Five Star Winery (the top grading) for over 10 years. Chris celebrated his 50th Australian Vintage as a winemaker in 2023.
Wine Show Judging
Commenced wine show judging in 1984 at Rutherglen Wine Show.
Judged at numerous Australian Wine Shows, including Royal Melbourne, Royal Hobart, Royal Queensland, National Wine Show, Australian Fortified Wine Show, Australian Small Winemakers Wine Show, Rutherglen Wine Show, Riverina Wine Show, Lilydale Wine Show, Margaret River Wine Show, Victorian Wine Show, Cowra Wine Show, Australian Inland Wine Show, Geographe Wine Show, Western Victoria Wine Challenge.
Chief Judge of the Wine Judging Panel (Chairman of Judges) at Royal Melbourne Wine Show, Australian Fortified Wine Show, Australian Small Winemakers Wine Show, Rutherglen Wine Show, Riverina Wine Show, Australian Inland Wine Show and Geographe Wine Show.
Industry Involvement – Representation and Advocacy
Foundation Chairman of The Winemakers of Rutherglen (1985), a representative body involved in promotional activity and industry representation. Chair for 21 years.
Foundation Chairman of Destination Rutherglen, a tourism body.
Board Member of Victorian Wine Industry Association, including two x three year terms as Chairman. In this time was part of the team that developed, in conjunction with the Victorian Government, two strategic plans for the Victorian Wine Industry. Participated in Victorian Trade Missions to Canada and India, delivering a seminar programme across Canada.
Board member of the Winemakers Federation of Australia, national wine representative body.
Victorian representative on the Small Winemakers Committee of Australian Grape and Wine.
Committee member of the Fortified Sustainability Project, a joint venture between WFA and DFAT dealing with the fallout from the joint wine agreement with the EU, notably the renaming and positioning of the wine styles Sherry, Tokay and Port.
Member of the National Wine Environment Committee, developed a sustainability programme for the Australian industry.
Foundation Board member of Victorian Winery Tourism Council, which developed wine tourism across Victoria.
Rutherglen Regional representative on Country Victoria Tourism Association.
Board Director of the National Wine Centre in Adelaide, during conception through to building completion.
Recognition
Awarded the President’s Medal (2007) for services to the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.
Victorian Wine Industry Association Distinguished Service Award (2007).
Awarded an OAM (2012) for services to the Wine Industry.
Other Activities
Watching Cricket and the Essendon Bombers.
Enjoying time with family.
If time permits, enjoying a glass of wine with friends and family, the great joy of making wine.
