On 2 December, experienced viticulturist Cameron Roucher returns to the United Kingdom as a senior consultant for Vinescapes in Surrey.
Cameron moved to Australia to work at Cherubino in Margaret River in 2023, after 12 and a half years managing the vineyard at Rathfinny Wine Estate in East Sussex.
A strong proponent for sustainability and regenerative viticulture, Cameron has been tempted back to England to work with Vinescapes, and will be a vital resource for winegrowing clients seeking to transition or establish a sustainable wine business.
Cameron says the opportunity to collaborate and work with Dr Alistair Nesbitt and skilled viticulturist Joel Jorgenson is a compelling proposition for any serious viticulture professional.
“I have known most of the senior management team for over a decade, and while at Rathfinny I worked with Vinescapes on various projects over that time.
“Having this familiarity with the team has given me valuable insights into the company’s evolution, its values and the contributions it has already made to the industry.
“The UK industry is so vibrant and exciting to work in, and there is a lot of innovation in the industry with dierent varieties, technology and techniques which are all pushing the boundaries of what is possible to help create distinctive wines.
“This creativity, along with a strong focus on sustainability throughout the industry and Vinescapes’ established expertise in climate science, vineyard site mapping and strategic focus is too good an opportunity to ignore.
“With experience in many wine regions, climates and terrains, I’m looking forward to guiding clients on the best means to adapt or adopt improved sustainability, quality and innovative practices to get the very best results from their vineyards and wine business,” says Cameron.
Born and trained in New Zealand, Cameron worked in vineyards for the entirety of his working life and after leaving the Antipodes became an established figure in English wine at Rathfinny Estate; he was the first candidate in viticulture from the UK awarded a Nuield Farming Scholarship.
Dr Alistair Nesbitt, CEO of Vinescapes says Cameron’s wealth of knowledge and experience will be an asset not only to Vinescapes but to the industry as a whole, given the future variability of the UK’s climate as a result of global warming.
Alistair said: “We’re all really looking forward to Cameron joining us. He shares our values and ethos and brings further expertise to an award-winning team of viticulturists.
“His professionalism and credibility will be an asset to all who work with him. Globally, viticulture is facing a range of challenges and opportunities, and Cameron will be using his vast experience and knowledge to guide our clients through these and help them deliver top-quality grapes for world class wines.
“We’ll be sharing more about Camerons work over the next few months but in the meantime we wish him and his family a smooth move back to England.”
