Dr Wes Pearson

Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Wes’s career in wine began in 1992 when he spent the winter season snowboarding in the town of Whistler, BC. In order to keep his days free to ride, he found a job at a local steakhouse, thus igniting a love of food and wine.

Thirteen years later, having worked in most of Whistler’s top restaurants, he enrolled in the University of British Columbia’s new wine biochemistry program. While studying full time, Wes also worked whenever possible at Tantalus Vineyards with Aussie winemaker, and Riesling and Pinot Noir guru, Matt Holmes. After graduating in 2008, Wes was offered a prestigious position as an intern oenologist at the “Super Second” 2eme Cru Classé Château Léoville Las Cases in St. Julien, Bordeaux. He then moved to McLaren Vale and in 2011 accepted a position with the Australian Wine Research Institute, where he still works as a Senior Sensory Scientist.

Wes is an accomplished wine show judge, an alumnus of the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial, a graduate of Wine Australia’s Future Leaders program, and has completed a PhD at Charles Sturt University. Wes lives in Willunga with his partner Cassie and their 5 kids. He loves to ride boards (skate, surf and snow), is an accomplished ice hockey player and welcomes any opportunity to hustle you on the golf course.