L-R: Leigh Warren, Robert Edwards and Iain Riggs at Bleasdale Winery, Nov 2024. Image courtesy Bleasdale

Iain Riggs AM has been announced as the new chair of Bleasdale Vineyards’ board, taking over the position from Robert Edwards.

Robert Edwards has served as Bleasdale’s chairman of the board since 2014, and formally retired on Friday 22nd November, 2024. Prior to his decade of service to the board, Edwards spent 12 years as sales and marketing director at Peter Lehmann wines in the Barossa. Although Edwards retired from Peter Lehmann’s in 2008, he never fully stepped away from the wine industry.

“Today Bleasdale are making some of the most exciting wines and it has been wonderful to be involved in their journey,” said Edwards.

For the past 6 months Riggs has been an advisor to the Bleasdale Board in preparation for this handover.

No stranger to Bleasdale and to Langhorne Creek, Riggs began his career as Bleasdale’s winemaker back in 1973.

“Life in full circle,” recounted Riggs. “I started at Bleasdale in 1973, full-time after completing my degree at Roseworthy Agricultural College at the end of ’75.”

“[I went] off to McLaren Vale in the mid-1980s, then [to] the Hunter Valley at the end of ’82.

“I am very humbled but excited to join the Bleasdale board and take on the role of chair and work with a great team, led by Leigh Warren. Big shoes to fill. Thank you Robert for your stewardship over the last 10 years. Enjoy your fishing.”

Leigh Warren, general manager at Bleasdale, welcomed Riggs’ return, and expressed gratitude to Edwards for his decade at the helm.

“Iain has gone on to do some amazing things in the wine industry as many would be aware and we are so very fortunate to have him at the helm of our board,” said Warren.

“Congratulations on your retirement Robert and thank you so much from all of us here at Bleasdale for your support, mentoring and guidance over the years.”

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