Peter Muscet. Image supplied

The Australian wine industry is mourning the sudden loss of Peter Muscet, who passed away at his home last week.

Peter Muscet was editor in chief of Australian Wine Showcase Magazine, a publication focussing on the promotion of Australian wines to the domestic and global market, which he launched in 2010.

Since his early days in hospitality, Peter was dedicated to promoting wine and spirits. From his work in broadcasting right through to magazine publishing, including a period as general manager at Winetitles Media, Peter combined his love of wine with his extensive media experience.

In 2023, he sat on the judging panel at the PACKWINE Design Awards, for which he provided the above photo, offering to shave or wear a jacket and tie if we needed a more ‘formal’ picture for publication.

Phil Reedman MW worked with Peter as a writer for Wine Showcase Magazine for roughly 12 years.

“Wine Showcase was a magazine Peter created around the needs of the wine producers and the trade, particularly buyers in overseas markets, at whom it was aimed,” said Reedman. “Wine Showcase was a smart piece of product design and marketing, things at which Peter excelled. Peter had a deep knowledge of wine and was tireless in his promotion of Australian wine.”

“Peter was great to work with; he’d float an idea and leave me to get on and write it.  My sometimes overly long articles didn’t phase him: “I’ll publish it over two editions. All good” and I tried not to let the sometimes overly tight deadlines he’d set phase me either.  Peter was boundlessly cheerful, generous with his time and knowledge, a great supporter and promoter of the Australian wine industry.  He was constantly thinking of new projects and opportunities to drive our industry forward.”

“As an industry we will miss Peter’s drive and energy.  His death leaves a gaping hole in Australia’s wine publishing world.  I’ve had a quiet moment and have raised a glass in his memory and to the fact that I was lucky enough to know him a little.”

Friend and colleague of Peter, Priscilla Hennekam, remembers his “boundless enthusiasm” for both life and wine.

“Peter Muscet was more than a respected figure in the wine industry—he was a cherished friend and a beacon of joy to all who had the privilege of knowing him. I will forever hold dear the memories of our many wine review tastings for European wines, where his passion, depth of knowledge, and radiant smile lit up every gathering,” said Hennekam.

“The last time we spent time together was at a FACCI (French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry) event, a moment that has since become a treasured memory. Peter’s warmth, positivity, and boundless enthusiasm for life and wine left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

“His legacy will continue to inspire us, reminding us of the joy, connection, and shared humanity that wine brings. Peter will be profoundly missed, but his spirit lives on through the memories and stories he leaves behind.”

Many of Peter’s international trips involved taking Australian wines to various wine trade fairs, where he was regularly invited to participate as a wine judge or as a guest speaker.

Peter’s involvement in the industry was extensive, as an active communicator and advocate for Australian wine, and his loss will be felt by many, not least by those in this office.

Winetitles Media extends our heartfelt condolences to Peter’s family, colleagues, and to all those who knew and loved him.