Sonoma-Cutrer Winery has announced the appointment of Michael “Mick” Schroeter as Winemaking Director.
Schroeter, 50, is a native Australian and will become only the third Winemaking Director in the company’s history. He replaces Terry Adams, Sonoma-Cutrer’s long-time winemaker who announced his retirement last October.
Adams has provided nearly three decades of service to Sonoma-Cutrer and will continue this dedication by staying on through July to help Schroeter transition into his new role.
“Mick is an outstanding winemaker with a history of success, and I could not be more pleased to hand off Sonoma-Cutrer to him,” said Adams. “His energy and leadership will help continue our tradition of making the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.”
As the Winemaking Director, Schroeter will oversee the vineyard’s winemaking operations as well as the production of the award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.
“We are excited to have Mick join the Sonoma-Cutrer family and have confidence that he will be an outstanding leader as head winemaker,” said John Hudson, Director of Marketing. “His many years of experience, reputation within the industry, and impressive number of awards – including twice being named Winemaker of the Year – make him the ideal person for us. We look forward to a new chapter of success and innovation under his direction, and thank Terry Adams for his assistance in this transition.”
Schroeter began his career at Penfolds in Australia 33 years ago as a lab supervisor. In 1987, he completed his B.S. in Oneology at Roseworthy Agricultural College, and worked as a winemaker with Penfolds for six years thereafter.
For the last 17 years, he has been Vice President of Winemaking for Geyser Peak Winery in Sonoma County, where his duties included vineyard assessment, harvest scheduling, winemaking direction, budgeting and brand ambassadorship.
“I fully understand the huge shoes that I will be stepping into and cannot begin to express my appreciation to those who have entrusted me to this position,” said Shroeter. “It’s a privilege to work with this winery and apply my experience to its legacy of success. I look forward to carrying on the Sonoma-Cutrer tradition and following Terry Adams’ commitment to excellence.”
