After more than 30 years at the helm of the Halliday Wine Companion, the annual Australian wine guide, the Australian Wine Companion announced on August 31 that James Halliday will step down as editor-in-chief and wine expert Tyson Stelzer will take over as the new editor-in-chief. The new editor-in-chief will be Tyson Stelzer.
Photo courtesy of: Le Wine Guest
Although no longer in the role of Editor-in-Chief, Mr Halliday will continue to write for Halliday"s website, magazine and guide, and participate in the annual Australian Wine Treasures awards.
Tyson Stelzer, who is taking over the editor-in-chief role, has nearly 20 years of industry experience as a critic, writer, judge and presenter. He says it's a huge privilege and a huge responsibility to take on the role, and that it was The Australian Wine Dictionary that got him interested in wine more than 20 years ago.
Mr. Halliday said that at the age of 70, he began planning to find a successor to write the future Australian Wine Book, and made all the preparations for this, the most crucial step being someone to take over his position.
Mr. Halliday felt that the person had to have organizational skills, extensive cross-industry knowledge, tasting skills and a strong desire for this career and perseverance, and Tyson Stelzer was the person who had all of that in his mind.
I am excited about this new chapter in my career and I look forward to leading new projects to support the local wine industry while continuing to share my love of wine. Mr. Halliday said.
Photo courtesy of: Le Wine Guest
It"s been a long journey with many, many great moments. Always exciting, always challenging, but it's time for me to take a step back.
I welcome Tyson as chairman and I know he will do a great job. All of these exciting developments have my unconditional support.
Every change is a beginning, and I'm excited for this new chapter.
The new editor-in-chief, Tyson, is said to have brilliant ideas for the future plans of the tasting team. The new tasting process will be divided by region, with each member of the tasting team now responsible for their respective best wine region. Also added to the tasting team are two new members, South Australian journalist and wine writer Tony Love and Western Australian wine writer, host and judge Erin Larkin.
