The Australian wine industry is in mourning following the tragic death of acclaimed winemaker Peter Fraser in a house fire at his Adelaide Hills property. The 51-year-old's body was discovered within the charred remains of his home on Chalk Hill Road, Clarendon, on Thursday afternoon.
A Final Post Becomes a Digital Memorial
Just hours before the fire, Mr Fraser had posted a poignant image to social media. It showed a bottle of Corton-Charlemagne white wine, valued at around $400, accompanied by the caption: 'Might be the best wine I've ever drunk.' That post has since been transformed into a heartfelt online tribute, flooded with condolences from loved ones, colleagues, and admirers across the global wine community.
South Australia Police have stated they are not treating the blaze as suspicious. Mr Fraser is survived by his wife, family lawyer Tessa Hume, whom he married in 2017, and their two young children, Jack, eight, and Poppy, six. He was also a stepfather to two sons.
An Industry Leader Remembered
Mr Fraser was the driving force and head winemaker at Yangarra Estate Vineyard for more than 25 years. The vineyard released a statement on Friday expressing devastation at the loss of an 'incredible winemaker, thought leader, mentor, and a defining voice in the industry.'
The winery has temporarily closed as a mark of respect, with no immediate date set for reopening. Tributes have poured in from prominent figures. Sommelier Leanne Altmann recalled his 'humour and warmth,' while critic Erin Larkin spoke of the 'great wines and conversations yet to be shared.'
A Legacy of Excellence and Family
Beyond his professional acclaim, Peter Fraser's social media painted a picture of a devoted family man, filled with posts celebrating his wife's accomplishments and cherished moments with his children.
His professional legacy, however, is profound. He was particularly renowned for his work with grenache. His 2021 Yangarra Old Vine Grenache was named Halliday Wine Companion's Wine of the Year in 2024, a title his High Sands Grenache 2016 also won in 2020. Mr Fraser himself was awarded Winemaker of the Year by the same publication in 2016 and was recently named in the prestigious Drinks Business Master Winemaker 100 list for 2025.
The loss of Peter Fraser leaves a significant void in the Australian wine landscape, remembered as much for his celebrated vintages as for the warmth and insight he shared with all who knew him.
