The Australian wine industry is mourning the death of Doug Lehmann from a suspected heart attack, almost a year to the day after his father died.
Doug Lehmann (Image: peterlehmannwines.com)
Peter Lehmann Wines said Doug, 62, son of company founder Peter Lehmann, had died at his Barossa home at the weekend.
A sixth generation Barossan, Doug joined the business in 1990 and was instrumental in growing the business, especially in overseas markets in Europe and the US.
Following his retirement in 2010, he maintained an active role as non-executive deputy chairman of the company, working with his successor, new CEO Jeff Bond.
Bond said Doug epitomised the ‘values of family and community’, adding: ‘Doug was a team man, and always said it was people that make great wines. With that, he always led by example.
‘He upheld the legacy of his father, which remains in every aspect of the company today, and will continue to.’
Doug Lehmann was also a passionate car enthusiast and charity fundraiser, raising more than A$5m in his four-year stint as chairman of children’s charity Variety Bash.
Barossa Grape & Wine Association CEO James March hailed the ‘enormous contribution’ made by Doug Lehmann and said: ‘He was a true, self-described “rock ‘n’ roller”, never holding back from having a good time, but always bringing along everyone with him for the ride.’
Doug is survived by Ingrid, his wife of 40 years plus children Michael, Harry and Annika.
Written by Richard Woodard
