Haselgrove Wines, a prominent Australian winery, has recently announced a significant leadership change, appointing Michael Fragos, a seasoned expert with a long history at Chapel Hill Wines, as its new CEO and head winemaker. This move is expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the McLaren Vale-based company, following the amicable departure of its former CEO, Christophe Forel. The transition highlights Haselgrove's commitment to leveraging top-tier talent to drive its future success in both domestic and international markets.
Haselgrove Welcomes New Leadership Amidst Strategic Shifts
In a pivotal development for the Australian wine industry, Haselgrove, a distinguished winery nestled in the McLaren Vale region, officially announced on Monday, August 10, 2026, the appointment of Michael Fragos as its Chief Executive Officer and head winemaker. This significant transition marks a new chapter for Haselgrove, as Fragos steps into a dual role that will see him overseeing both the strategic direction and the winemaking processes of the established brand.
Fragos arrives at Haselgrove with an impressive resume, having spent 22 years as the chief winemaker at Chapel Hill Wines, a period during which he garnered considerable acclaim and contributed significantly to the brand's reputation. His roots run deep in the McLaren Vale, where he was raised on a local vineyard and has dedicated 37 vintages to the region's rich winemaking heritage. This intimate knowledge of the terroir and local industry dynamics positions him as an ideal leader for Haselgrove.
The change in leadership was prompted by the departure of Christophe Forel, the previous CEO, who, according to a company statement, decided to explore opportunities in a different industry. Don Totino, one of Haselgrove's owners, noted the fortuitous timing of Fragos' availability coinciding with Forel's decision, describing it as "almost blessed." Totino emphasized the ownership group's immediate decision to bring Fragos on board, recognizing his invaluable experience and connection to the region.
This appointment occurs amidst broader shifts within the Australian wine landscape, particularly concerning Endeavour Group's Pinnacle Drinks business, which previously owned the Chapel Hill brand. In May, Endeavour announced a strategic restructuring, opting to retain key brands like Chapel Hill, Riddoch Coonawarra, and Krondorf Barossa, but divesting their physical vineyards and assets. This move, aimed at creating an "asset-light, customer-led" operational model, led to the consolidation of Chapel Hill's production at Dorrien Estate in Barossa by the end of June. Fragos' move to Haselgrove can be seen as a natural progression following these industry changes.
Haselgrove, established in 1981, has been under the ownership of South Australian business figures Don Totino, Steve Maglieri, Don Luca, and Tony Carrocci since 2008. Fragos' connection to this ownership group is long-standing, having collaborated with Maglieri, Luca, and Carrocci at Tatachilla winery in the 1990s. He also provided expert advice to Totino during the establishment of an Adelaide Hills vineyard, underscoring a deep-seated professional relationship and mutual respect.
The winery currently distributes its products across Australia and in select international markets, including China, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, England, Germany, Denmark, and Canada. Haselgrove primarily focuses on on-trade channels, indicating a strong presence in restaurants and bars. The company maintains a lean operation with 15 employees, owns one vineyard adjacent to its winery, and supplements its grape supply by sourcing from local growers.
Looking ahead, Fragos has articulated his initial priorities, stating that he will focus on thoroughly understanding Haselgrove's existing business operations and its dedicated staff. Following this foundational assessment, his goal is to collaboratively develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure Haselgrove thrives amidst the evolving market conditions. He also highlighted the existing solid distribution network as a foundation, while acknowledging "gaps within Australia and some key export markets" where new distribution partners will be sought to further expand the brand's reach.
The arrival of Michael Fragos at Haselgrove marks a strategic and well-timed move for the McLaren Vale winery. His profound expertise and regional knowledge, coupled with a clear vision for growth, promise to invigorate Haselgrove's presence in the competitive global wine market. The emphasis on understanding internal dynamics before charting an expansive future strategy suggests a thoughtful and sustainable approach to leadership, which could serve as a valuable model for other businesses undergoing similar transitions.
