Martin Williams was raised, somewhat removed from the world of fine wine production, in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney. However, at some point in his early years, he became fascinated by the world of wine, realising that it encompassed a wide range of his own developing interests in one single “metier”. As a bonus, vineyards generally seem to be located in beautiful parts of the world, and the industry attracts diverse, creative and broad-minded individuals.

First studying Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Sydney, Martin then completed his Masters in Oenology and Viticulture at the University of California, Davis. He travelled and worked widely in various wine regions of Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United States, accumulating broad-ranging winemaking experience on three continents before settling in the Yarra Valley, with Tarrawarra Estate, in 1992. In particular, Martin’s work in 1988-89 with Domaine Tollot-Beaut and Domaine Anne Gros in Burgundy influenced him deeply, and infused him with a particular passion for the varieties Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He continues to travel as often as possible to Burgundy, though he happily acknowledges, “there’s a whole world of wine to discover out there!”

In 1999, Martin sat and passed the UK-based Master of Wine examination, fulfilling a dream and a challenge to acquire a truly comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the many facets of the world of wine.

Martin established Métier Wines in 1996, using Pinot Noir from Tarraford Vineyard, and in 2000 he co-founded the Yarra Valley contract winemaking business, Master Winemakers. While retaining a directorial role at Master Winemakers, Martin devotes as much of his time as possible to the production and promotion of Métier.