Martin Williams grew up far 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, he noted that vineyards generally seemed to be located in beautiful parts of the world, and the industry appeared to attract a diverse range of creative and committed individuals. In the main, there has been little reason to change that view.

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. For a period, he was Education Officer for the Institute of MWs in Australasia, and he remains actively involved in the Institute's education activities both in Australia and abroad.

In 2008, Martin entered the Professional Section of the Vin de Champagne Award, now in its 35th year, and managed to top a very strong and worthy field. The tour of Champagne which followed reinforced to him the depth and diversity of the world of wine, and rekindled his love of travel and learning.

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. That facility was sold in 2007, allowing Martin to devote his time to the promotion of Métier, some ongoing consultancy (to Caledonia Australis in Leongatha, South Gippsland) and now further research studies in Biochemistry at Monash University in Melbourne.