Born in Adelaide, Marie Clay graduated with First Class Honours in Oenology in 2000 and hit the ground running – travelling through Australia’s wine regions on a Southcorp Scholarship and Graduate Program, working and learning from some of the industry’s best winemakers.

A passion for white wines took her to Lindeman’s, but it was a move to the Barossa in 2006 that truly shaped her path. She joined Wolf Blass Wines to work hands-on with premium reds from vineyard to bottle. International vintages in Tuscany and Burgundy added to her craft, and in 2019, she stepped into her current role as Senior White and Sparkling Winemaker.

Today, Marie is honoured to craft the storied Leo Buring Rieslings, with a winemaking philosophy to express the beauty of the vineyard and not leave her ‘fingerprints’ on the wines. She brings a light touch and a deep respect for the vineyard to every bottle. Her wines have earned acclaim, including Halliday’s Riesling of the Year and multiple Barossa White Wine of Show trophies.

An active contributor to the wine community, Marie is a wine show judge, AWAC guest judge, Len Evans scholar, and past member of the Barossa Wine Show Committee. In 2024, she was named Barossa Winemaker of the Year, recognising her contribution to both the region and the Rieslings she champions.

She lives in Moppa on her family vineyard, Arila Gardens, with her winemaking husband Adam and their three boys.