Barossa mourns Doug Lehmann

Doug Lehmann, deputy chairman of Peter Lehmann Wines, has died almost exactly one year after his own father, the company’s founder, passed away.

Doug Lehmann

According to a statement from Peter Lehmann Wines’, 62-year-old Doug Lehmann suffered a suspected heart attack over the weekend at his home in Barossa.

Having joined the family business in 1990, as managing director he expanded Peter Lehmann Wines’ export focus by opening up markets in Europe and the US.

After retiring in July 2010, Doug continued to work closely with the company, which has been 86% owned by Hess Group since 2003, as non-executive deputy chairman.

Paying tribute to Doug, his successor Jeff Bond, CEO of Peter Lehmann Wines, said: “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.”

Outside the wine industry, Doug was known as a car fanatic and significant fundraiser. Since 2011 he had chaired the children’s charity Variety Bash, during which time he raised more than AUD$5 million.

Doug is survived by his wife Ingrid and children Michael, Harry and Annika Lehmann.