Chris Polymiadis
Chris ‘Poly’ Polymiadis is the Director and Chief Winemaker of Amakira Wines Pty. Ltd.
He was born and raised in South Australia’s Riverland as the son of a local fruit grower.
In 1989 Chris graduated from the Adelaide University with an Applied Sciences degree majoring in Chemistry and Food Technology. He subsequently accepted a position as a laboratory technician with McGuigan Simeon Wines Limited (formerly, Penfolds Loxton Cellars). Chris advanced to a management role within two years.
In 1993 Chris played a key role in establishing the family fruit juice company, Polys Fruit Juices Pty. Ltd. (branded as Orchard Crush). This enabled him to develop skills and knowledge in the areas of processing, marketing and distribution.
In 1994 he was assigned the task of establishing and managing McGuigan Simeon’s AustFlavours division. This division was dedicated to developing concentrated flavours and aromas for overseas markets.
In 1999 Chris was promoted to the position of Assistant Winemaker and by 2000 became the Senior White Winemaker. During this time Chris completed a post-graduate degree in Oenology at the Adelaide University, Waite Institute of South Australia.
In 2006 Chris was appointed to the position of Chief Winemaker and Director with Australian Commercial Wine Pty. Ltd. (ACW). He was instrumental in the establishment of this new wine company which crushed 48,000 tonnes in the first year. ACW merged with Cockatoo Ridge Wines the following year and Chris was retained as the Chief Winemaker.
By 2003 he was the Chief Winemaker overseeing an annual crush of 90,000 tonnes and controlling all areas from fruit intake through to dispatch.
In 2008 Chris was appointed to the position of Chief Winemaker with Indage Vintners at the Thachi Wines facility in Monash, South Australia. During his time at Thachi he was also positioned to manage Thachi’s intended acquisition of the Australian Vintage facility in Loxton, South Australia.
In 2009, Chris founded Amakira Wines Pty. Ltd. From a zero base, the company now produces over 1.5 million bottles of wine per annum.