Wolf Blass AM was born in East Germany in September 1934. After studying and working in the European wine industry for 13 years he migrated to the Barossa Valley, South Australia in 1961.

Wolf's first job after arriving in Australia was as Sparkling Wines Manager for Kaiser Stuhl in the Barossa Valley. He also worked as a freelance technical adviser for independent producers.

In 1966 Wolf registered the business name Bilyara, the aboriginal word meaning 'Eaglehawk', and adopted this as his symbol for the national emblem of this home land which was a constant source of pride and inspiration to him. Wolf produced his first vintage of 250 dozen in the same year.

Through 1969 to 1973 Wolf worked as Manager and Winemaker for Tolleys where he made his first significant impact on the local wine industry with development of red wine styles. He was considered one of the leaders of the new generation of Australian winemakers, creating individual wines of various styles under his own label.

In 2001, Wolf was appointed as a Member in the Order of Australia for "service to the development of the Australian Wine Industry and to the promotion of excellence in winemaking, viticulture, marketing and research."

In 2006, Wolf was awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit (Das Bundesverdienstkreuz) by the Federal Republic of Germany (one of the German government's most prestigious honours) for "nurturing positive relationships and partnerships between the German and Australian peoples, cultures and countries."

Wolf Blass AM is currently the Ambassador for Wolf Blass Wines International, participating in promotions, overseas development and maintaining the quality style of the winemaking production.

Wolf is married to Shirley Nyberg-Blass and they both enjoy their children and grandchildren.