How Long Have You Worked In Hawke’s Bay?

Five spectacular years

What Brought You To Hawke’s Bay?

The chance to grow and make amazing Chardonnay and Syrah, an ocean front lifestyle and a much steadier platform than Christchurch!

Where Have You Travelled In Wine To Get Here?

Only the Hunter Valley in Australia and Hawke’s Bay so far, Italy and France are both on the list.

What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Job? 

Working with such a diverse and wonderful group of contract growers while learning from a talented viticulture and winemaking team at Villa Maria. And wine, I really enjoy wine.

What Do You Enjoy Most About Hawke’s Bay?

Chardonnay, Syrah, the ocean and sunshine.

When You’re Not Making Wine Or Growing Grapes?

I am drinking wine, watching cricket and finding a new place with great food and coffee, preferably all on the same day.

It Sucks When…. 

You try and get a bird out of your nets at harvest with your diary and you end up with damaged fruit and juice all over your diary. Then watching the bird fly out all by itself.

Your Favourite Wine?

White - Chardonnay, red – Syrah. Most definitely.

Which Wine Region Excites You Most Right Now?

I’m going through a bit of a Mendoza Malbec stage at the moment, but also think Côtes du Rhône white blends are amazing and would be interested to see something similar come out of New Zealand.

Future Aspirations? 

Company viticulturist for an innovative and quality driven company focussed on making quality wine more approachable to the everyday wine consumer, while also helping them to understand and appreciate different varieties.