Jesse Mulligan is a writer and broadcaster best known as presenter of Afternoons on RNZ National and host of The Project on TV3. For the past ten years he has written a weekly restaurant review for NZ Herald Viva, and prior to that was restaurant critic for Metro magazine. He has a keen interest in food and drink, as well as professional experience in the sector working for several years at a busy Covent Garden PR agency. His clients there included Green & Blacks chocolate, FIJI Water, and Tio Pepe – the beginning of a lifetime love affair with fino sherry. He has a long running association with New Zealand’s wine industry, including having hosted the National Wine Awards on a number of occasions, and recently judging Hawkes Bay’s Wine Tourism Awards.
DAY ONE
Ali Adams
ChristchurchNZ’s Chief Executive, Ali Adams, leads the city’s economic development agency, which aims to make Christchurch a better place to live, work, and play.
“Leading ChristchurchNZ is the best role in the world. It is a privilege to have that kaitiakitanga, that responsibility on behalf of all who call Ōtautahi Christchurch home now, and on behalf of my children and the children who will live here in the future. I love that I have responsibility to help grow this amazing place.”
Ali has a background in economic development, having led New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s work in Europe and the South Island. She has also worked in marketing, tourism, and sports leadership, including four years as the domestic manager for New Zealand Cricket. A Cantabrian by choice since 2003, she started her career as a brand manager for Unilever after graduating from Cambridge University with a first-class honours degree in natural science.
Eric Asimov
Eric Asimov is the chief wine critic of The New York Times and the author of “How to Love Wine: A Memoir and Manifesto,’’ published by William Morrow, and “Wine With Food: Pairing Notes and Recipes From The New York Times,’’ written with recipes by Florence Fabricant and published by Rizzoli. His column appears in the Food section of The Times. He is on Twitter and Instagram, @EricAsimov. A collection of his columns is included in “The New York Times Book of Wine,’’ published by Sterling Epicure.
Paul Donaldson
Part of the Donaldson Bros Gang, owners of Pegasus Bay in North Canterbury. Paul is the baby in the family, so in order to survive he mastered the art of subterfuge, quick-wittedness and disguise. All hotels within a 600km radius have been given fair warning, but only because this family is truly hospitable and generous. Ironically Paul’s first real foray into the world of Pinot came when he was not working in the industry, but living in Wellington and limiting himself to beer. He got the opportunity to attend some night functions at the Pinot NZ 2001 conference, and well…. It was love at first sight. Bringing local knowledge and genuine relationships to the team, Paul will be helping get places, people and most importantly, Pinot where they need to be.
Michael Henley MW
The guy in charge, Mike takes the reins of the bunch steering us to success. Working in the local bottle store to help fund his university lifestyle meant an early love story for all things Pinot! The chance to attend the Steamboat Pinot Noir conference in Oregon opened his eyes to the pain and pleasure associated with this grape. Having spent the first years of his career travelling and working vintages in South Africa, California, Marlborough, Oregon, Barossa Valley and Spain, Mike‘s back in Sunny Hawke’s Bay living the good life. Many hats adorn his head working with New Zealand Winegrowers and Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers as well as his own businesses, 495 Wine select and Cellar 495. Mike brings a breadth of experience and passion to craft the best Pinot experience yet!
Helen Masters
Helen Masters has been the Winemaker at Ata Rangi for 20 years.
As well as crafting fine wines of consistent international acclaim, she is actively involved in the continual pursuit of excellence in the vineyards and driving Ata Rangi’s environmental management systems and organic certification. Exploring and understanding the essence of place is Helen’s goal, and is a champion of minimal additions, natural yeast and no fining as a way to truly express the unique fingerprint of the Martinborough Terrace.
Helen was Gourmet Traveller Wine’s 2019 New Zealand Winemaker of the Year.
Dr Hana O’Regan
Dr Hana O’Regan, ONZM, is of Kāi Tahu and Pākehā (Irish and Scottish) descent. Hana has worked in the areas of language revitalisation, identity and cultural development, te reo Māori and education for over 30 years. She is a published author and composer and is recognised internationally for her work in indigenous language acquisition and revitalisation. Hana’s passion for education and community, history and equity has resulted in a career committed to working with organisations, businesses and individuals to support and enhance positive outcomes for learners and whānau. Hana was appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal in 2021 and held the position of Tumu Whakarae of Tātai Aho Rau Core Education from September 2020 – February 2025.
Christina Pickard
Christina has been telling wine stories for over 15 years, first from her former home in London, England, then from her second former home in Perth, Australia, and now in her current home in New York’s Hudson Valley. Christina has been covering the wines of New Zealand and Australia in her role as a Writer-at-Large for Wine Enthusiast magazine for the past 8 years. (Additionally, she now covers wines from New York and England for the publication). When she’s not tasting and reviewing over 1000 wines per year, Christina contributes to other publications including Bon Appetit, Full Pour and SevenFifty Daily, and has, at one time or another, penned words for most of the major trade and consumer wine publications in the U.S., Britain and Australia. As a presenter and educator, Christina was the co-host of one of wine’s first podcasts, The Crush. She was, at one stage, a semi-regular television and live presenter in the UK, and the founder of School of Wine in Western Australia. Christina’s work and family connections to both New Zealand and Australia bring her to this part of the world often and she feels a special connection to both cultures and people.
Paul Pujol
Paul Pujol returned to New Zealand and joined Prophet’s Rock in Central Otago as winemaker in 2005. Paul brings extensive international experience in Pinot Noir and cool-climate white wines from his time with top domaines in Burgundy, Alsace, Sancerre, and Oregon.
At Maison Kuentz-Bas in Alsace, Paul became the first non-family winemaker since the estate’s founding in 1795, producing wines from six Grand Cru vineyards.
The genesis of the Cuvée Aux Antipodes collaboration with François Millet started when Paul was invited to work the 2009 vintage at Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé in Chambolle-Musigny. Since 2015 the two winemakers work together on this unique project, which sees François journey to New Zealand to make a cuvée of Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay each year.
Jeff Sinnott
Jeff Sinnott has worked in the wine industry in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, the USA & Europe since the 1980’s. His whakapapa links are to Ngati Tūwharetoa and to Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairoa and is a member of the Tuku Māori Winemakers Collective. After an early career in music he graduated from Roseworthy in 1992, he has taught and researched in wine science, has made wine in most NZ wine regions & California and was until recently National Technical Viticulturist for Constellation Brands NZ. Along with his family he helped pioneer viticulture in the Waitaki Valley. He is a member of the NZW Environment Committee, the Technical & Governance teams of Project Raumatatiki – Freshwater Farm Planning for Viticulture and is Chair of the New Zealand Society for Viticulture & Oenology. Given that there is no sustainable future in bad Jazz drumming he consults to vineyards & wine companies across Aotearoa.
Richelle Tyney
Born and raised in Nelson, New Zealand, Richelle’s family has a long-standing history in agriculture and fishing, and more recently in winemaking and viticulture; a tradition Richelle is proud to continue.
Richelle Tyney joined the Greywacke team in 2021. She deftly manages the winemaking programme, as well as travelling to the markets to lead tastings and spread the word on all things Greywacke.
Richelle firmly believes in minimal intervention winemaking and that wine should express its turangawaewae (Maori: a place to stand). Her vinous passion is pinot noir and she loves working with fruit from the Southern Valleys, a hillside terroir producing Marlborough’s most exciting examples.
DAY TWO
Mimi Casteel
Mimi grew up on her family’s vineyard, Bethel Heights. Growing up working in the vineyard and winery, Mimi gained such an appreciation for the industry that she promptly left home after high school. Armed with a BA in History and Classics from Tulane University, Mimi spent the next year working in various National Forests across the west. Her adventures fueled her passion for studying botany, forestry, and ecology. Mimi earned her MS from Oregon State University in Forest Science, and spent the next several years working as a botanist and ecologist for the Forest Service, living in the backcountry. Researching forest health in the wild led Mimi to question many things, notably whether the fate of the natural world will be decided. The unavoidable answer in her heart was that private land – agricultural land, is where the fate of the natural world lies. After spending more than a decade at her family’s estate, Mimi started Hope Well, her vineyard and living laboratory. Making wine that is the true voice of a thriving ecosystem is the aspiration of Hope Well. Mimi also works with other landowners, agencies and organizations to vision and implement the strategies and systems that facilitate durable change toward a vision for the future where agriculture embodies health, beauty, form, function, and stability for all of life.
Prof. Tim Flannery
Professor Tim Flannery is one of Australia’s leading writers on climate change. An internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer and conservationist, Professor Flannery was named Australian of the Year in 2007.
In 2013 he founded the Australian Climate Council, Australia’s largest and most successful crowdfunded organisation and continues as the Chief Councillor.
He is currently Distinguished Visiting Fellow in Climate Change at the Australian Museum, Sydney.
Professor Flannery has held various academic positions including Professor at the University of Adelaide, director of the South Australian Museum in Adelaide, Principal Research Scientist at the Australian Museum and Visiting Chair in Australian Studies at Harvard University in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Prof Flannery has taught at Harvard University, and has advised governments both in Australia and Canada. In 2007 he established and co-chaired the Copenhagen Climate Council, and in 2011 was appointed Australia’s first Climate Commissioner. He has served on the board of the Prince Albert II Foundation, WWF International and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, and as an advisor to the National Geographic Society.
He has published over 140 peer-reviewed scientific papers and has named 28 living and 50 fossil mammal species. He has published over 30 books including The Future Eaters and The Weather Makers, which has been translated into over 20 languages. He has made numerous documentaries and regularly writes for the New York Review of Books.
Acknowledged as a global thought leader, and environmental champion, he has received esteemed honours and awards for his tireless work to save our planet, including the bestowal of the prestigious Chevalier of the Order St Charles of Monaco.
In May 2021 Tim Flannery was awarded the prestigious Geddes Environment Medal by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
Jamie Goode
Jamie began his career by obtaining a PhD in plant biology and ended up becoming an internationally acknowledged wine writer, speaker and lecturer. He has been wine columnist for UK national newspaper The Sunday Express since 2005 and has published award winning books including Wine Science, Authentic Wine, I Taste Red and Flawless. He’s also a co-chair of the International Wine Challenge. He can be found on Instagram (@drjamiegoode) and Twitter (@jamiegoode) and since 1999 has been publishing wineanorak.com.
Nigel Greening
It has been 25 years since Nigel, after a career as a creative director, decided to spend a year in New Zealand to find a new direction. The result of that year was the purchase of vineyard land at Cornish Point and then, a year after he returned to the UK, joining a very young wine estate in Bannockburn called Felton Road.
Now 25 years on, he, with winemaker Blair Walter in partnership, directs a wine estate that has been in the World’s 50 Most Admired Wine Brands for 7 years, 6 of them in the top 20. It is still tiny, biodynamic, a B corp and, as a member of International Wineries for Climate Action, is determined to become one of the first wineries in the world that is genuinely at carbon zero without offsetting.
When not at the house in Wanaka, he can normally be found in his workshop in Devon UK where Ihe makes acoustic and semi acoustic guitars and the odd bit of furniture.
Jonathan Hamlet
With over 20 years experience in the New Zealand wine industry since studying in viticulture and oenology at Lincoln University Jonathan joined Craggy Range in 2020 as National Vineyards Manager. This role overseas Craggy Range’s grape production in Hawkes Bay, Martinborough and Marlborough. Previously his experience across a number of producers in the Hawkes Bay lead to him taking a role of Hawkes Bay Regional Viticulturist for Villa Maria. During this time Jonathan forged extensive experience in organic viticulture leading to being the Chair of Organic Winegrowers NZ for four years. Jonathan also currently sits on the research governance committee for the Bragato Research Institute. Jonathan has a passion for producing exceptional wines that express their individual sites.
Dr. Amber Parker
My research focuses on understanding environmental drivers of phenology, investigating the impacts of effects of source-sink modifications of the grapevine on phenology and asynchrony of fruit composition, and understanding impacts and adaptations for viticulture in the context of climate change.
I view the grapevine as a model system that can used to be understand plant physiological mechanisms in response to temperature and water stress and the impacts that this may have in terms of growth and production, and fruit quality. From this understanding, models of plant responses can be developed. My research also delves into understanding how cultivar and rootstock diversity play a role in these responses, and what this genetic diversity may offer in terms of adapting to climate change. I also have a keen interest in implementing precision agriculture techniques, particularly in viticulture research.
I enjoy working with the wine industry on research projects to help solve key issues, and to develop new ideas and solutions for future sustainable grape and wine production, particularly in the context of global climate change. Pinot noir has often been in the limelight of this work – from understanding and modelling its phenology, canopy manipulations, to potted vine experimentation to delve deeper into physiological drivers of responses to the environment and management.
Makarini Rupene
Makarini is a mahinga kai practitioner, who lives and breathes Kai Tahu customary knowledge and practices. Kai Tahu are the indigenous people of the South Island of New Zealand (Te Waipounamu). For generations his whanau have observed seasonal harvesting practices. Through these intergenerational customs Makarini has been imparted with the matauraka (knowledge) of native flora and fauna species, environmental protection, and kaitiakitanga.
He is the Chair of the Tangatiaki Kaitiaki forum of Kai Tuahuriri (ki North Canterbury) and a practicing Tangatiaki Kaitiaki for Kati Huikai (ki Banks Peninsula). He sits on multiple boards as Mana Whenua representative and upholds the protection and revitalisation of our natural environment in these places. Makarini is also a Poū Matai Kō (Cultural Land Management Advisor), for the Canterbury Regional Council.
He has led multiple monitoring and restoration projects throughout the Waitaha region including the restoration of inaka (whitebait), other native fish habitats, the restoration of watercress beds, and reforestation.
Makarini holds a Masters in Māori and Indigenous Leadership specialising in customary knowledge, fisheries and customary rights. He has also worked with indigenous communities in the USA and Canada supporting and advocating for environmental protection and kaitiakitanga.
Steve Smith MW
Jim White
Jim is the Technical and Sustainable Development Director at Cloudy Bay. A 27 year career in the wine industry began with studying and working in viticulture in Australia and New Zealand, 15 years spent roles overseeing both viticulture and winemaking at Cloudy Bay. Jim has had a keen interest and knowledge in all parts of sustainability and its application in the wine industry both here and overseas. He is currently chairing the Circular Wine Group in Marlborough, on the leadership committee of the international Sustainable Wine Roundtable, works on a range of initiates within Cloudy Bay’s parent company, Moet Hennessy and is a trustee of the Village to Village trust working with RSE workers to create sustainable futures in the Pacific.
DAY THREE
David Allen MW
Greetings. My family name is Allen, but please call me David. My mountain is Snafell, my sea is the Irish Sea and my river, the mighty Thames. I am an Englishman, originally from London, but moved to New Zealand and joined Wine-Searcher, where I am the Wine Director, 8 years ago. If you don’t know Wine-Searcher, we are an online search engine for wines and spirits, an app and now also a marketplace for wines.
My career began working, for over a decade, in retail wine stores, with the U.K.’s innovative Oddbins chain. As well as running shops for Oddbins, I wrote copy for their website and was involved in logistics. I then worked for an online auction site called Uvine. Subsequent roles involved selling fine wine for distributors Top Selection and Coe Vintners. I became a of Master of Wine in 2010 and moved to New Zealand in 2017.
Jacky Blisson MW
Master of Wine and bilingual (English/French) wine writer, educator, and consultant. Jacky Blisson MW is an independent wine educator, video presenter, writer, and consultant with over two decades of experience in all facets of the global wine trade. She is the first Master of Wine in Québec and one of only ten across Canada, as well as being a Bourgogne Wine Official Ambassador.
Alan Brady
Alan Brady came to New Zealand as a young journalist in 1959 and worked on daily newspapers and later television national current affairs programs in Wellington before becomng the first regional editor of TV One News in Dunedin in 1985. While covering stories and holidaying in Central Otago he developed a fascination for that dry, inland region, its high mountains and lakes and deep river gorges. He and his wife bought 6.5 hectares of land at Gibbston near Queenstown in 1976 and four years later, ignoring conventional wisdom, planted grapes and founded Gibbston Valley Wines. He opened the region’s first purpose-built winery in 1990 and went on to build a second winery Mount Edward, in 1998. His “retirement project”, Wild Irishman Wines, is now in its 18th vintage. Brady was a founding member of Central Otago Winegrowers, served on the board of New Zealand Winegrowers and is a Fellow of NZ Wine.
Damon Gameau
Damon Gameau is an Australian film director, speaker, and author.
After 10 years as an actor in which he appeared in several feature films and television shows, including receiving an AFI nomination for best supporting actor in the film Balibo, Damon turned to directing and activism.
As a director he wrote, directed, and performed the vocals for the 2011 winning Tropfest short film, Animal Beatbox.
In 2015 he released his first feature film ‘That Sugar Film’ which became the highest grossing Australian documentary across Australia and New Zealand of all time. It has received awards from across the world including the 2015 AACTA Award for Best Documentary. The accompanying book, ‘That Sugar Book’ was a best seller in Australia and has since been released in over 20 countries and 8 languages around the world. That Sugar Guide is his latest release.
Damon then completed the documentary ‘2040’ in 2019 with an accompanying book called ‘2040: a handbook for the regeneration’. The film now sits in the top 4 highest grossing documentaries at the Australian cinema. Damon was nominated for the 2020 NSW Australian of the Year for this work.
Damon then co-founded Regen Studios with Anna Kapplan where together they work with philanthropists and NGO’s to build comprehensive impact campaigns for the films to raise money for ecological solutions and awareness in classrooms, board rooms and in Parliaments around the world.
His recent projects were ‘Regenerating Australia’ and the soon to be released ‘Future Council’ feature documentary. Damon also spoke at TEDx Sydney and his talk ‘went viral’ when posted on the global TED platform.
Richard Hemming MW
Richard Hemming is Head of Wine, Asia, for 67 Pall Mall in Singapore. He became a Master of Wine in 2015 and has written for JancisRobinson.com since 2008, contributing regular articles and tasting notes covering every aspect of the wine world. Richard has also been published by the Business Times, Financial Times, Club Oenologique, Decanter, The World Of Fine Wine, Noble Rot and many other titles.
Emma Jenkins MW
Emma Jenkins MW abandoned her science training for a more sociable career in wine, becoming a Master of Wine in 2011. Emma is co-editor of The Independent Wine Monthly alongside Jane Skilton MW, and writes on a freelance basis for a number of trade and general publications, including New Zealand coverage for Decanter. She also provides consultancy services to a range of industry and corporate entities. In addition, Emma is the IMW Research Paper Chair, teaches WSET courses on occasion and continues to hone her skills judging at local and international competitions.
Wilco Lam
At the ripe old age of 15 I decided to leave my home in a small village in the east of the Netherlands, and live and work on the other side of my country: The Hague. This was to start working in the hospitality industry, since they are often keen to soak up young gold diggers who have no idea what they’re doing (yet).
It was also the start of a further journey for work, study and general travel that took me to Amsterdam, Scotland, Spain, USA, Australia, South America to finally settle for New Zealand in 2003. Yes, you might notice that this is about as far away from my home country as possible. That is more out of a bit of luck, opportunity and interest in the New Zealand wine industry, than anything else.
I finished my Post-Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology degree at Lincoln University and moved to Martinborough because of the lure of their Pinot noir and the fact that it is a tiny community that deserves discovery. My winegrowing career took further momentum when my friends invited me to come and join their team at Dry River Wines in 2009, where I remained until 2022 as their Chief Winemaker.
With the sale of Dry River in late 2022 came a new opportunity: to begin a journey with the entire Dry River team. This was a unique opportunity to move on as one and create something new: Oraterra Wines.
Oraterra is the continuation of a shared history, bond and vision: growing wines with intent, that tell a story of personality and community.
Larry McKenna
Larry McKenna might easily be described as the Prince of Martinborough Pinot Noir.
Graduating from Roseworthy Agricultural College in 1976 with a Diploma in Agriculture he has four decades of wine making experience.
In 1986 Larry left Delegat’s Auckland to take up the position of CEO/Winemaker at Martinborough Vineyard in the Wairarapa.
Since 1999 he has been MD/Winemaker establishing Escarpment Vineyard. Retiring in 2022, winegrowing is the new role, looking after the Ma Maison Vineyard Martinborough.
Larry takes a collaborative approach to wine making and believes in sharing his knowledge and understanding with fellow winemakers.
Recently Larry has been inducted into the NZ Wine Hall of Fame and received further recognition as a recipient of the George Fistonich medal for services to the NZ Wine Industry.
He was made a fellow of the NZ Wine Industry in 2016.
Claire Mulholland
Claire was captivated by Pinot early on – originally from a farming family now 5th generation Central Otago, after study she was drawn to the vineyards, working in the Gibbston region. Moving to the winery subsequently, Claire was fortunate to work alongside pioneering growers and winemakers in the area, and the significant interest in Pinot Noir was being reinforced as the region garnered accolades in international competitions . Working with Pinot continued in diverse settings through New Zealand, Burgundy, Oregon and Australia , including 7 years at Martinborough before returning to Otago . A strong belief in organic, biodynamic, and similar systems for vine health, the wider environment and the wine brought Claire to Burn Cottage as Winemaker and General Manager in mid 2010. Motivated by the expression of site and unique character of Pinot Noir, the learning and possibilities in each new vintage, and the people making it possible.
Jen Parr
An Oregon native and graduate of Stanford University, Jen has been Valli’s Winemaker since 2015. Her winemaking career includes 33 vintages across 5 countries. Jen was awarded the 2018 Winemaker of the Year in the NZ International Aromatics Competition and the 2020 Gourmet Traveller WINE NZ Winemaker of the Year. She loves sharing her tremendous passion for wine, teaching others about its endless potential for enjoyment. She is Chair of the New World Wine Awards and active in the local wine industry serving twice as Chair of the Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration and years organising the National and Central Otago Winemakers Workshops. In 2023, Jen was inducted to Kea’s World Class New Zealand network for her overall contributions to the wine industry and specifically for championing Valli’s charity wine initiative, and named one of the 15 most influential people in the international wine, spirits and beverage industry by Mindfood Magazine.
Dan Sims
Chair of Wine Victoria and founder/CEO of Melbourne-based events company Revel, Dan Sims has been selling, judging, writing about, and promoting wine for over two decades.
A respected, award-winning wine industry figure, Dan started his career in the 1990s, working as a sommelier in some of Melbourne’s top restaurants, and has steadily established himself as a clear voice and unique personality in the Australian community.
An outspoken advocate for the democratisation of wine, Dan has used his professional platform to unshackle the industry from any outdated traces of smug pretentiousness and make the world of wine engaging, accessible, inclusive, and experience led.
Over the years, he has worked with events and organisations such as Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and Good Food & Wine Show and contributed to multiple publications including Gourmet Traveller Wine, Halliday’s Wine Companion magazine, Broadsheet and Taste to name a handful.
Dan’s industry accolades include being named the inaugural Sommelier of the Year by The Age Good Food Guide in 2008, a Len Evans Scholar in 2011, and being awarded Best Digital Wine Communicator by Wine Communicators of Australia in 2018 and with his company, Revel, twice receiving the Marketing and Communications award at the WISA Wine Industry Impact Awards. He has also contributed to many industry associations including Sommeliers Australia.
As Head of Revel, Dan has delivered wine and food events in fourteen cities and six countries around the world, with flagship event Pinot Palooza drawing sold-out crowds across since 2012. Running a host of other wine fuelled events throughout the years – including on behalf of wine regions – he also co-founded MOULD A Cheese Festival in 2017 which the largest celebration of Australian cheese in the country.
Forever curious, he continues to enthusiastically celebrate and champion, and now advocate, for the best of Australia wine.
Jane Skilton MW
Jane Skilton began her wine career in London, passed her Master of Wine examination in 1993 and moved to New Zealand in 2000.
She founded the New Zealand School of Wines and Spirits, www.nzsws.co.nz a leading provider of wine education, delivering WSET qualifications including the L4 Diploma, both at home and overseas. She teaches on behalf of NZ Winegrowers, Wines of Austria, Barossa Wine, Wines of California and the Institute of Masters of Wine locally and internationally.
Jane is the NZ contributor to www.insideburgundy.com and co-editor of Independent Wine Monthly. She is an experienced wine judge and presenter.
Olly Smith
Wine TV presenter and winewriter for BBC Saturday Kitchen, Decanter, Mail on Sunday, Daily Mail, Iconic Magazine. International Wine and Spirits Communicator of the Year, Drinks Writer of the Year for the Great British Food Awards and the UK’s drinks ambassador for the Food is Great campaign to China. He is listed in Debretts as one of the 500 most influential people in the UK.
Nikolai St George
Nikolai St. George, a Kiwi winemaker with a global perspective, has made a significant impact on the New Zealand wine industry. Hailing from the King Country, he’s travelled the world, gaining experience in vineyards from Chile to France, Australia, and the United States.
With over 30 vintages under his belt, St. George has a deep understanding of New Zealand’s diverse wine regions. He’s crafted Pinot Noir from Central Otago to Marlborough, Martinborough, and even Auckland.
He’s been awarded the prestigious “Winemaker of the Year” title four times by both the New Zealand Royal Easter Wine Show and the New Zealand International Wine Show.
As the current Director of Winemaking at Cloudy Bay Vineyards, St. George remains passionate about working with nature. He understands that the vintage is ultimately dictated by the elements, and it’s the winemaker’s role to adapt and make the best of the conditions.
Ivan Sutherland
Ivan, a fourth generation Marlburian studied agriculture, valuation and farm management at Lincoln University, graduating in 1973. While also pursuing a sporting career he went on to become a valuer and farm management consultant before entering the wine industry with his wife Margaret in 1979, joining the other early pioneers of the Marlborough viticulture industry.
Over a period of many years Ivan and Margaret established their own vineyards on selected sites in the Wairau and Southern Valleys, one of these becoming known as Dog Point with the long -term plan of starting their own small quality-focused label.
In 1986 Ivan joined Cloudy Bay in its establishment years as their viticulturist, a position he held for 18 years, serving in the latter years as a Director of the Company. He also grew grapes privately for the Cloudy Bay label, leaving the Company at the end of 2003 to concentrate on the establishment of a winery and launch of the Dog Point label.
Ivan served on the Board of the local industry body since its earliest inception for many years, continually being a voice and advocate for quality driven outcomes to maintain the integrity of brand Marlborough.
He had a strong interest in research being one of the initiators of the development of the Marlborough Wine Research Centre, serving as Chairman of the Board for 12 years, retiring to become a Trustee and assist in the continuing development and expansion of the Centre.
In 2011 Ivan became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rowing and viticulture, and in 2018 was made a Fellow of NZWG.
Fongyee Walker
Co – Founder, Dragon Phoenix Wine Consulting. Fongyee became China’s first Master of Wine in 2016. A leading wine education company, Dragon Phoenix is the only education institute in China permitted to offer the WSET Level 4 Diploma, and Walker is one of the country’s most qualified wine educators. Aside from teaching, she has many strings to her bow, working as a wine writer, wine judge and presenter, participating in documentaries and hosting an internet show about wine pairing with Chinese food called Wok ‘n Wine, which has garnered more than 4 million viewers.
Stephen Wong MW
Ex-sommelier with an unused law degree, Stephen found his place in wine through hospitality and education; advising restaurants and hotels on their wine programmes, providing training courses for industry and running masterclasses. Since gaining his MW in 2016, he has been active on the Institute’s education committee and is currently co-chair of their Diversity and Transformation Committee as well as the 2026 MW Symposium Committee. He judges several wine shows a year, speaks at conferences , writes for Cuisine and The Real Review, and represents New Zealand wines for NZ Winegrowers internationally, as well as being the NZ ambassador of the VDP.
His passion for education led to the creation of the 1st Year Fundamentals in Wine paper for Le Cordon Bleu NZ’s Bachelor of Culinary Arts and Business degree and he helps teach WSET. Stephen’s interest in taste, language and communication resulted in him co-founding Stompy and TasteMPR, a digital taste intelligence algorithm which maps wine taste and customer palates. His areas of focus in wine are centered around Burgundy; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Aligoté and Gamay, as well as the wines of Germany and Austria. He has an on and off relationship with natural wines, being a co-organiser of the Budburst festival and Nouvelle.
Alder Yarrow
San Francisco Magazine has called Alder Yarrow “The Wine World’s Brightest Cyberstar.” A pioneering wine blogger, Alder Yarrow has been writing about wine since 2004 and continues to publish regularly at his site Vinography.Com. For the past 13 years, he has been a columnist and a wine critic for Jancis Robinson’s website. His 2014 book “The Essence of Wine” was awarded the Chairman’s Prize at the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Awards, and he is a contributor to the 5th edition of the Oxford Companion to Wine. Alder serves as the architect and day-to-day product manager of the Old Vine Registry (www.oldvineregistry.org), a public, crowd-sourced database of old vine vineyards around the world. He also volunteers as the Vice President of the Glancy Wine Education Foundation, a non-profit that offers wine-education scholarships to minority and underserved wine and hospitality professionals. Alder lives in Oakland, California with his family.
