Are you of legal drinking age in your country of residence?
Are you of legal drinking age in your country of residence?
The great stories and people that make up the New Zealand wine industry.
Jules Taylor has just been awarded Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine’s NZ Winemaker of the Year. The Judges said, “Jules is one of New Zealand’s modern pioneers. She produces outstanding wine, is fiercely proud of her region, and mentors the up-and-coming breed of Kiwi winemakers."
Despite growing up among the wine industry, Arabella studied fine arts, having decided that following her passions would steer her in the right direction. Her degree has given her many advantages in her role as brand manager at Astrolabe, including vineyard photography and designing the company’s labels.
Growing grapevines is a complex business, says the Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year. Throw in seasonal vagaries, plant physiology, technical advances and business strategies, as well as the challenge of managing people across a myriad of roles, and “no two seasons are the same”.
Felton Road is one of the legendary names in New Zealand wine. Since the first vintage in 1997, the brand has acquired a formidable worldwide reputation for their Pinot Noir.
Thirty-three years after he traded cosmetics and cleaning products for a career in wine, Clive has been named a 2025 New Zealand Winegrowers Fellow, recognising 15 years in wine governance, including as chair of the Marlborough Winegrowers and NZW boards.
Mark Allen is well known for shaking the proverbial tree when it comes to getting vine research into vineyard action. Mechanical shaking, subsurface irrigation and long spur pruning are examples of wine research that makes perfect sense for growers, says Mark, one of the 2025 New Zealand Winegrowers Fellows, recognised for his unrelenting services to research and extension. “If we keep innovating, we can continue to succeed.”
Judy, who has been named a 2025 New Zealand Winegrowers Fellow for services to wine marketing, has embraced community in myriad ways over the past 47 years, as a longstanding member of Nelson Winegrowers and the Wine Institute marketing committee, a founding member of the Family of Twelve, three terms on the organising committee of New Zealand’s Pinot Noir celebration, the instigator of the annual Neudorf concert and the Moutere Artisans, and a go-to person for anyone looking for marketing advice. “I think collaborative marketing is part of New Zealand’s wine culture,” she says. “And it is such a great strength.”
Gwyn, who didn’t plan to start a viticulture career 40 years ago, but “went along for the ride”, has been named a 2025 NZW Fellow, recognising his services to sustainability.
