Chief Winemaker

Born and raised in the Awatere Valley, Stu Marfell witnessed its exciting transformation from quiet pastoral farming to celebrated appellation. A graduate of Lincoln University, Canterbury with a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology, Stu joined the team in 2003 as Assistant Winemaker, becoming Chief Winemaker in 2007. Stu has since been awarded ‘New Zealand Winemaker of the Show’ at the New Zealand International Wine Show in both 2018 and 2022.

Winemaker

Susan van der Pol was raised in Blenheim, the centre of Marlborough’s wine industry. In 2002, she was awarded a diploma in Viticulture & Wine Production from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. Susan then spent two vintages overseas before returning to New Zealand and joining the team as Assistant Winemaker in 2011.

Assistant Winemaker

Originally from North Canterbury, Tom’s interest in wine took hold when his family planted a small vineyard. Since 2012 he has worked across renowned wine regions in France, Australia, United States, South America and New Zealand. A graduate of Lincoln University with distinction in a diploma of Oenology and Viticulture, Tom joined the team in 2019.

Viticulturist

Fond memories of growing up on his father’s vineyard in Hawkes Bay solidified Mat’s choice to pursue a career in viticulture. Mat graduated from Lincoln University with a Diploma in Horticultural Management and joined the team in 2007 as Vineyard Manager, now overseeing 205 hectares of vineyards between the Awatere and Wairau Valleys.