Go in the draw to Our People
Grant Whelan
Winemaker, Company Director and Owner
Grant has been our winemaker from day one back in 1993 when we harvested one tonne of Pinot Noir from the old vines at Kaituna Valley. Ah……long contented sigh…winemaker’s heaven. A trained soil scientist (ie he can tell the difference between dirt and cowpats) and a highly qualified dude, with a First Class Honours Degree in Agricultural Science and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology with Distinction.
Grant feels that there are always new challenges and techniques to try ~ old dogs can be taught new tricks! He is a very hands-on and physical winemaker and is involved in all aspects of making the wine. Creative, intelligent and fun, Grant is a gifted winemaker with a finely tuned palate. He has been known to disappear into the winery at vintage for a few months, appearing at night to devour any yummy food in sight before sneaking away in the morning. Can be hard to recognise in long, curly hair format ~ affectionately known to the family at this time as “Grant-tina”.
Has a hidden talent at the pool table and, with Joshua, has rediscovered Star Wars and Dr Who DVD’s.
Helen Whelan
Office and Marketing Manager, Company Director, Owner
Helen is the best afghan (biscuit) maker on the planet (as voted by Grant and Joshua) and her chocolate brownie is to die for!
A highly trained individual with a First Class Honours Degree in Agricultural Science and a PhD in Plant Pathology. She is the resident spotter of bugs and wogs, and has been known to spy powdery mildew in the vineyard from 50 paces. Helen has a meticulous eye for detail and keeps the office from being over-run by the never-ending paper war. Usually up at 5am, proof that the early bird catches the last piece of chocolate brownie!
Helen has discovered a recent fascination for salmon fishing and is happiest among her vines or tucked up reading a book by the fire. She is passionate about the Banks Peninsula region as a home of quality wine and food (check out the Banks Peninsula section).
Joshua
Our son, Joshua’s, primary purpose is to keep us busy! He is passionate about grape quality control in the vineyard and winery and is keen to sample every tank of fresh grape juice.
Joshua is a scooter fanatic and is learning to do scary (read frightening) tricks at the skateboard park. He has an all-absorbing penchant for penguins and there are currently 14 (make that 15!) penguins in the extended whanau, all named. Also loves watching Star Wars movies, again, again and again please Dad……!
Lindsay and Joanne Ruddle
Viticulturists, Marlborough
Our main people in Blenheim keeping the vineyards in shape. Lindsay is a self-confessed workaholic, with boundless enthusiasm and a quest to learn the new and wonderful. Perfectly partnered by Joanne who has the skill of turning ideas into practical reality! Lindsay and Joanne are keen on snorkelling and fishing and enjoy local beaches with their children. “If they are not working on the turf they are in the surf".
Nick Thompson
Vineyard Worker, Canterbury
Nick, fresh from a winemaking stint in Waipara, is our vineyard worker in the Canterbury vineyards this year. Nick has spent several years toiling at sea as a commercial fisherman and able seaman, including hand-line fishing for coral trout off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. He is now enjoying having his feet on terra firma and is a recent convert to winemaking and viticulture. Nick spends his spare time surfing, getting up to the ski slopes and is happiest being outside.
