Philosophy
Having always been interested in Nature and plants, I decided to take my passion into the fields of viticulture and wine, first in Europe and later in Australia, South Africa, California and New Zealand. With studies in Europe and experience in both the old and new worlds, I developed an interest in combining tradition with innovation and the practical application of vine physiology to vine management and adaptations to site specific vineyard terroir and climate.
Over the past 40 years I have been fortunate to work in various roles as a Consultant in viticulture and wine for major wine companies throughout the world and have received prestigeous awards for contributions to early wine development and technical literature at an international and New Zealand level. My special interest is in the early development and plantings of cool climate Pinot vineyards in NZ, from Otago to Martinborough and more recently, Cabernet/Syrah/Italian varieties from Hawkes Bay to Waiheke Island, West Auckland and the Far North. Irrespective of grape type or wine's origins, the goal always remains the same - to improve the vines to express the best potential wine quality.