Vintage Stories - Episodes - Vintage Stories

This is part of a new podcast called ‘Bays of Our Lives' which can be found anywhere podcasts live. Check it out now!

In this episode Daniel speaks with Craggy Range Winemaker, Juilan Grounds, Ata Rangi Vineyard Worker Huia Tibble and Palliser Chief Viticulturist and Winemaker, Guy McMaster. These are some diverse conversations culminating a four part mini series on the Wairarapa Region, a North Island Region that includes the appellations of Martinborough and TeMuna.

This episode is sponsored by Wine Searcher. Go to www.winesearcher.com and download the app now!

This episode is sponsored by Wine Searcher. Go to www.winesearcher.com and download the app today!

Daniel chats with winemakers Ben Trinick and Jannine Rickards about their upbringing, heritage, and what it means to be living and working in the Wairarapa. Ben is the Assistant Winemaker at Ata Rangi and Jannine is the winemaker at Urlar Vineyards and producers her own wines under 'The Huntress' label. These interviews were recorded in early August 2020. This podcast series is co produced with the Pinot Noir New Zealand 2022 Conference and is being sponsored by Wine Searcher. Go to www.winesearcher.com and download the app today!

Daniel introduces the new series, starting in the Wairararapa Wine Region and discusses the concepts of Tūrangawaewae, Kaitiakitanga, and Whanaungatanga with Ata Rangi Winemaker and Pinot Noir NZ 2022 Board Member, Helen Masters. This was recorded back in February of 2021 before the worldwide COVID-19 lockdowns. Since that time the conference has been postponed until 2022.This episode was sponsored by Wine Searcher. Go To www.winesearcher.com and download the app

Wilco Lam started his wine journey taking trips into France as a child with his family. Eventually that led him down to Australia and eventually New Zealand to pursue his passion. After completing his winemaking degree at Lincoln Univesity in Canterbury, Wilco was truly on his way. But his eye was always on Martinborough and to part of a production that made these premium, boutique wines. Wilco is now the chief winemaker at Dry River Wines. With plantings dating back to 1979, Dry River is globally one of New Zealand’s most iconic brands producing Pinot Gris, Gewurtztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Tempranillo. Their website is www.dryriver.co.nz

After a life in commerce and while living in London, Hugh Crighton had his epiphany in wine. He worked in vineyards in England only to come back to Aotearoa to study and work in the emerging winemaking scene. This eventually led him to Hawkes Bay where he has been the Chief Winemaker at the historic Vidal Estate in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand since 2004. Check out Vidal Estate at www.vidal.co.nz This episode is sponsored by www.decibelwines.com

Matt Thompson had been travelling back and forth, across hemispheres for years doing two harvests a year. One in his home country of New Zealand the one in Europe. He has now settled as a highly sought after consultant in Europe. But his journey's have really only led him back home where he met Sophie Parker. Sophie, amidst her own career of winemaking and YouTube Wine Reviews (As Lady Parker), found her match. Together they now produce Blank Canvas Wines, highly sought after expressions from Marlborough and Hawkes Bay.

David Nash really discovered New Zealand wine while overseas in London, one of the world's greatest wine markets. By the time he returned to his home town of Auckland he was all in for New Zealand wine. This passion let him to not only work in the industry but to film and produce what is to date the best documentary on the New Zealand wine industry. 'A Seat At The Table' was released earlier this year to rave reviews and is currently playing around New Zealand and in the festival circuit worldwide. Please visit https://www.nzwinestory.co.nz/ to find out where it is playing near you.

Mary Therese Blair emigrated from Ireland to New Zealand to chase a dream of finding the world’s most exciting wine. Growing up in ‘the world’s smallest town’ somehow led her down a path of wanting to be a marine biologist only to discover that wasn’t quite her cup of tea. But the nickname Mermaid Mary stuck and she fell in love with New Zealand wine somewhere along the way. She is now on a mission to make sure millennials and younger drinkers don’t go down the hellish road of ‘RTDs’ and try something more enjoyable in life, like a glass of New Zealand wine. You can find much of Mary’s work on her website, https://www.mermaidmary.co.nz along with various other publications throughout New Zealand. She also appears frequently on NZ RadioLive. Follow her @mermaidmary on Instagram and ‘Mermaid Mary’ on Facebook. This episode is sponsored by Decibel Wines. Go to www.decibelwines.com and join our wine club. The new Testify Chardonnay is out now!

Anna Flowerday is busy, as busy as anyone you know. She is a winemaker and co-owner, with her husband Jason, of Te Whara Ra Winery Vineyard & Winery in Marlborough, New Zealand. She's also a mother of two sets of twins and is very active in the winegrower community, particularly around organic winegrowing. She speaks frequently on the subject including as one of the moderator's at this year's conference. She's also a big rugby fan. This episode is sponsored by Kauri Wine Innovation www.kauriwine.com We're also sponsored by Decibel Wines. Visit www.decibelwine.com and use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' and receive 10% off any order over $100

Georg Meissner has always wanted to combine the worlds of research and education with the practical. His experience and long term research with regards to biodynamic practices has him at the cutting edge of the wine industry while also having roots with philosopher and visionary, Rudolf Steiner, who gave eight lectures on agriculture in 1924 that are the basis of biodynamic farming. But this theory and practice must evolve and Georg is leading the way to find out exactly what this means within the realm viticulture, education and how it can change our greater world. Georg is Associated Researcher for Biodynamic Viticulture at the Geissenheim University in Germany. Georg is also the Head of Production and develops research and education at Alois Lageder, a winery and vineyard in Alto Aldige, Trentino, Italy. Did we mention he has four children as well....??? This episode is sponsored by Kauri Wine Innovation www.kauriwine.com and is also sponsored by Decibel Wines www.decibelwines.com

Cynthea Semmens was born in San Francisco but she is all Tasmanian now. She moved there at the young age of 5 years with her Cyrpotic mother and American father who fell in love with a piece of land that is very special in Tasmania. It was the first real winery on the island, boasting its first cellar door licence and has pioneered some of the islands wine making and viticulture. Cynthea is on a path to organics and was attending the Organic and Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference in Blenheim, New Zealand where Daniel sat down with her back stage at the ASB Theatre to hear her story. Next time you’re in Tasmania you should drop by their epic tasting room. Check www.beautifulislewines.com and follow Cynthea on Instagram @vindiva This episode is sponsored by Kauri Wine Innovation. www.kauriwine.com and Decibel Wines , use the promo code ‘DBPODCAST’ and visit www.decibelwines.com to receive 10% off your first order. cheers!

Emiliana Vineyards is the largest organic winery in the world. This Chilean operations spans 1000 kilometres from its norther most to southern most vineyards. They are pioneers in the wine world making both premium organic and biodynamically produced wines along with very affordable organic wines all of which are distributed in over 50 countries throughout the world. Sebastian Tramon is the company’s Sustainability Manager working with the operations and people from the beginning till the end of the winemaking process. Cristian Rodriquez is the CEO of Emiliana Vineyards and has been a critical part of the companies growth since it began its organic transformation in 1998. More information can be found at www.emiliana.bio and follow them on Instagram @emilianaorganic A bit thank you to Organic and Biodynamic Winegrowers of New Zealand for allowing me to chat with their guests during the conference. Please join us and take the inevitable leap into organic wine growing, farming and gardening. This episode is sponsored by Kauri Winemaking Innovation www.kauriwine.com and Decibel Wines. Please visit www.decibelwines.com and use the promo code ‘DBPODCAST’ to receive 10% off your first order.

Emma Jenkins truly discovered her passion for wine in a place many of us do, a great wine shop. While working during the early heydays of one of New Zealand's great wine shops, Scenic Cellars in Taupo. It was during this time Emma met Bob Campbell MW and was encouraged by her peers and mentors to begin her examinations towards becoming an MW. She is now heavily involved in the MW education program, writes for the NZ publication of the Australian Women's Weekly, is co-editor of The Independent Wine Monthly alongside Jane Skilton MW, and also writes on a freelance basis for a number of trade and general publications. Her work can be found at http://independentwinemonthly.co.nz/ and Emma is on Twitter @IWM_updates This episode is sponsored by Kauri Wine Innovations in Australia and New Zealand. www.kauriwine.com And www.decibelwines.com Use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' to receive 10% off your first order

Jen Parr’s journey to wine began in Oregon, but not with wine. Instead it started with a desire to help others and a love for the English language. But after meeting one of America’s poet laureates, Mayo Angelou, Jen was left with a quote that stuck with her for many years, it even haunted her. That quote eventually played out when Jen found a fascination with wine that led her around the world and eventually to Central Otago, where she is now the winemaker for Valli Wines. Check out the remarkable Valli Wines at valliwine.com and on Instagram and Facebook at ‘valliwine’ This episode is sponsored by Kauri Wine Innovation www.kauriwines.com and Decibel Wines, go to www.decibelwines.com and use the promo code ‘DBPODCAST’ to receive 10% off your first order

Peter Cowley has been working at the famed TeMata Estate as a winemaker since 1983. As he approaches sem-retirement, he sits down with Daniel to reflect on his career, Hawkes Bay wine and his love of motorcycles and airplanes.

Chris Harrison and his Beach House Wines are on of New Zealand's wine success stories. Family built from the ground up, their wines continue to impress, winning gold medals and commercial success each year. Chris tells his story of building a business in Hawkes Bay. Check out www.beachhousewines.co.nz for more information. This episode is sponsored by www.decibelwines.com Click 'Shop Decibel Wines' and use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' to receive 10% of your first order.

Sanne Witteveen is a student of Wine Science and Viticulture at the Eastern Institute of Technology in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. She is a recent winner of both the student wine of the year and student scholarship at the Hawkes Bay Royal A&P Show. Haidee Johnson is a winemaker for Villa Maria and is the 2019 winner of the Hawkes Bay Young Winemaker of the Year Award. This episode is sponsored by the ‘Summer of Dove’ event at the Little Blackbird Eatery on Saturday December 15th at 5pm. Tickets can be purchased here http://bit.ly/summer-of-dove get them now!!!

Master of Wine Michael Brajkovich is the Chief Winemaker of one of New Zealand's most iconic brands, Kumeu River, his family's estate located just outside of Auckland on New Zealand's North Island.  Their pioneering of winemaking, particularly Chardonnay, is second to none in New Zealand.  Michael has been apart of some of New Zealand Wine's biggest steps on the global stage.  To this day they continue to innovate now into Methode Traditionnelle production and new vineyards in Hawkes Bay.   More info can be found at www.kumeuriver.co.nz and and @kumeu_river on Instagram. This episodes is sponsored by Kauriwine.com, purveyors of organic yeasts and fermentation nutrients as well as many other products and services for the winery, brewery or food industry. We're also sponsored by Decibelwines.com please visit the site and click on your countries flag to ship wine direct to your doorstep.  Use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' to receive 10% off your first order.

Mike Bennie is a freelance wine and drinks writer, journalist and presenter based in Sydney, Australia. He is wine/drinks editor for Australia’s leading food magazine delicious. and Editor-At-Large and contributor/writer to Australia’s most interactive wine commentary website, WineFront.com.au. You can also find Mike's work in Sun-Herald Style Magazine, Wine Business Magazine along with many other publications locally and overseas. Mike is an active wine judge in Australia and overseas, and a graduate of the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial. He is proudly a co-founder and co-director of the artisan and sustainability-focused Rootstock Sydney food and wine festival. He has recently partnered with the community of Newtown with a collaboration work space where his offices are also located. This space sits above P&V Merchants, a small, eclectic wine shop he has opened with Newtown local Lou Dowling. This episodes is sponsored by Kauriwine.com, purveyors of organic yeasts and fermentation nutrients as well as many other products and services for the winery, brewery or food industry. We're also sponsored by Decibelwines.com please visit the site and click on your countries flag to ship wine direct to your doorstep. Use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' to receive 10% off your first order.

Sydney is an ever evolving, exciting city with a vibrant food and drink scene. Rebecca Lines and Hamish Ingham have been working in the scene for over 14 years having run and own some of it's top spot. Now they own Banksii in the Barangaroo South district of Sydney and things are pumping. We thought we'd give you a full hour and tack on a short interview Daniel did with distiller Chris Reid in Martinborough earlier this year. This episode is sponsored by Kauriwine.com, specialists in specialises in organic yeasts and nutrients. We're always sponsored by www.decibelwines.com use the promocode 'DBPODCAST' to receive 10% off your first order.

Jo Burzynska, who also performs and records under the name Stanier Black-Five – is an Australasia-based sound artist and wine writer whose work in these areas has increasingly converged in the production of multisensory art. As a sound/multisensory artist she has exhibited, performed and released her work around the world, while in her role as an international wine critic and judge, she has written widely read wine columns and is the author of Wine Class: All You Need to Know About Wine in New Zealand (Random House). You can find her work at www.joburzynska.com and on Twitter @InVinoPipias Daniel sat down to chat with Jo at Sydney's 'Culture At Work' exhibit space featuring her work on Osmic Resonance. This episode is sponsored by www.kauriwine.com and www.decibelwines.com use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' to get 10% off your first order.

Jason Stent was born and raised in Hawkes Bay where he fell in love with wine and cycling. He spent many seasons in France cycling for an amateur team and falling more in love with wine, particularly Bordeaux wines. He returned with an invigorated passion to the Hawkes Bay wine industry and continues to shine as Paritua's chief winemaker, now producing some of NZ's most bespoke wines. This episode is sponsored by Kauriwine.com experts in organic yeast and winemaking products www.decibelwines.com. Use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' to get 10% off your first order.

In 1984 James Millton established New Zealand's First Organic & Biodynamic Wine Estate, Millton Vineyards in Gisborne, New Zealand.  His knowledge and experience with organic and biodynamic grape growing and winemaking is second to none in the southern hemisphere.  Though he is by no means set in his ways.  His passion and support for young people and new ideas is what has helped him produced some of New Zealand's finest wines. This episode is sponsored by Kauri Wine Innovation.  Please visit www.kauriwine.com for more information on their line of organic yeast and fermentation products as well as barrels, tanks and home or commercial braumeisters. 

Peter Roberston has made a life in wine that many of us could only hope to achieve.  His wines under the Brookfields label have become one of the most trusted brands in New Zealand.  The wines are of high quality, range through the great Hawkes Bay varietals and all express a warmth, care and attention to detail.  Brookfields wines can be found throughout NZ, Australia, China and the UK.  www.brookfieldsvineyards.co.nz This episode is sponsored by www.Kauriwine.com to find your innovative winemaking products and www.decibelwines.com where if you use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' you will receive 10% off your first order.

This episode is sponsored by Decibel Wines www.decibelwines.com and Kauri Wines NZ/AU www.kauriwine.com

John Hancock has been making wine since the early 70s when he began in Australia. After moving to New Zealand and working in a few top operations in the 80s he founded Trinity Hill, one of New Zealand's most iconic brands. He has recently left T Hill to begin his own brand with his sons appropriately named, 'Hancock and Sons'. This podcast is sponsored by Kauri www.kauriwine.com and Decibel Wines www.decibelwines.com #drinkdecibel

Lauren Swift was raised in Marlborough, New Zealand.  She is the winemaker at Ashe Ridge Wines on the Bridge Pa Triangle of Hawkes Bay, NZ.  In 2015 she was awarded the NZ Young Winemaker of the Year in the competitions inaugural year.  

Jannine Rickards is a winemaker who has helped produce some of New Zealand's most storied wines at places such as Ata Rangi and Pegusus Bay.  After a vintage at Ulicher Winery back at her home in Martinborough, she now finds herself as the Chief Winemaker at the biodynamic winery, Urlar based just north of Martinborough in Gladstone.  She is an avid adventurer, hunter, forager and hiker shown by her alias 'The Huntress'.  Follow her adventures on social media @JannineRickards

Xan Harding is a viticulturist based in the Bridge Pa Triangle region of Hawkes Bay. He grows for some of Hawkes Bay's top producers such as Trinity Hill, Pernod Ricard, Ashe Ridge as well as having grown trophy award winning wines for Mission Estate and Decibel Wines. He is on the board of the Hawkes Bay Winegrowers and is entrenched in the proceedings with the tribunal assigned to the controversial WCO in the Hastings region.

Listen on Itunes Listen on SoundCloud Vintage Stories - Episode 43 - Matt Kirby Winemaker Matt Kirby has been making interesting and progressive wines since his days as a young winemaker in Australia. Clearview Estate in Hawkes Bay has always been a revered brand. And since Matt's move to become winemaker at Clearview Estate in TeAwanga they have been on a string of award winning wines and critical praise. While keeping with some of their traditional success he is also pushing the boundries there with new styles and varietal expressions.

Mark Krasnow is a doctor of viticulture from the United States.  He came to New Zealand in 2010 to lecture at the Eastern Institute of Technology.  He returned in 2015 to begin his consulting firm, Thoughtful Viticulture, for vineyard management and more specifically water stressing vines, aiming to get his clients' vineyards as close to dry farming as possible.  With water usage such a hot topic these days in New Zealand, Mark finds himself in the center of a very heated debate.  Mark is a former associate proffesor at Univerity of California at Davis and the Culinary Institute of America.  He is also co-owner of the Crazy Bay Beer company whose brews can be found around Hawkes Bay and beyond.  

Hayden Penny is a talented NZ winemaker who has made wine all over the world. His passion for organic farming and winegrowing has found him at the forefront of progressive winemaking. He is the winemaker and viticulturist for 'The Supernatural' and a range of wines that push the envelope in style and innovation while also giving a shout back to classic techniques. He is also involved in the winemaking for many of Ant McKenzie's wines as well as Askerne Winery.

This one is from the archives. The never released, elusive Episode 32!!! Kim McPherson makes wine in Lubbock, TX, the home of Buddy Holly. His wines have gained international recognition as not only some of the best come out of Texas, but the entire US. His focus is on Rhone Varietals and what he feels works best for viticulture in that part of the country. He is a unique character and Daniel tracked him down at his tasting room in Texas for a long chat.

Our Gimblett Gravels series wraps up with none other than 'The Queen or Reds' Jenny Dobson. If you take a look at some of the best Gimblett Gravels wines ever released, a significant percentage have had Jenny's hand involved. Her work at Sacred Hill, and with Squawking Magpie, Unison Vineyard and William Murdoch have her entrenched in this special appellation. Jenny is also a mentor and educator at heart having started in the late 70s with Steven Spourier in Paris until now, where she continues to educate, from consumers to young winemakers. This episode is sponsored by the Gimblett Gravels Wine Growing Region. Please visit www.gimblettgravels.com and check out their Annual Vintage Selection. We're also sponsored by www.decibelwines.com Use the promocode 'DBPODCAST' and receive 10% off your first order.

Richard Painter is the cheif winemaker at TeAwa Estate Winery, whose vineyards stretch over the Gimblett Gravels and the Bridge Pa Triangle appellations. As the parent company Villa Maria is building their brand new Hawkes Bay Winery on the same site, Richard has found himself in the centre of the Hawkes Bay Wine scene. This episode is sponsored by the Gimblett Gravels Wine Growing Region. Please visit www.gimblettgravels.com and check out their Annual Vintage Selection. We're also sponsored by www.decibelwines.com Use the promocode 'DBPODCAST' and receive 10% off your first order.

It's no surprise Gordon Russell is my first guest to appear on the podcast twice. Not only is he one of NZ's most respected and unique winemakers, he's also a unique person. His wines reflect his interest in music, travel and culture. We had a great conversation about the latest moves within Villa Maria and Esk Valley wineries and his history working with the Gimblett Gravels fruit. This episode is sponsored by the Gimblett Gravels Wine Growing District. Please visit www.gimblettgravels.com and check out their Annual Vintage Selection. We're also sponsored by www.decibelwines.com use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' to receive 10% off your first order

Warren Gibson has established himself in a unique class of winemakers throughout the world. His work in the last 20 years at Trinity Hill and with his own brands, Bilancia and La Colina, has been exceptional to say the least. His knowledge of and experience in Hawkes Bay, the Gimblett Gravels and the wine producing world at large is a unique story that we only scratched the surface of in this interview. Today's episode is sponsored by the Gimblett Gravels Wine Growing District™. Visit www.gimblettgravels.com to check out the 2015 AVS, a collection of the appellation's best wines from another great vintage in Hawkes Bay. We're also sponsored by Decibel Wines. Please visit www.decibelwines.com and use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' to receive 10% off your first order where we ship to places like the USA, the UK, Europe, Australia and of course NZ.

Ollie Powrie became Company Viticulturist for one of the world's premiere wineries, Villa Maria, after returning to Hawkes Bay in 2006.  His international work, travels and experience through France and Vietnam particularly, inspired him to return to New Zealand and be apart of an exciting time in the industry.  Ollie's passion for growing fine wine grapes has been met with open arms with Villa Maria where they specialise in single vineyard expressions of top quality NZ wine.  His work and experience in the Gimblett Gravels has been especially gratifying in watching one of the world's most unique appellations become one of the world's most highly regarded. Today's episode is sponsored by the Gimblett Gravels Wine Growing District.  Please visit www.gimblettgravels.com and click on the 'Shop' link to have access to the newly released 2015 Annual Vintage Selection, the best wines of the appellation from a fantastic vintage. We're also sponsored by www.decibelwines.com Click on the 'shop wines' and go to our store where we ship to the USA, UK, Australia and free throughout NZ.  Use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' to receive 10% off your first order.  #decibelwines #drinkdecibel

Tony Bish founded one of New Zealand's iconic wine brands with his mates at Sacred Hill.  It's a great story that has led him to now establish his own brand.  His new project is in a unique scope that is like nothing else that has been attempted before in New Zealand.  His focus is on the Chardonnay varietal, with different vineyard sites, treatments and vessels, including the use of patented NZ concrete eggs.   This episode is sponsored by Decibel Wines. International Shipping and the entire range can be found at www.decibelwines.com Use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' to receive 10% off your first order.

Rod Easthope has made wines for some of the world's top producers in France, Italy, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. He has recently established his own family brand, Easthope Family Winegrowers with his wife, Emma and their three sons. This episode is sponsored by our two upcoming FAWC events in Hawkes Bay. More info can be found on the home page at www.decibelwines.com For all wine purchases use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' to get 10% off your first order.

Daniel sits down with NZ writer, presenter and business woman, Yvonne Lorkin. More info on Yvonne at www.yvonnelorkin.com This episode is sponsored by Decibel Wines, for international shipping visit www.decibelwines.com and use the promo code 'DBPODCAST' to get 10% off your first order.

Daniel sits down in Martinborough, New Zealand with chief winemaker and champion of Pinot Noir, Helen Masters of Ata Rangi Martinborough. Daniel and Helen discuss her history in winemaking, how great NZ is and of course PINOT NOIR!

Daniel chats with Julianne Brogden, Winemaker and Owner of Collaboration Wines of Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

Matt Fox was born and raised in Gisborne, New Zealand. He is a consultant viticulturist and a winemaker. After studying in New Zealand he has worked in vineyards and wineries throughout New Zealand, Italy, France and California.

Bryce Edmonds is a winemaker and his family owns a vineyard in the Bridge Pa Triangle of Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. He produces wines from the family vineyard under his newly formed 'Zaria' label. He currently works for Beach House Wines in Hawkes Bay. He has lived, worked and studied throughout New Zealand, California, Czech Republic and Australia.

Patrick Newton is the winemaker for Mudbrick Vineyard on the beautiful Waiheke Island where he lives with his wife and two children. He was born in Australia and has worked in wineries throughout NZ, Australia, the USA and Europe.

Daniel chats with Hawkes Bay winemaker Greg Allinson

Eric Camera is a winemaker based in California. He is on a journey through New Zealand working for the famed Craggy Range Winery. He stopped by the podcast studios (Daniel's home) to have a chat.