Julianna Patterson Assistant Winemaker at Grove Mill.

Jules is the Assistant Winemaker at Grove Mill. Born and bred in Dunedin, Jules joined the Air Force before switching to pursue a career in winemaking and has never looked back. Her heart lies in the winery where she loves the science involved in crafting wine and seeing them make it into bottle. Jules has previously worked at Vavasour Wines as well as Cloudy Bay, Giesen, Sacred Hill and Wenzel Wines in Austria. A big fan of the outdoors, Jules joined the Grove Mill team in 2020. Equally passionate about nurturing the wetland beside the Winery, we were delighted to welcome her onto our team. Grove Mill Pinot Noir is Jules’s pick of the bunch because of its many layers and stunning floral flavours and aromas. When not spending time with her family, Jules is out riding her Yamaha YZ125x mixing it up with motocross racing and trail riding.

Tom joined the Vavasour team in 2019. Originally from North Canterbury, his interest in wine began when his family planted a small vineyard while he was completing a BCom at Canterbury University. Tom has since travelled and worked in wine regions in France, Australia, United States and South America. Tom completed a Graduate Diploma in Oenology and Viticulture at Lincoln University passing with distinction.

Meet Mat Duncan – Vineyard Manager and Grower Liaison in Marlborough

Raised on an orchard with grapes, avocados and kiwifruit in Northern Hawkes Bay, a fortuitous move in 1994 lead Mat’s family to Marlborough to manage an up and coming Viticultural development. Mat has been involved in the wine industry ever since, and has been managing our vineyards since he began with the company in 2007. Since 2016 he has also taken on the role of Grower Liaison for Grove Mill and Vavasour. When Mat isn’t diligently working in the vineyards, you can find him out snow or water skiing, playing cricket, or enjoying time with his wife and three children.

Meet Esmé Holdsworth – Winemaker at Grove Mill

Born and raised in beautiful Nelson, Esmé’s passion for wine originally sparked from her love for artisan food after spending her summers at school and University working in restaurant kitchens. After attending Otago University Esmé went on to earn a post graduate diploma in viticulture and oenology from Lincoln University. When a chance came to work at the Marlborough winery, Esmé leapt at it. Ask Esmé what she loves most about winemaking and she’ll say the blend of science and art. She loves that it’s such a team environment in every part of the business – from vineyard to logistics – it is essential to making great wine that people love to drink around the world.