NZ Wine Podcast - New Zealand Wine Stories

Nicholas Paris MW, and Managing Director of his family's Monte Christo Winery in Central Otago, reflects on his journey through the wine world, the vision behind revitalising this historic estate, and the balance between honouring legacy and crafting elegant, site-driven wines that speak to the region. A Master of Wine with experience spanning retail, auctions, distribution, and international wine...

Ismo Koski - co-owner of Apéro on Karangahape Road with his partner Leslie Hottiaux, the chef behind the kitchen - joins the podcast to talk wine, food, and creating experiences that take people on a journey. With a focus on wines of difference and thoughtfully crafted dishes, they aim to help guests discover new flavours, try something different, and enjoy a truly memorable night out. This episod...

Jonathan Thévenard, owner of Pici on Karangahape Road in Auckland, joins the podcast to talk food, wine, and the joy of keeping things simple and honest. He shares his journey into hospitality, the philosophy behind Pici’s much-loved pasta, and their focus on natural wines that complement the menu and bring a sense of discovery to every meal. Creating a welcoming, vibrant space for guests is centr...

Matt Gossett, owner of Atelier on Karangahape Road and several other hospitality ventures around Auckland, joins the podcast to talk wine, food, and the energy that defines one of the city’s most dynamic streets. Known for a vibrant programme of wine dinners, collaborations, and special events, Matt shares his journey into hospitality and the thinking behind creating places that bring people toget...

John Belsham, founder of Foxes Island Wines, is a pioneer of New Zealand winemaking with a career spanning more than four decades. Having established one of Marlborough’s early independent wineries, he has helped shape the country’s modern wine identity through both his own wines and extensive consulting work with producers in New Zealand and abroad. John shares insights from his journey in the in...

Jenna Sisson, owner of The Hour Glass wine bar in New Plymouth, was recently named among the Top 100 Sommeliers New Zealand. Her welcoming venue celebrates great wine, good company, and genuine connection. From wine enthusiast to bar owner, Jenna’s journey has taken her to hundreds of vineyards across New Zealand, experiences that have shaped her approach to creating a thoughtful and diverse...

Our 100th episode is perfectly timed to be about the launch of the Top 100 Sommeliers New Zealand list! Cameron Douglas MS and Angeline Bayly, founder of Sommelier Edit , join the podcast to discuss the initiative, sharing insights into its creation, the people it celebrates, and what it means for the future of wine service in Aotearoa. www.sommelieredit.com/nz/top-100-sommeliers/results-2025/ www...

Wilco Lam, winemaker at Oraterra, has spent most of his career in Martinborough, including many years at the renowned Dry River. He shares his journey in wine, the vision behind Oraterra, and how his deep connection to Martinborough has shaped his approach to crafting expressive, site-driven wines. www.oraterra.nz www.nzwinepodcast.com www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast This episode is brought to you...

We sit down with Paul Dunleavy of Te Motu and Dunleavy Wines on Waiheke Island. Recorded on site in October 2024, Paul reflects on his role as one of the true pioneers of Waiheke winemaking and shares stories of his early encounters with some of the most influential figures in the global wine world. From the early days to its reputation today, Paul offers a rare first-hand perspective on the shapi...

Vanessa and Luke’s journey into vineyard ownership began with a desire to weave their lives more closely with the land. On Waiheke Island, they found a place where their roots could intertwine - nurturing both vines and family. Vanessa and her children hold a deep ancestral bond to the land and sea through their iwi, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki. Recorded onsite October 2024. www.tuapae.co.nz www.nzwinepodc...

Merrick Watts is a qualified wine specialist and comedian who is in New Zealand for the International Comedy Festival. His show An Idiots Guide to Wine has toured wineries and arts festivals around Australia and is now in NZ for 4 shows across Auckland and Wellington. www.comedyfestival.co.nz/find-a-show/idiots-guide-to-wine www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast www.nzwinepodcast.com This episode is bro...

Warren Gibson, Chief Winemaker at Trinity Hill, has built a distinguished career crafting world-class wines in Hawke’s Bay and beyond. With extensive experience in both New Zealand and international winemaking, he shares insights into his journey, the evolution of Hawke’s Bay as a wine region, his Bilancia label and how his perspective has influenced his approach to making memorable wines. www.tri...

Originally from Brighton in the UK, Josh at first hadn't considered working in wine, now the new winemaker at Huia, he brings a wealth of experience from both New Zealand and overseas. Josh shares insights into his journey in the industry, what drew him to Huia, and how his time working overseas has shaped his approach to crafting expressive Marlborough wines. www.huiavineyards.com www.nzwinepodca...

This is the 4th episode of our 2024 Harvest series, where we dive into the insights and expectations of winemakers across New Zealand as they look into this year's vintage. This leg of our journey is in Waipara, North Canterbury speaking with three leading wineries: Pegasus Bay Winery - Paul Donaldson www.pegasusbay.com Frank Manifold - Mount Brown Estates www.mountbrown.co.nz Willie Trew - The Bo...

This is the 3rd episode of our 2024 Harvest series, where we dive into the insights and expectations of winemakers across New Zealand as they look into this year's vintage. This leg of our journey is in Martinborough, speaking with three leading wineries: On Giants Shoulders - Wilco Lam www.ongiantsshoulders.co.nz The Elder Pinot - Nigel Elder www.theelderpinot.com Escarpment Winery - Tim Bourne w...

This is the 2nd episode of our 2024 Harvest series, where we dive into the insights and expectations of winemakers across New Zealand as they look into this year's vintage. The 2nd leg of our journey is in Otago, speaking with four talented winemakers from: Misha's Vineyard - Olly Masters www.mishasvineyard.com Te Kano Estate - Dave Sutton www.tekanoestate.com Valli Wine - Jen Parr www.valliwine.c...

Welcome to the first episode of our 2024 series, where we dive into the insights and expectations of winemakers across New Zealand as they look into this year's vintage. We begin our journey in the heart of Marlborough, speaking with four talented winemakers from: Huia Vineyards - Josh Lee www.huiavineyards.com te Pā Wines - Sam Bennett www.tepawines.com Framingham Wines - Stef Suarez www.framingh...

Anna & Jason Flowerday have owned and run Te Whare Ra since 2003 taking it to new heights and winning many awards for their wines and their efforts in organic farming. With both of them hailing from multi-generational wine backgrounds Anna is from McLaren Vale in South Australia. www.twrwines.co.nz www.nzwinepodcast.com www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast This episode is brought to you w...

In 2003 Haysley and his family started a new adventure, converting their dairy and crop farm into vineyards and in 2011 te Pā was born. That spirit of discovery and independence lives on today. www.tepawines.com www.nzwinepodcast.com www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast This episode is brought to you with thanks to www.bizebu.com - Let's get your business started! Music track featured on this podcast:...

Nigel Elder is the visionary behind The Elder Pinot and his story moves through various vocations before landing in Martinborough where he worked alongside some of New Zealand's great winemakers before venturing off to make his own exquisite Pinot Noir. www.theelderpinot.com www.nzwinepodcast.com www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here He Was’ – courtesy of Bren...

Lucie studied and worked in her home country France before meeting her husband Brook and moving to New Zealand to help found Aurum Wines. O Naturel is the next venture for the couple and their family located just outside of Cromwell in the Central Otago. www.onaturel.co.nz www.nzwinepodcast.com www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here He Was’ – courtesy of Brent...

Kōparepare is produced and bottled by Whitehaven, and for every bottle sold a donation is made to LegaSea, helping to protect and restore New Zealand’s marine environment.   www.whitehaven.co.nz/collections/koparepare www.legasea.co.nz www.nzwinepodcast.com www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here He Was’ – courtesy of Brent Page. Dog Squad Music T...

Tim Bourne is the Senior Winemaker at Escarpment Winery in Martinborough. From his first vintage in Marlborough to short stints in Central Otago and Waipara, along with a vintage in Western Australia, this led Tim to eventually taking up the opportunity to work with Larry McKenna. www.escarpment.co.nz www.nzwinepodcast.com www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here...

Widely regarded as the Prince of Pinot Noir in New Zealand, Larry has been in the wine industry for over 40 years which includes founding Escarpment Winery in Martinborough. www.eskvalleywines.com www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here He Was’ – courtesy of Brent Page. Dog Squad Music This episode is brought to you with thanks to www.bizebu.com -...

Caro first arrived in New Zealand from Germany to complete a thesis on NZ Wine and went on to work in the wine industry with boutique and larger wineries both here in NZ and overseas. Eventually co-founding Sip NZ who were instrumental in establishing NZ Rose Day. You can find Caro now at www.caroha.com www.nzwine.com/en/media/story/nz-rose-day www.nzwinepodcast.com www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast...