Winemaking was an inevitable career choice for Jamie who grew up on a farm overlooking a valley of grapevines in Marlborough and whose holiday employment was usually spent planting or pruning vines, depending on the season.

Following the completion of a degree in agricultural science and a postgraduate diploma in viticulture and oenology at Lincoln University in New Zealand, Jamie began his career as a trainee winemaker in 1990.

In 2002 Jamie returned to his hometown of Blenheim to concentrate on crafting distinctive Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs.

"Marlborough is the undisputed home of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and I am thrilled to be back and focussing on Sauvignon Blancs. The biggest challenge we face with our Sauvignon Blancs is continually developing and differentiating their style," says Jamie.




With an Honours degree in Horticulture under his belt, Rod initially worked in the Apple industry, but after a stint offshore Rod returned home to work in the wine industry.

Managing some of the best vineyards in Marlborough, Rod is passionate about his work, "I enjoy vineyard work as you are not chained to a desk, you are able to escape outside and check progress around the vineyard, which is especially important with distinctive wines like Stoneleigh." he says.