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Denis Marshall has a lifelong love of the land. He grew up in the Rangitikei where he
farmed for many years before entering Parliament in 1984. He represented Rangitikei
for 15 years and during his time in the National Government he was for 6 years as an
Associate Minister of Agriculture with responsibility for horticulture, 5 years Minister of
Conservation and for 3 years Minister of Lands. These responsibilities enabled him to
gain a real insight into and understanding of the often sensitive issues of conservation
and land use.
Denis loves the wide-open spaces, the lakes, mountains and bush of the South Island,
and in 1995 he purchased the land in the Gibbston Valley, which was to become the
Hawkshead Vineyard. The first vines were planted in 2001, and a second block was
planted in 2003. In 2005 he and his partner Ulrike Kurenbach established the Hawkshead
Vineyard Partnership. The focus is on careful land use and soil management, with
minimum interference with nature.
Ulrike Kurenbach appreciated wine from an early age. She grew up in the Rhineland, one of
Germany’s wine regions. Ulrike studied Food Technology and has worked in the hospitality
industry. She has also studied Art and Design. Ulrike firmly believes food, wine and art
complement each other. They all require creativity to flourish. On her arrival in New
Zealand Ulrike became actively involved in promoting New Zealand food and wine at
culinary fairs in Europe. During that time she also appreciated being in the judging panel
of the Taste New Zealand Awards.
Grant Taylor is our winemaker at Hawkshead. He is also our neighbour. Grant is one of the most experienced and widely respected winemakers in Central Otago. Grant had many years experience in the Napa Valley before becoming the winemaker at Gibbston Valley Wines which achieved many awards during the 12 years he was there. Since retiring from that position he concentrates on his own vineyard and Valli label, as well as making wine for a small number of clients. We consider ourselves very honoured to be one of them. Grant made our 2006 Pinot Noir at Gibbston Valley Winery.
Jason Thomson is in charge of viticulture, and uses his experience and skill to ensure the grapes are managed carefully to take into account the exact requirements of Hawkshead winemaker Grant Taylor. Careful attention is paid to soil management to reduce vigour and increase biodiversity within the vineyard. Plant health is of prime importance, and every effort is made to ensure uniformity at flowering, and therefore uniformity within our final vineyard blend.
Ulrike and Denis are responsible for administration and sales both in New Zealand and overseas. Currently Hawkshead is sold in the United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, Australia and Bermuda, as well as New Zealand.
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