New Chairman elected to lead North Canterbury Wine Region Committee

Greystone’s Viticulturist Mike Saunders has been elected the new Chairmen of the North Canterbury Wine Region Committee.

 Mike Saunders, a Canterbury native, has been working in the North Canterbury Wine Region for 4 vintages but has been in the industry for nearly 12 years having worked in many different regions around the country such as Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, and also an overseas vintage in Hunter Valley, Australia. Previously to becoming the new Chairman he was on the regional committee representing the viticulture sector of the region in which he established and organized many local viticulture workshops that were well received within the region. Mike is extremely passionate about the region and loves working in North Canterbury because of its undiscovered potential, the diversity in wine style/ grape production, and last but not least-the people; And their punching above our weight attitude and determination. When asked what his big goals for being the new Chairman were he named quite an extensive list such as: Making North Canterbury a key winery destination for our Christchurch whānau, Championing North Canterbury Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on a national level, and fostering open and collaborative relationships between our viticulture and winemaking teams to ensure we lead the country in terms of innovation, quality and originality in wine growing. He would also like to ensure North Canterbury stays the “coolest little wine region” in New Zealand.

 Mike has been handed the reins from Catherine Keith from Mount Brown, who decided to stand down after three years as the Chairman but has been part of the committee since 2013. Catherine has been incredibly committed to the committee and brings so much dedication and enthusiasm to the team. Her greatest achievement as Chairman has been seeing Waipara Valley, Banks Peninsula and Canterbury wine regions united under the North Canterbury Wine Region banner – and watching growth in local wine sales as wine lovers recognise the awesome wines made locally on their doorstep. Catherine thinks Mike is going to be a great fit as Chairman because it will be great to bring a viticultural perspective into the role – “great wines start with great grapes after all”, she says. Catherine will be staying on as the events coordinator focusing on the two main local events: North Canterbury Wine Collection, and the famous North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival.

 There have also been some new additions to the committee, which include:

Graeme Abbot from Hurunui Tourism helping with marketing, Alissa Wilson from MADE North Canterbury, Matt Barbour the new VP Chairman, Michelle Hansen from Pegasus Bay taking over the viticulture role from Mike, and Brittney Duval assisting with admin and marketing.