The Winemaking Team

Andrew Blake - Chief Winemaker

Andrew admits he doesn't have a favourite wine - he likes them all, which is helpful in his line of work.  As Giesen's winemaker, Andrew shares the brothers' philosophy of producing a range of estate wines with consistency of character, from vintage to vintage.

Andrew joined the company in 1997.  Winemaking wasn't always his first career choice but in his final year of a horticulture qualification he became increasingly interested in viticulture.  He went on to study oenology at Roseworthy College in Australia and then worked for some leading Australian wine companies, including Tyrrells Wines, Rouge Homme and Rosemount Estate, before joining Frenchman, Jacques Lurton as a ‘flying winemaker.' 

He also worked in wineries in Spain, Chile and France.

According to Andrew, getting a consensus from the brothers is sometimes the hardest part of the job, but it is all part of the fun of working for what he describes as a great team.

Anna Kingscote - Assistant Winemaker

Studied at Blenheim Polytech and achieved a diploma in Viticulture.

Anna started with the company for vintage in early 2008 having worked previously in Marlborough for Mount Riley and Framingham. Anna has completed vintages in Germany, Spain, the USA and France.

Nick Winter - Viticulturalist

And Jack the Dog

Nick started with Giesen in 2002 and looks after the day to day operation of the company-owned vineyards.  He has a Diploma in Horticulture Management from Lincoln University and is currently studying for a Certificate in Wine (grape growing).

Justin Weaver - Vineyard Manager

As manager of Dillions Point vineyard in Marlborough, Justin does everything from organising contractors to overseeing vine planting, spraying and harvesting.  Prior to joining Giesen in 2003 he worked on other vineyards as a manager, he was previously involved in contracting.