If it weren't for the heat and the snakes, the Giesen brothers could well have settled in Australia.  But after suffering in 40 degree temperatures and an incident involving a snake in a swimming pool, Theo Giesen decided that New Zealand was a more attractive option. Australia's loss has been New Zealand's gain. Theo and Alex were the first to arrive in New Zealand on their equivalent of an OE.  They had initially planned to start a stone company, along similar lines to their family business back in Germany, but instead they bought land in Burnham, just outside of Christchurch, and planted vines.  At the time, it was the southern most vineyard in the world... and many people thought they were a little crazy.

While the brothers had some experience in growing grapes - their family had ‘hobby' vines back in Germany - neither Theo nor Alex knew how to make wine.  So it was up to Marcel to learn.  Four years later, Marcel, now a qualified winemaker, joined his brothers in New Zealand.

A lot has changed since those early days, but even though they are now old hands at the business, the brothers are all still very involved.  They work closely with the winemaking and vineyard team, and they all still get a kick out of producing world class wine.  The thrill of a new vintage never goes away.

Jim Veitch

General Manager

Jim is the brother's ‘reality check'.  He's known the brothers almost as long as they've been in New Zealand and in 2005, when they were looking to fill the newly created position of General Manager, Jim was the man they called.

Jim has been involved in everything from grocery retailing (he's the former CEO of Progressive Enterprises) to importing and distribution.  He's also one of the people who originally launched Countdown supermarkets - in fact it was his wife who came up with the name ‘Countdown'.

Wayne King

Production Manager

Wayne joined the team in February 2000 when the Giesens were looking for a mechanical engineer to keep their bottling plant running.

Originally from Invercargill Wayne completed an engineering apprenticeship and gained advanced trade qualifications. He then went on to mechanical design draughting and obtained NZCE: Mechanical. He has also spent 5 years as a shift engineer responsible for an ammonia refrigeration plant.

Prior to Giesens Wayne's main work experience was within the meat industry. He had found the wine industry to be challenging and rewarding as a result of Giesen continued growth. Whilst Wayne openly admits he is not a winemaker he is sure that Andrew appreciates his input!

Kyle Skene

Sales Manager

Kyle joined the Giesen team in April 2009 in a newly created role of Sales Manager. Previous roles more recently have included Sales Management and National Key Account Management with Multi National Businesses. 

Dennis Jones

Company Accountant

Dennis joined Giesen in 2002. His main task is to manage the company’s resources in support of the continuing rapid growth of the business. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in UK, and worked there until 1982 when he got the travel bug, and spent the next 12 years in South Africa. He moved to New Zealand in 1995. A keen sportsman, he plays golf, tennis and soccer. He also enjoys tramping in the beautiful New Zealand National Parks.

Carol Wood and Sally Steele

Office Administration, Accounts, Exports etc.

Sally and Carol try to keep the office sane.  Sally's main role is managing exports and liaising with clients, the production team and freight forwarders.  Carol looks after office administration and accounts, and you may meet her when you phone Giesen Wines.

The Winemaking Team

This energetic bunch of people help in creating the delicious wine we drink! Based in Marlborough at our winery and around our 13 beautiful vineyards! That's over 700 acres!

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.

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

Nick Winter

Viticulturalist

Justin Weaver

Vineyard Manager

The Sales Team

This bunch of people are here to help get our wine out there to you! You may possibly find these guys in your local supermarket doing some tastings, roaming the streets in their Giesen Cars, or enjoying a glass of wine at home. Find someone in your area below:

New Zealand     |     Australia     |     Europe     |     America

New Zealand

Erin Kelly

New Zealand Sales Manager

Erin has been with Giesen since July 2009. Prior to joining Erin had worked for Montana Wines and more recently had been selling Giesen Wines for the previous 5 years with Beam Global Wines and Spirits. Erin is excited to continue working with the Giesen Brand.

Adam Cording

Key Account Manager / Wellington

Adam joins Giesen Wines with a background in Retail Liquor and Grocery. Prior to joining Giesen, Adam had worked with other iconic New Zealand companies such as Villa Maria and Montana Wines. Adam joined in July 2009 as a key part of the New Zealand sales team based in Wellington. 

Jocelyn Anderson

Key Account Manager / South Island

Jocelyn brings to Giesen a wealth of knowledge of the liquor industry through-out the South Island and a true passion and energy for wine. Her previous roles include working for Constellation NZ, Vintage Wines & Spirits and Burleigh Trading. Jocelyn joined the Giesen Sales Team in August 2011.

Zoe Lynn

Key Account Manager / Central North Island

Zoe joined Giesen Wines in February 2011 as a Key Account Manager based in Hamilton. Zoe has previously worked for Pernod Ricard with experience in grocery and on premise. Giesen are pleased to have Zoe join the team with her bubbly and energetic approach.

Tim Hipkiss

Key Account Manager / Auckland

Tim brings to Giesen a strong background in retail management and previous liquor industry experience. His past roles include working for South Corp and Interwine. Tim joined in February 2011.

Emma Glynn

Key Account Manager / Auckland

Australia

Daniel Chorley

Market Manager / Queensland, Australia

Daniel has had vast experience when it comes to wine, in the early days Daniel worked in the Matua Valley Vineyards and studied Horticultural Science. From there Daniel spent time in the wine retail business in the United Kingdom at Majestic Wines where he gained his WSET Higher Certificate. Upon returning to New Zealand, Daniel worked as a Account Manager for Burleigh Trading Company where he sold Giesen Wine before moving to Mills Reef Winery as a Key Account Manager. On moving to Queensland, Daniel took up a role with Pernod Ricard in On Premise. 

Amanda Strawbridge

Market Manager / South and West Australia

Amanda’s passion for wine began working in fine dining restaurants and wine bars whilst finishing her University Degree in Adelaide.

She has spent the last 9 years selling premium wine in the Australian Market with brands such as Bollinger, Henschke, Petaluma, Pikes, Paul Jaboulet, St Hallet and Stonier. Amanda has developed close relationships within the wine industry and is proud to be part of the Giesen Business and its future.

Mike Conolly

Market Manager / Victoria, Australia

An experienced wine industry professional, Michael’s previous roles include wine sales, marketing, retail and distribution roles in the UK, Sydney and Brisbane. Initially training as a chef in Christchurch, Michael moved to London in the late 90’s and launched his career into the wine trade training as a Sommelier at Harvey Nichols Restaurant. Since moving to Australia in 2006, Michael has held sales roles with Fine Wine Partners and Fesq & Co. Michael joined Giesen in January 2010 and is proud to support and promote a great NZ wine producer in Australia’s best location for food and wine culture. Michael holds a Bachelor of Wine Marketing from Adelaide University and has completed advanced studies with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust UK.

Roscoe Johanson

Market Manager / New South Wales, Australia

Roscoe joined the Giesen team in July 2009. Roscoe has extensive sales and marketing experience with the last 4 years heading up the Australasian arm of Maxxium's Global Travel Retail team. Roscoe has worked with brands such as Steinlager, Stella Artois, Remy Martin Cognac, Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, Jim Beam Bourbon, Absolut Vodka and Highland Park Malt Whisky. Roscoe has always held a strong desire to enter the New Zealand wine industry and has done so with a proud family owned business.

Jennifer Lynch

Market Manager / New South Wales, Australia

Originally from Adelaide, Jennifer spent her time in many places but has recently relocated to Sydney. Jennifer has completed a Bachelor of Wine Marketing at The University of Adelaide, a  WSET Advanced Certificate in London and also, an Advanced Wine Assessment course at the Bordeaux Institute, Bordeaux, France.

She also won the inaugural London Internship with independent fine wine retailer and importer, Philglass and Swiggot. During her time in London, she worked alongside Tony Laithwaite sourcing new wines from all over the world and establishing new retailing concepts.

North America

Matt Bindel

Business Development Manager / North America

Matt’s experience in wine is varied, he has spent time with retail liquor in the United Kingdom with Majestic Wines and in New Zealand. In terms of sales and account management Matt has spent time in the last decade with Morton Estate Wines, Maxxium New Zealand and Pernod Ricard. Matt joined Giesen in July 2009 and has recently relocated to the United States in a new role to spread the Giesen Wines message.

Europe

Doug Brown

Business Development Manager / UK, Ireland

Doug has worked extensively in UK wine and spirits market and has gained the WSET higher certificate in 1997 and most recently was Sales Manager for Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates in UK and Ireland. He has also worked with Rosemount Estate Wines, Pommery Champagne, Glenfiddich, Campari and San Pedro Wines of Chile. His experience covers all aspects of the retail trade and working with distributors in the European markets. Doug will be UK based.