OUR TEAM

OUR TEAM

OUR TEAM

OUR TEAM

MEET OUR TEAM OF WINEMAKERS AT CHURCH ROAD

Winemakers have to be artists, scientists and craftspeople – artists in developing a clear vision of what it is they want to create, scientists in figuring out what processes have to take place in the wine and craftsmen in applying the lessons from tradition and experience to make it happen. The Church Road winemaking team have all honed these skills at the winery, with the results showing through in every bottle.

CHRIS SCOTT, CHIEF WINEMAKER

A passion for wine led Chris Scott to Hawke’s Bay. He started his career at Church Road Winery in 1998 as a cellar hand, after previously working summer months at Fernhill and McDonald vineyards while studying for a degree in wine science. In 2005, Chris was appointed Senior Winemaker. His philosophy of executing traditional techniques to add depth of flavour and layers of texture to exceptional quality Hawke’s Bay fruit, stands him apart in creating award-winning wines full of character.

Chris Scott is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated winemakers having been named New Zealand Winemaker of the Year by Winestate Magazine in 2013, 2016, 2020, 2021 & most recently in 2022.

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GRAHAM BARTLEET, VITICULTURE AREA MANAGER

Meet Graham, our Viticulture Area Manager, and part of the Church Road family for 20 years. Tasked with keeping work on track at all our Hawkes Bay sites, Graham gets to say g’day to everyone as he travels between our offices and vineyards. It’s hard to pick a favourite child, but if pushed Graham would select our TOM Syrah, the ultimate expression of the famous Redstone Vineyard.

PETER HURLSTONE, OPERATIONS MANAGER

Meet Pete, our Operations Manager. He’s been with us for 26 years, and he oversees the entire team in the vineyards and winery in Hawke’s Bay, so he’s a busy man! There’s no room to list all Pete does so we’ve asked him for a wine recommendation instead. It’s tough, he says, to go past our TOM Chardonnay but another great dinner party choice is the Church Road 1 Malbec.

CRAIG THOMAS, OPERATIONS WINEMAKER

Meet Craig, our Operations Winemaker. His long list of tasks includes more than just making wine – he can also be found working with our brandy and balsamic vinegar. He describes his job as challenging, rewarding, creative and, even after 10 years, still “lots of fun.” And the best part? The Church Road team, of course.

HOW TO FIND US 

ADDRESS
150 Church Road, Taradale Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

CONTACT US
Email us: info@churchroad.co.nz
or call us on 06 882 3098

OPENING HOURS

Cellar Door: Thursday - Monday 10:30am – 4:30pm, last tasting at 4:00pm

Restaurant: Thursday - Monday 11:30am – 2:30pm.

Bookings are highly recommended.

Book online or call 027 398 0214.

Closed:  Tuesday - Wednesday, some Public Holidays