New Generation Appearing At Hunter’s Wines

Recent appointments at Hunter’s Wines are heralding in a new generation to the pioneering winemaker. Managing Director Jane Hunter CNZM OBE is delighted to include three of the children of the senior management team as an integral part of the operation.

Pania Duke, daughter of longtime winemaker Gary Duke, has joined the company as marketing coordinator, after recently moving back to Marlborough after 5 years travelling around the world.

Pania has worked in all aspects of the wine industry - in the winery, merchandising, bottling, attending wine shows and tastings as well as in the vineyard. From a young age Pania has always been involved in one way or another. She holds a B.Com in Marketing and Management.

Pania’s overseas experience saw a number of Australasian vintages under her belt, from the Hunter Valley to the Barossa. The next three and a half years were spent in London, working as a Project Co-ordinator for Barclays Bank's headquarters. Her 25th floor office overlooked the London Eye, Thames River and central London. Quite a change from the green fields of Marlborough’s Wairau Valley!

The other representatives of a new generation are James and Edward Macdonald, sons of General Manager Peter Macdonald and nephews of Jane Hunter. They are fourth generation members of the wine industry.

James has completed his Wine Degree from Lincoln University. He is currently in the Barossa Valley doing vintage with Thorn-Clarke winery - and adding to his experience gained at Hunter's, and several other Australian and New Zealand wineries. James has attended tastings in Belfast, London, Melbourne and Sydney for Hunter’s over the past few years.

Edward is at Canterbury University studying towards a B.Com degree. – He hopes to eventually come back and take charge of the finances while James does the winemaking. Edward has, over the past few years, undertaken local in-store merchandising, worked front of house in the winery cafe and has attended tastings in Melbourne.

Jane Hunter is very pleased to see the continuity of families in the winery. “We are a very family oriented business” she said, “So it is great to see this next generation ready to take the helm. What we have worked hard to establish, they will take to the next stage.”

Hunter’s Wines is one of the pioneers of Marlborough winemaking. Founder Ernie Hunter recognized the potential of the region, as early as 1979, and developed a succession of vintages that were honoured in the United Kingdom, United States and elsewhere and did much to establish Marlborough’s international reputation.

For further information contact
Hunter’s Wines
Telephone +64 3 572-8489
Email jane@hunters.co.nz
www.hunters.co.nz