Glenn Thomas - Chief Winemaker

Glenn graduated from Roseworthy College, Australia in 1979 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Oenology). He then gained experience in various Australian wineries.

Glenn made the move to New Zealand in 1985 and became hooked on New Zealand wine.

"The concentration and intensity of fruit flavours from New Zealand were amazing, it was so exciting and vibrant".

As winemaker of Corbans Gisborne winery from 1986 to 1988, he was involved in handling some of the first Marlborough Sauvignon blanc by making Stoneleigh Vineyard wines.

Glenn joined Vavasour Wines as winemaker in 1988, and since then has gone on to create many award winning wines and has discovered the potential of the Awatere Valley.

In his spare time Glenn enjoys photography and mountain biking.

Stu Marfell - Marlborough Winemaker

Stu is a local man, born and raised in the Awatere Valley not far from the original

Vavasour vineyard. In fact he was present at the very first harvest at Vavasour as a nine year old boy, helping his mother in the vineyard.

Stu is a graduate of Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand, with a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology in 2002. He has worked in the vineyard and winery during his university holidays, and joined Vavasour Wines in February 2003 as Assistant Winemaker becoming our Marlborough winemaker in January 2007.

Stu's role has grown at the winery since starting. He now contributes to all facets of production from the vineyard to bottling and packaging.

In his spare time Stu enjoys competitive rowing, cycling and running.

Allan Croker - Viticulturist

Allan graduated from Massey University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Horticultural Science. He then spent the next 16 years working for Corbans Wines in Gisborne, Whenuapai, Henderson and finally coming to Blenheim where he made the move to Vavasour Wines in 1996.

From its original beginnings of 11 hectares, Vavasour now has 85 hectares under Allan's management. He finds that in a smaller company work duties are less specialised and he enjoys doing a bit of everything in the vineyard.

Allan used to play a lot of sport but now is an enthusiastic observer and spends his spare time with his young family.

HARVEST 2007

HARVEST 2006