Matthew Mitchell's working life has revolved around wine. His experience includes vintages in three countries in both hemispheres. Born in 1966 in Wellington, New Zealand, Matthew attended Massey University graduating with an honours degree in food technology. From there, he went on to the University of Adelaide, graduating with a post-graduate Diploma of Wine Technology in 1991.
His practical experience began in Nelson, New Zealand, focusing on Pinot Noir and aromatic whites. An abiding passion for Pinot Noir took him to the Yarra Valley in Victoria, Australia and Oregon's Willamette Valley, where he worked at Adelsheim Vineyard. Returning to New Zealand in 1997, he signed on with Villa Maria, the country's largest privately owned winery. From there, he ultimately took control of the Corbans' Hawke's Bay winery - a major achievement for a young winemaker. A change of ownership resulted in Matt's promotion to work alongside Tony Pritchard at the iconic Church Road winery in Hawke's Bay.
Matt joined Ager Sectus Wine Estates in 2002, and in 2005 he was appointed Principal Winemaker, with responsibility for all winemaking operations in both Hawke's Bay and Marlborough. His innate understanding of the key winemaking elements of balance and character mean that he strives to preserve the intense flavours that abound in the fruit of the Awatere Valley. Matt, his wife Tracey and their young daughter Sophie, thrive in the pristine environment of Marlborough, with its blue skies, warm days and cool nights.
John van der Linden - Viticulturist
John is one of the most skilled and experienced viticulturists in New zealand. He has a Bachelor of Horticultural Science Degree from Massey University specialising in Viticulture and Oenology - and rugby! His experience includes management of around 600 hectares (1450 acres) of vineyards and 50 contract grower vineyards during his time with Montana Wines.
John is a fervent believer that grape growing must leave a delicate footprint on the land. To this end, he is on the New Zealand Winegrowers Research Committee and has lectured in horticulture and viticulture for more than 10 years. He has overseen the development of our three vineyards supported by a dedicated viticultural team.
John is a sportsman - he rowed the 67km (42 miles) of New Zealand's Cook Strait - a very challenging stretch of water, in 1995. He's also a musician (lead guitar) and all-round 'Good Kiwi Bloke'. He and Ana, his wife, have three children, Karl, Lauren and Kendra.
Matthew Mitchell's working life has revolved around wine. His experience includes vintages in three countries in both hemispheres. Born in 1966 in Wellington, New Zealand, Matthew attended Massey University graduating with an honours degree in food technology. From there, he went on to the University of Adelaide, graduating with a post-graduate Diploma of Wine Technology in 1991.
John is one of the most skilled and experienced viticulturists in New zealand. He has a Bachelor of Horticultural Science Degree from Massey University specialising in Viticulture and Oenology - and rugby! His experience includes management of around 600 hectares (1450 acres) of vineyards and 50 contract grower vineyards during his time with Montana Wines.