Matt Stafford new Chief Winemaker - 14/02/2012
Craggy Range Vineyards is delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Stafford as Chief Winemaker, responsible for its entire portfolio of highly regarded single vineyard wines
Matt joined Craggy Range in 2006 as an associate winemaker, and since 2010 has been working alongside Rod Easthope as winemaker. Matt is thrilled to be taking on this role; “I have learnt a tremendous amount over the past six years working with Rod and Steve Smith MW. I have enormous respect for what has been achieved already and I am excited about continuing on the journey with such an amazing and talented group of people.”
Since graduating from Lincoln University with a BSC (Soil Science) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology, Matt has worked closely with grapes sourced from the famed Gimblett Gravels and more recently with the company’s vineyard on Te Muna Road in Martinborough. Further afield he has worked harvests in France, Marlborough, Australia and California.
In 2007 Matt was the inaugural recipient of Air New Zealand’s Inspiring New Zealanders Scholarship which allowed him to work the 2008 vintage at the famed Chateau Valandraud property in Bordeaux. It also provided extensive travel throughout the other great wine regions of France, spending time with the likes of Dominique Lafon, Philippe Guigal and Jean-Louis Chave. Matt also has extensive wine judging experience at prestigious wine shows in both New Zealand and Australia.
Craggy Range owner, Terry Peabody is delighted to have Matt at the helm: “we pride ourselves on hiring the best people in the wine industry and it is particularly rewarding to have someone like Matt come through the ranks with us and to now be leading our winemaking team. The Craggy Range wines are building a legacy for future generations of my family and I have no doubt that Matt can build on the great work that’s already been done.”
Craggy Range Wine and Viticulture Director Steve Smith MW has worked alongside Matt for the past six years, “Matt has an amazing work ethic and a great ability to get the best out of his winery. He is an incredibly gifted winemaker with a great palate and a total understanding of the wine styles of Craggy Range. ”
Matt will take on his new role effective 1st June, and will work alongside Rod Easthope preparing the winery for the upcoming harvest which promises to be one of the most challenging yet. Craggy Range “Le Sol” was recently named by Winestate Magazine as their top wine of 2011, while the 2009 “Sophia” was the highest rated New Zealand wine in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate New Zealand edition.
Rod Easthope will remain part of the Craggy Range family as Chief Winemaker until the 31st May and then as a consultant to the winemaking team.
For more information, images or an interview with Matt Stafford please contact:
Michael Henley
Phone: +64 6 873 7126
Email:
michael.henley@craggyrange.com
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