JASON THOMSON - VINEYARD MANAGER
Jason's interest in viticulture started when completing a Diploma of Horticulture and Floriculture in Australia . Jason returned to New Zealand and enrolled in a Horticultural Science Degree at Lincoln University to get a more in-depth look at the science behind growing plants. Luckily for Waitiri Creek, a continued interest in vineyards resulted in Jason accepting an offer from a local vineyard to work in the Central Otago region and grasp an exciting opportunity in this rapidly developing area. Jason is now completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Viticulture) from Charles Sturt University in Australia by distance education. Jason took over the management of the Waitiri Creek vineyards in 2003.
Jason has a very hands-on approach in his management of our vineyards. He is backed up by a highly motivated team led by Mark Naismith and Scott Culpan who run the day to day operations. Both are currently studying viticulture and winemaking via the Hawke's Bay Polytechnic.
In Jason's short time in Central Otago he has designed and developed vineyards, assisted in vintages in the winery and runs a successful management team. His continued dedication to growing the best quality grapes for the Waitiri Creek brand greatly assists the winemaker and gives consistency and quality to Waitiri Creek's wines .
JASON MOSS – WINERY MANAGER
Southland born and raised, Jason trained as a chef in the Royal New Zealand Navy where he attained distinction and was awarded a Medal of Excellence. Studies at the University of Otago resulted in a Bachelor of Design with papers in Marketing and Management thrown in for good measure.
He managed the kitchen of New Zealand’s busiest café and restaurant at Sky City, Auckland before settling in the Wakatipu Basin and becoming Food and Beverage Manager as well as Executive Chef in Queenstown with an Accor Hotel. Jason joined us in 2004 and has done a sterling job of ensuring that visitors to our cellar door have a memorable experience of great wine, great food and great people. He and his wife Lara and their three children enjoy the lifestyle that the local area offers, with its stunning scenery and friendly atmosphere.
MATT CONNELL - WINEMAKER
Matt completed a degree in Parks & Recreation Management at Lincoln University, after which he travelled extensively and was involved in hospitality management in New Zealand and overseas. Upon his return to New Zealand, he worked for David Evans-Gander at Passage Rock Wines on Waiheke Island. He then returned to University and completed a Post-graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology in 2001.
Following University, Matt spent six months at Wynn's Coonawarra Estate in South Australia before moving on to Elk Cove Vineyards in Oregon's Willamette Valley, working with Adam Godlee Campbell. It is here that Matt fostered his love for Pinot Noir and cool climate winemaking. After three years as Assistant Winemaker at Elk Cove - including working a vintage for Peregrine Wines in Central Otago in 2003 under Michelle Richardson - Matt returned to Central Otago to take up the position of Winemaker at Olssen's of Bannockburn in January 2005.
His first vintage Pinot Noir for Waitiri Creek was the stellar 2005 which won three gold medals and was awarded 96/100 by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine.
When Matt is not at the winery, he is found chasing trout, or spending time with his American wife Beth and their two young children, Emma and Noah.
ALISTAIR WARD – GENERAL MANAGER
A background in the corporate world has provided a sound base for Alistair’s work with Waitiri Creek. He still works full time in his own consultancy/merchant bank while masterminding the vineyard’s development and generally trying to keep all the balls in the air! Married to the Export & Marketing Manager – lucky guy!
PAULA RAMAGE – EXPORT & MARKETING MANAGER
Frequently described as a “reformed barrister”, Paula’s role has expanded with the increased demand for our wines. Initially responsible for sales within New Zealand as well as a slew of administrative roles, she now focuses her energies on developing our offshore markets.
She assures us that although she is racking up the air points, it is all about Waitiri Creek and building relationships. The growth of our exports in the last few years would tend to suggest that she is actually doing the business and not just having a good time when she is overseas.