Jeremy McKenzie
Award-winning winemaker, Jeremy McKenzie is a seasoned Marlborough expert who focuses on crafting wine that reflects sense of place. Growing up on a farm in North Canterbury, Jeremy is a real Kiwi hunter-gatherer, adventure man and winemaker. After completing his studies, a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a double Post Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology and Forensic Science, Jeremy’s knowledge and passion took him to industry roles in France, Australia, and the USA where he gained extensive winemaking experience at some of the leading wineries in the world. Jeremy has brought his passion to craft exceptional quality wines along with his wealth of international knowledge, home to Marlborough to continue his endless pursuit of winemaking perfection at Isabel Estate.
Award-winning winemaker, Jeremy McKenzie is a seasoned Marlborough expert who focuses on crafting wine that reflects sense of place. Growing up on a farm in North Canterbury, Jeremy is a real Kiwi hunter-gatherer, adventure man and winemaker. After completing his studies, a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a double Post Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology and Forensic Science, Jeremy’s knowledge and passion took him to industry roles in France, Australia, and the USA where he gained extensive winemaking experience at some of the leading wineries in the world. Jeremy has brought his passion to craft exceptional quality wines along with his wealth of international knowledge, home to Marlborough to continue his endless pursuit of winemaking perfection at Isabel Estate.
Natalie Christensen
Nat is the Chief Winemaker at Yealands Estate, with a winemaking career spanning over 17 years. She has been a senior judge at a number of New Zealand wine shows and has also judged in London at the International Wine Competition. In 2018 she was named one of the most influential women in wine in the world by UK publication The Drinks Business and in July this year, was named White Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge. Nat has a love of bright pants and star gazing.
Nat is the Chief Winemaker at Yealands Estate, with a winemaking career spanning over 17 years. She has been a senior judge at a number of New Zealand wine shows and has also judged in London at the International Wine Competition. In 2018 she was named one of the most influential women in wine in the world by UK publication The Drinks Business and in July this year, was named White Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge. Nat has a love of bright pants and star gazing.
Kyle Thompson
Kyle is a Senior Winemaker at Saint Clair Family Estate. After studying food science, Kyle began his working life in the dairy industry in microbiology. Kyles interest in the wine industry began in earnest while living overseas. After vintages in Bordeaux and Tuscany, and further winemaking study, he returned home. Kyle has judged at many shows over the past decade and enjoys judging in New Zealand as it puts his expertise to the test and allows for a look at the quality and diverse range of New Zealand wines first-hand.
Kyle is a Senior Winemaker at Saint Clair Family Estate. After studying food science, Kyle began his working life in the dairy industry in microbiology. Kyles interest in the wine industry began in earnest while living overseas. After vintages in Bordeaux and Tuscany, and further winemaking study, he returned home. Kyle has judged at many shows over the past decade and enjoys judging in New Zealand as it puts his expertise to the test and allows for a look at the quality and diverse range of New Zealand wines first-hand.