Steve Smith MW

Wine and Viticulture Director Steve Smith has had a distinguished academic, research and commercial career in the wine business since 1980. In 1996 he became a Master of Wine, the only specialist viticulturist in the world to have this distinction, now regarded as the pinnacle of academic achievement in the industry.

In 1996 Steve was described by Decanter Magazine as one of the 50 most influential people in the world of wine going into the next millennium, alongside Chateau Margaux's Paul Pontallier, Pierre Henry Gagey of Louis Jadot, Moet and Chandon's Richard Geoffroy and Jancis Robinson MW. At that time he also consulted internationally for a number of clients including Rustenberg Estate and Hamilton Russell Vineyards of South Africa. Other personal accolades include a further ranking in the Top 50, this time by the USA’s influential Wine and Spirit Magazine in 2005. For both of these accolades he was the only New Zealander included.

Steve is a board member of New Zealand Winegrowers, Pinot Noir 2010 and Chair of Judges for the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

Steve lives with his wife Laura and daughters Georgia and Emma surrounded by their Giants Vineyard in Hawkes Bay.