Nga Waka Winery has announce the appointment of Paul Mason as their new winemaker.
Mason will join the Nga Waka team in November to take over from current winemaker Roger Parkinson, who will retire at the end of the year after 32 vintages.
Mason is currently head winemaker at Martinborough Vineyard, and during his 20-year tenure has built a reputation as an outstanding winemaker, winning many awards and accolades.
He started in the wine industry after studying science at Auckland University and then winemaking at Lincoln University and has worked vintages in New Zealand at Coopers Creek, de Redcliffe and Villa Maria and harvests in France, Italy, Chile, Australia and the US.
He came to Martinborough in 2004 and in 2007 was appointed winemaker at Martinborough Vineyard, following in the steps of Claire Mulholland (Burn Cottage) and Pinot Noir pioneer Larry McKenna.
His in-depth understanding of Martinborough and passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay makes him particularly well-suited to Nga Waka, with these varieties making up 90% of their production.
“When we met with Paul about the role, we knew instantly that he was the right person to continue the story of Nga Waka, and expand on Roger’s legacy. We couldn’t be more delighted,” says Nga Waka owner, Jay Short.
“I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that Roger and his wife Carol have put into Nga Waka and the wider Wairarapa wine industry over the past 30 years.
“Roger has made some exceptional Pinot Noirs and set the benchmark for Chardonnay in Martinborough. I wish Roger all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
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