Page 6 - New Zealand Product Presenter Sheets

Planted in 1979 by Ernie Hunter in the nascent and then unknown wine region of Marlborough, Hunter’s is now deservedly
considered amongst the top half dozen estates in the region. Jane, arrived in Marlborough in 1984 as Montana’s chief
viticulturist and she and Ernie met and married in 1984. In 1986, Hunter’s helped bring New Zealand wine to the notice of UK
drinkers when their Sauvignon won the top award at the Sunday Times Wine Festival. In 1987 Ernie was tragically killed in a
car crash and Jane was left to run the business alone. She has long been a passionate spokesman for Marlborough wine and
her years of service to the industry have been acknowledged with an OBE and a CNZM. There are over 100 hectares of
vineyards in the Wairau Valley, planted to 5 white varietals and Pinot Noir and all carry sustainable certification. Jane is still in
charge 30 years on and her nephew, James MacDonald, took over as chief winemaker in 2015, ensuring family continuity at
this, the only Marlborough winery started in the 70s that is still family owned.

Ernie Hunter with the Sunday Times Trophy 1986

James Macdonald (l. standing) - Winemaker
Jane Hunter (standing) - Owner
nd
Peter MacDonald (2 r. standing) - General
Manager Edward MacDonald (r. standing) -
Administrator
Katie Laing (r. back) Assistant Winemaker
Jeremy Adsett (l. back) Marketing Manager