Winemaking pioneer looking forward to new challenges

Winemaking pioneer looking forward to new challenges

From David Pearce

For Immediate Release

David Pearce, one of New Zealand’s most respected and awarded winemakers, is looking forward to new challenges after moving from the New Zealand Wine Company after 23 years of service.

Pearce, leaving the position of Chief Winemaker at the Marlborough based company that makes the Grove Mill, Sanctuary and Eco.Love brands, said:

“23 years is a long time with one company and I’m proud of the work we’ve achieved over the years. I’ve enjoyed myself immensely over that time, helping to build the company up and I wish all those I’ve worked with the very best for the future. We’ve made some great wines, had some great times and always been where the action was. It’s been great.”

Pearce is looking forward to some much deserved R&R (which is not good news for trout in Marlborough) and is also excited by the opportunities that being able to work independently will offer.

“I’m not done making wine by a long shot and have some ideas of what I would like to make for myself and potentially for other people. Over the past few years I’ve made wines that have won “World’s Best” at the International Wine Competition and the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, previously won trophies worldwide for Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Merlot and have regularly had wines awarded 5 stars in Cuisine and Winestate Magazines. I’ve also successfully made own brand wines for the big retailers and distributors, as well as undertaken contract winemaking for many other local and international brands.”

“I think Marlborough still has a lot to offer, especially with varietals other than Sauvignon Blanc. At one time you had to have Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to sell your other wines, now you need an exciting portfolio of varietals to help build a brand and sell your Sauvignon Blanc.”

“Quality is also now even more of a pre-requisite for better financial returns; for every varietal. Possibly for the first time ever in Marlborough we are seeing that it is now more profitable if the appropriate quality is maintained throughout the grape growing and winemaking process to ensure wines hit sustainable price points in the lower, middle, or higher quality brackets.”

Pearce is also a Director of award winning sustainability consultancy, Aura Sustainability, which he formed in 2008 alongside another previous NZWC employee, Roger Kerrison.

“Aura is doing some very interesting work in the carbon space at present, the carbon tax in Australia, as well as movements in product carbon footprinting in the USA, mean that there are massive opportunities, not only for Aura but in collaborative partnerships with other market leaders. As Strategic Director, I am very much looking forward to taking a more hands on approach in progressing these opportunities and relationships.”
ENDS

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