The guy in charge, Mike takes the reins of the bunch steering us to success. Working in the local bottle store to help fund his university lifestyle meant an early love story for all things Pinot! The chance to attend the Steamboat Pinot Noir conference in Oregon opened his eyes to the pain and pleasure associated with this grape. Having spent the first years of his career travelling and working vintages in South Africa, California, Marlborough, Oregon, Barossa Valley and Spain, Mike‘s back in Sunny Hawke’s Bay living the good life. Many hats adorn his head working with New Zealand Winegrowers and Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers as well as his own businesses, 495 Wine select and Cellar 495. Mike brings a breadth of experience and passion to craft the best Pinot experience yet!

Part of the Donaldson Bros Gang, owners of Pegasus Bay in North Canterbury. Paul is the baby in the family, so in order to survive he mastered the art of subterfuge, quick-wittedness and disguise. All hotels within a 600km radius have been given fair warning, but only because this family is truly hospitable and generous. Ironically Paul’s first real foray into the world of Pinot came when he was not working in the industry, but living in Wellington and limiting himself to beer. He got the opportunity to attend some night functions at the Pinot NZ 2001 conference, and well…. It was love at first sight. Bringing local knowledge and genuine relationships to the team, Paul will be helping get places, people and most importantly, Pinot where they need to be.

A 6th generation winegrower who first fell in love with Pinot whilst working with fruit from the Yarra Valley & Tasmania, wherever she went next, Anna knew Pinot had to be a part of the plan. Luckily, she married a kiwi bloke from Marlborough who lured her to Aotearoa with the promise of their own winery. Anna’s day job is Winemaker/GM of Te Whare Ra Wines where she does the glamorous, and not so glamorous jobs! A previous board member at Wine Marlborough and co-founder of Marlborough’s Pinot Bootcamp – Anna loves being part of taking NZ Wine to the world. Anna is part of the program team for Pinot NZ 25, who are tasked with whittling 8 years of possible content into 3 days! She is super excited about welcoming the world back to NZ and spreading the good word about NZ Pinot Noir.

Philippa’s Pinot love began from her upbringing in Otago and tasting numerous gorgeous Pinot Noirs from the region over the years. She loved NZ Pinot so much she decided she’d buy a vineyard sight unseen in New Zealand (largely to avoid being an old lady in Europe). That was in 2010 – needless to say she’s learnt quite a lot since then and even returned to NZ before reaching her dotage. Philippa juggles directing proceedings at Domaine Rewa, twin boys, PA for her husband The French Potters business and has a full time job in finance. Amongst all, she joins the team with great passion to work with our sponsors and our invaluable industry partners. She is honoured to be part of this ambitious, talented, driven and diverse industry embodied in the Pinot Noir 2025 event.