We have history here.
The people who hand-make Vavasour wines know the Awatere intimately.
Stu Marfell
Chief Winemaker
Stu was born and raised in the Awatere Valley not far from the Vavasour Vineyard. A graduate of Lincoln University, Canterbury with a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology, Stu joined Foley Family Wines in February 2003 as Assistant Winemaker. Stu became our Chief Winemaker in 2007 and was a Finalist at the 2008 & 2009 Young Winemaker of the Year Awards.
Susan Van Der Pol
Winemaker
Susan Van Der Pol was raised in Blenheim, the centre of Marlborough’s wine industry. In 2002, she was awarded a diploma in Viticulture & Wine Production from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. Susan then spent two vintages overseas before returning to New Zealand and joining the Vavasour team as Assistant Winemaker in 2011.
Tom Turner
Assistant Winemaker
Meet Tom Turner, Assistant Winemaker at Vavasour, based in the Awatere Valley in Marlborough. Originally from North Canterbury, Tom’s interest in wine took hold when his family planted a small vineyard while he was studying at Canterbury University.
Having always enjoyed working with his hands Tom officially entered the wine world via the vineyards of Waipara in 2012. Since then he has explored and worked across renowned wine regions in France, Australia, United States, South America, and at home in New Zealand. “Each vintage was a great opportunity to learn and be inspired by others passionate about wine”.
A graduate of Lincoln University with distinction in a diploma of Oenology and Viticulture, Tom joined the Vavasour team in 2019 where he is dedicated to crafting wines that are unmistakably Awatere. Tom feels at home in Marlborough. When away from the winery he loves exploring the region, trying his hand at any sport, making pasta, and drinking wine with friends and family.
Mat Duncan
Viticulturist
After growing up on a vineyard in northern Hawkes Bay it was an easy choice for Mat to attend Lincoln University where he graduated with a Diploma in Horticultural Management. Mat joined the Vavasour team in 2007 as Vineyard manager.