Mike Saunders

Mike Saunders started his career as a winegrower in the cellar completing vintages for Esk Valley Estate in Hawkes Bay and Mount Pleasant in the Hunter Valley, Australia. He returned to help run the iconic Esk Valley Terraces Vineyard, eventually taking over management of the block. Combining this with the grower liaison role for Villa Maria broadened his exposure to many different viticultural growing systems while being supported by the fantastic viticultural team there.

Moving to Neudorf in Nelson as Company Viticulturist gave a totally different exposure to the region and also scale. Growing the Moutere Chardonnay was a huge privilege and a massive learning curve. The draw of returning home to Canterbury and eventually earning the role of Company Viticulturist for North Canterbury’s Greystone and Muddy Water Wines has been another amazing opportunity.

Mike also enjoys his roles with the Young Viticulturist Competition, Organic Winegrowers NZ and North Canterbury Winegrowers.