 |
Helen Masters is now Ata Rangi's Head Winemaker, a very physical and hands-on role in our relatively small business. She also keeps a close eye on the vineyards, stays in touch with suppliers, keeps abreast of complex technical issues and drives our ISO14001 accredited environmental management system. Creative, intelligent and fun, Helen's a gifted winemaker with a finely tuned palate. She also has extraordinary stamina and tenacity. “I’m the youngest of twelve”, she laughs “so I guess I was independent from a very young age, and honed quite a few survival skills! ” She first worked for us straight out of school, in a ‘gap year’ in 1990. Then a keen 'cellar rat' and capable vineyard worker, she impressed from the start with her enthusiasm, energy and humour. Helen went on to study Food Technology at Massey University, graduating with Honours in 1995. A three year stint with Nestlé in production management followed before she returned to her original passion of winemaking. Back to back vintages in Marlborough, Oregon, California and Central Otago followed before Helen settled back in Martinborough. She started back with Ata Rangi as a fully fledged winemaker in November 2003, a welcome return after 13 years. Helen is married to Ben Masters, a talented artist and interior architect. They have two adorable, lively children, Stella (4 on Christmas day) and Harvey, soon to be 3.
|
 |
Clive Paton is the founder of Ata Rangi Vineyard. He bought and planted the original home-block in 1980, and in doing so became one of a handful of people who pioneered grape growing in the area. Clive had formerly been farming in the South Wairarapa but his love affair with red wine and belief in the potential of the area for grape-growing led him to the Martinborough terrace and into Pinot Noir. Clive is right into fitness and sport, with mountain biking his current focus. With a grandfather who'd been an All Black, he was also a keen rugby player in his youth. He once scored a try against the Lions, marking J J Williams, on their regional tour of NZ in 1977, his 'claim to fame'! The conservation and extension of New Zealand's native forest is a real passion. Out of vintage (when not coaching the kids' soccer team) he spends as many weekends as he can cultivating and planting trees at the Bush Block. He lives with Ata Rangi co-owner Phyll Pattie and their children Britt and Mackenzie. Clive's eldest daughter Ness now lives in Nelson with her winemaker husband John Kavanagh.
|
 |
Jannine Rickards is assistant winemaker to Helen. Jannine has been with us for both the 2006 and 2007 vintages, taking the opportunity to gain experience in Burgundy (Domaine D'Ardhuy) and Oregon (Ken Wright Cellars) in the offseason. Early 2008 she also hopes to catch the beginning of a vintage in South Africa before returning to tackle the 2008 vintage here at Ata Rangi. Jannine is a steadfast worker, with huge enthusiasm for the industry, and always keen to learn. She is a meticulous cellar-hand, yet is laid back and lots of fun, even if she and Clive sometimes haggle over what's blaring from the winery speakers during harvest! Jannine is also a great cook, a passion most fine winemakers share...her sublime pear tarte tatin with Kahu is to die for!
|
 |
Oliver Masters (Olly) is our talented consulting oenologist. He's a highly qualified dude, with an honours degree in Biotech (Massey, 1989) and a post-grad Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology (Lincoln University, 1990). He is a senior wine judge at three major national competitions: the Air NZ Wine Awards, the NZ Wine Society Royal Easter Show and the Liquorland Top 100. Olly was instrumental in the ISO 14001 environmental accreditation of our winery and vineyards. His main role now is in vineyard consulting, working with vineyard manager Gerry Rotman to improve poor performing blocks as well as researching and applying organic and biodynamic management techniques. Olly also consults to a number of other clients, mainly in the South Island.
|
|
