IN PURSUIT of
EXCELLENCE
EXCELLENCE
Our Journey begins
1897
A winery was established in 1897 by Bartholomew Steinmetz, a Luxembourg émigré who came to New Zealand to make wine for the Marist Brothers Catholic Mission (known today as the Mission Estate Winery).
1921—1987
In the span of five years, Tom McDonald OBE graduated from washing recycled bottles at age 14 to leasing and running the business. A decade later, he purchased the winery outright and his desire to expand the footprint of the business grew in tandem with the expanding palate of New Zealand viticulture.
With a passion for exceptional wines and an entrepreneurial spirit, he is remembered today as one of the founding fathers of New Zealand winemaking. It’s in his honour that Church Road’s finest TOM wines are named.
The HEART of NEW ZEALAND WINEMAKING
1989 - 1991
On the same site that Steinmetz established and McDonald made his own, the first wine was produced under the Church Road label. Informed by traditional French techniques imparted by winemakers from Bordeaux, Church Road is re-established as the heart of premium winemaking in New Zealand.
CHRIS SCOTT APPOINTED CHIEF WINEMAKER
2005 - Present
Under the steadfast stewardship of five-time Winestate New Zealand Winemaker of the Year, Chris Scott, Church Road continues to craft a portfolio of wines, each with distinction and artistry, honouring those winemakers and viticulturalists that paved the way toward excellence through their artistry.
MEET the WINEMAKERS
CHIEF WINEMAKER
Chris Scott
NEW ZEALAND WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR WINESTATE MAGAZINE
2013
2016
2020
2021
2022
A passion for wine led Chris Scott to Hawke’s Bay. He started his career at Church Road Winery in 1998 as a cellar hand, after previously working summer months at Fernhill and McDonald vineyards while studying for a degree in wine science. In 2005, Chris was appointed Chief Winemaker. His philosophy of executing traditional techniques to add depth of flavour and layers of texture to exceptional quality Hawke’s Bay fruit stands him apart in creating award-winning wines full of character. Chris Scott is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated winemakers having been named New Zealand Winemaker of the Year by Winestate Magazine in 2013, 2016, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The TEAM
VITICULTURE AREA MANAGER
Graham Bartleet
Graham has been responsible for Viticulture in Hawke’s Bay for the last 16 years. When leading staff management, vineyard yield, quality and sustainability, no two days are the same. Graham is driven by working with a cohesive vineyard team with a shared goal of producing world-class wines.
OPERATIONS WINEMAKER
Craig Thomas
Craig has over 29 Vintages of experience from New Zealand to France and the US. Despite the myriad challenges that come with winemaking, Craig’s role is immensely rewarding and creatively fulfilling. For Craig, winemaking at Church Road is a balance of science and intuition combined with the artistry and collaborative spirit that comes from the aim of constantly striving to create exceptional wines.
VITICULTURALIST
Claire Pinker
Claire has been part of the Viticulture team at Church Road since 2018. With a deep respect for the land, she is practically orientated and has always had a love for food and wine. Having a career that combines both wine and agriculture is incredibly fulfilling for Claire.
WINEMAKING AMBASSADOR
Aileen Luo
Aileen wears many hats at Church Road, diving into research projects with winemakers while also communicating with wine lovers. Her presence ensures that every sip tells a story of innovation, tradition, and craftsmanship.
ASSISTANT WINEMAKER
Tetsuaki Ishibashi
Tetsuaki joined the winemaking team for vintage 2015, marking 8 years with Church Road. As assistant winemaker at Church Road, Tetsuaki is responsible for grape intake, fermentation and conducting winemaking trials to ensure we create wines of exceptional quality, without exception.
“As winemakers we are very lucky to live and work in Hawke’s Bay.
Here at Church Road, over 125 years of heritage has given us an enviable understanding of a
region that is blessed with a combination of soils and a climate that is
perfect for high-quality winemaking.”
CHRIS SCOTT,
CHIEF WINEMAKER CHURCH ROAD
“Hawke’s Bay has been regarded as one of the premier wine growing regions in New Zealand, and indeed the world, for many years and today’s recognition, as one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World, demonstrates this.”
CRAIG THOMAS,
OPERATIONS WINEMAKER
