Our Viticulturalists
Without great grapes, our wines don’t stand a chance. Meet the team of leading New Zealand Viticulture specialists we have as our vine minders.
- Mike Poff
- Nev Gane
- Jean-Luc Dufour
- Nigel George
- Duncan Cramp
Mike Poff
National Viticulturalist
Fuelled by a burning passion for wine, Mike has rocketed up the viticultural industry on a foundation of current knowledge and natural talent. He has studied both viticulture and wine science, which gives him an especially intense understanding of the grape growing and wine making industry.
Before joining Mud House, Mike worked on leading vineyards in both the North and South Islands. As our National Viticulturist, he’s both mentor and manager for all our vineyard managers; he also provides advice and expertise to our contract growers, helping them to maximise fruit quality. Mike loves to cross-examine a good pinot noir, especially after a hard day of vine interrogation.
Nev Gane
Marlborough Vineyard Manager
A born-and-bred South Islander, Nev lives by the philosophy that “quality fruit makes quality wine”. He’s richly qualified, with enough certificates to paper a wine cellar, and has been artfully tending vines in the Marlborough district since 2003.
Although he says that his favourite wine is “anything in a brown bottle”, Nev is a perfectionist who has the remarkable ability to think like a grape.
Jean-Luc Dufour
Glasnevin Vineyard Manager in Waipara Valley
As efficient and precise as a Rolex watch, Jean-Luc trained in viticulture in his native Switzerland before working his way around some of the world’s best vineyards. In 1989 he discovered Gisborne, New Zealand - just 220 years after Captain Cook – where he set about building a powerful reputation for meticulous vine care.
To guide decision making and minimise human intervention, Jean-Luc has established an intensive vine monitoring programme at the Glasnevin site. He’s also the brains behind our sustainability trial, which can be observed at The Mud House Winery & Café in Waipara. When offered a glass of wine, Jean-Luc is likely to pick a good New Zealand pinot noir (like ours).
Nigel George
The Mound & Dunstaffnage Vineyard Manager
Hailing from a family that has been farming for several generations, Nigel has a deep understanding of the land and how to work with it. He believes that you’ve got to get the basics right. “By striving for good vine health, you can get the best possible result with whatever the season’s weather brings.”
While he appreciates all good wine, Nigel’s favourite is riesling. This grape is close to his heart because he was instrumental in developing Mud House’s Dunstaffnage vineyard, which is nearly 80% riesling. Nigel is our resident mad (but genius) inventor, and he's always working on new ways to more effectively manage the company's vineyards.
Duncan Cramp
Central Otago Bendigo Vineyard - Central Otago
A relatively new New Zealander, formerly of Zimbabwe, Duncan and his family have found their slice of heaven in the Cromwell Basin. Unique ‘Duncanisms’ include playing AC/DC to the vines during pruning (“toughens them up for winter”) and developing the region’s best jandal tan.
Duncan admits to looking forward to summer, which might have something to do with the 2am frost alerts that sometimes wake him during spring and autumn.