Francis Hutt is one of New Zealand’s most talented young winemakers, who quite simply, is fascinated by Pinot Noir.

He was inspired by a Martinborough Vineyards Pinot Noir whilst studying his Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University. The wine impressed so much that this iconic estate was where Francis first ‘cut his teeth’ and over a seven year period moved from the vineyard, to cellar hand, to
assistant winemaker.

In the off-season Francis spent his time working and exploring the classic and modern Pinot Noir Meccas. Completing vintages in Bourgogne with Domaine de L’Arlot, Coates and Seeley in Hampshire and Shea Wine Cellars in Oregon — this time allowed Francis to learn classic methods as well as modern techniques.

In 2009 Francis moved to Central Otago. He was drawn by the lifestyle, a love of the mountains and watersports, as well as the regions climate and aging vineyards. Many vines root systems are established and moving from the juvenile stage into a period where they will derive more depth and minerality from the complex soils (an exciting prospect!). He decided to get back to the vineyard and notes ‘you gain a real understanding of a wine by the vineyard and getting to know its blocks. You see which way the wind blows and what the cause and effects are’.

Now working closely with our Viticulturist, Gary Crabbe, Francis can experiment with different clones in different vintages. His style is to guide the fruit rather than imparting his footprint His gentle hands off approach, incorporating wild ferments and judicious amounts of elegant oak, is delivering Pinot Noir with honest, delicate & feminine nature.