Our Team

Initially graduating with a BSc, majoring   in Geography, Tim spent a few years   working and travelling and not knowing   what he wanted to do. After returning   from an OE in the UK, he fell on his feet   with his first vintage in Marlborough, and caught the wine bug. He then went back to study a post- graduate diploma in Oenology through EIT in the Hawke’s Bay. Short stints in Central Otago and Waipara, along with a vintage in The Great Southern Region in Western Australia, lead Tim to the Barossa Valley.  After working in the Barossa for nearly 7 years, Tim once again returning to Marlborough eventually taking up the opportunity to work with Larry and the fantastic Escarpment wines.

Tim has worked as an Associate Judge in a number of Australian and New Zealand wineshows and was the dux of the AWRI Advanced Wine Assessment Course in 2015.  Outside of work, he and his wife Lacey have 3 fantastic children Eamon, Campbell and Xanthe. With spare time dedicated to them, along with exploring the wonderful world of wine (and gin!!)

Rowans interest in viticulture and wine started at a young age as he grew up in and around vineyards in Martinborough, due to his father being Martinborough vineyards viticulturist at the time. After becoming an electrician in Gisborne then working in the Hawkes Bay and back to the Wairarapa, he decided to take the plunge and follow his passion in the wine industry. Nick Hoskins was starting up Vine Managers at the time, so he decided to take a job in 2006 and work in the vines. This cemented his passion for the industry and led him to complete a level 4 advanced viticulture whilst running Redbank Estate under the guidance of Nick. Rowan went on to manage Cobblestones (which is now our Pahi single vineyard), and Schubert vineyard before managing Escarpment under Vine managers. 

Outside of work Rowan and his wife Brooke have 4 kid’s Ruby, Indigo, Rowan and Bodhi. Is a keen surfer and mountain bike rider loves the outdoors and sharing it with his family.

 

Larry McKenna, Founder. 

After 23 years, our Prince of Pinot (as he’s often referred to) Larry McKenna retired. It was an end of era — not just for us but for the NZ wine industry. This stalwart and champion of NZ wine leaves a legacy we can all be proud of. Larry is handing the baton to our determined and invigorated team, Rowan Hoskins and Tim Bourne, who desire to continue with Larry’s vision, making the most premium Pinot Noir and taking it to the world.

We know Larry will continue to share his vast knowledge and experience with the wine community but for now we wish him a most well-deserved and happy retirement.