Meet our grower

Nigel George, The Mound and Dunstaffnage Vineyards, Waipara

"Growing great grapes is about doing the basics right. Good timing is everything - you need to be in tune with the seasons, the weather and the vines.

Understanding the needs of each type of grape is important. Riesling is the most easy-going. Pinot noir is the most labour-intensive, but I like a challenge.

Technology can certainly lend a hand. Automated watering, for example, is certainly a help. Our system is set for each season and knows exactly what to do. I'm currently working on perfecting a mechanised cane pruner, which does the stripping out in half the time. We've used it for two seasons now."