The Amisfield Wine Company has appointed Stephanie Lambert as its chief winemaker.
Ms Lambert (34) graduated from the University of Adelaide with a PhD in Oenology in 2002.
After gaining experience in all aspects of wine production in Australia for three yers and then spending time in Oregon (United States) and Burgundy (France), she was drawn to New Zealand, initially employed working at Sileni Estates in Hawkes Bay.
After working as an assistant pinot noir winemaker, she spent a year as the winemaker responsible for red wine production.
"But I always had a dream of making pinot noir under snow-capped mountains, and after working in vineyards around Central Otago I was fortunate enough two years ago to be appointed assistant winemaker at Amisfield.
"It is certainly a realisation of my dream to become the chief winemaker for this distinctive label.
"Amisfield Pinot Noir has had a lot of success, particularly the 2008 vintage, and my vision is to build on what has already been achieved and continue to make top quality wines which are a reflection of the Lowburn vineyard.
"The significant aspect of our vineyard is the consistency of our grapes which allows us to make consistent quality wine," she said.
The "hands-off" approach to winemaking at the company's modern wine-production facility at Lowburn was an important feature of the winemaking process, focusing on the Amisfield concept of "Grown, Not Made".
"This is so much in line with my own philosophy for making wines with integrity and purity from quality grapes.
"The standard of viticulture is extremely high and there is an incredible sense of place at Amisfield, with the vineyards surrounding the winery and all the winery activity concentrated in one spot."
Ms Lambert predicted the Amisfield 2010 Pinot Noir would be "an amazing vintage".
Amisfield Wine Company general manager Fleur Caulton said Ms Lambert's appointment was an important milestone for the company.
"Stephanie has an excellent background in winemaking and a lot of passion for her work.
"We are fortunate to have someone of her calibre leading the winemaking team."
