ROGUES GALLERY

It was not until after gaining a BSc (Hons) in Immunology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland that Austin, discovered wine and studied Wine Science at Auckland University. Once on the wine path, Austin gained experience around the world including in Burgundy and Central Otago. Now he is blessed to be working at Terra Sancta.

How did you end up (held captive) in Central Otago?

Moving to NZ in 2002 was when/where I discovered wine, and quickly developed a taste for Central Pinot. After studying winemaking in Auckland, I was always looking for an opportunity to work in the region, finally getting the chance in 2010 as the Assistant Winemaker at Chard Farm.

Best kept secret of Bannockburn?

The location of the famed Bannockburn Brewing Company - and the identify of the brewmaster.

Once convicted, what is your last meal?

Truffle risotto from Scopri in Melbourne.

Crimes against wine?

Non-alcoholic wine. Why?

What made you love wine?

Although not my favourite ever wine, the 2005 Escarpment Kupe was the wine that finally convinced me to choose winemaking as my career.

Fantasy hideout when on the run (other than Bannockburn)?

Melbourne - it's easier to hide in a big city, plus it has the AFL and amazing food.

Favourite Terra Sancta Wine?

The Gamay - It is just so pretty!

Best kept secret of Bannockburn?

Other than how to get your hands on a bottle of Terra Sancta's Gamay - the location of the famed Bannockburn Brewing Company.

How did you end up (held captive) in Central Otago?

I'm on the run from my homeland of South Africa with my family - don't tell anyone.

Best kept secret of Bannockburn?

The incredible starry skies that I see when I'm called out in the middle of the night due to the call of a frost alarm - the silver lining.

Once convicted, what is your last meal?

Oxtail 'poitjiekos' (stew made in a round, 3-legged black cast iron pot) cooked for at least 3 hours on an open fire followed with 'malva' pudding and custard... yum! 

Crimes against wine?

Desecrating a good wine by cooking with it.

What made you love wine?

Whilst studying viticulture, I worked part time for a top South African wine estate conducting wine tastings and cellar tours. I was exposed to many different wines and was fascinated.

Fantasy hideout when on the run (other than Bannockburn)?

In my Tiny House on my plot in Germany.

Stuff to steal in Central Otago?

The Beatle bug spider at the entrance to Highlands Motorpark - our girls love it!!

How did you end up (held captive) in Central Otago?

Following the words, of a great wine sage, "find the best vineyard you can because you can't out perform your vineyard", led to the far end of Felton Road, Bannockburn..

What made you love wine?

Back in the heady days of the 1990s in Manhattan, the law firm I was working for inexplicably and serendipitously gave me control of the wine buying budget which basically opened up an entire world of ridiculous wine.

Once convicted, what is your last meal?

A black truffle cheese burger from Bix in San Francisco washed down with a bottle of Terra Sancta Estate Jackson's Block 2016. Perfection.

Favourite Terra Sancta Wine?

Lola's Block Pinot Gris - named after my mother Lola. Pinot Gris was her favourite varietal, and the first wine we loved sharing together. She also introduced me to Pinot Noir - with a bottle of Calera Reed Pinot Noir at Union Square Cafe in 1993. She can be blamed for a lot!

Crimes against wine?

Adding a laundry list of additives during the winemaking process. Winemakers who talk the vineyard, and add enzyme to manage the colour of their Pinot Noir, for example. Hocus.

Fantasy hideout when on the run (other than Bannockburn)?

Tribeca, NYC.

Best kept secret of Bannockburn?

What a great pleasure it is to have Robin Dicey as our next door neighbour...we love seeing Robin coming down the drive and wondering what tidings he shall bring...

What made you love wine?

A romantic, unexpected meeting with an Alsatian Riesling in 2002. Blew my mind, and changed my life.

How did you end up (held captive) in Central Otago?

I blame it on the Riesling.

Best kept secret of Bannockburn?

The prolific medicinal herbs and wild flowers that surround us. Excitement abounds for an aspiring florist and herbalist.

Once convicted, what is your last meal?

Terra Sancta Rosé with a side of fresh West Coast whitebait fritters made with Terra Sancta eggs, new season asparagus, Terra Sancta Extra Virgin Olive Oil and salt - lots of salt, always.

Crimes against wine?

Adding ice to Terra Sancta Rosé.

Favourite Terra Sancta Wine?

Terra Sancta Aperitivo Botanical. It took over two years to create - it was touch and go as to whether it would ever actually come to fruition. It's also delicious. One sip is all it takes and the whole bottle is in danger.

Stuff to steal in Central Otago?

Wild thyme to dry and then add to cooking year-round.

How did you end up (held captive) in Central Otago?

After spending 8 years drowning in the rain that came from every direction in Scotland, Central Otago became my home in 2010.

Best kept secret of Bannockburn?

There is a beautiful stone cottage Cellar Door near the end of Felton Road...

Once convicted, what is your last meal?

Grilled West Coast Crayfish.... With Terra Sancta Riverblock Chardonnay of course.

Crimes against wine?

People who claim to be ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) - they clearly haven't tried a good one!

What made you love wine?

1997, a visit to Blackridge, Gibbston Valley and Chard Farm and tasting Riesling and Pinot Noir ignited my taste buds and I have been infatuated with Central Otago Wines since.

Fantasy hideout when on the run (other than Bannockburn)?

Haast, holed up with a few bottles of Terra Sancta Wines.

Favourite Terra Sancta Wine?

Terra Sancta is lucky to have such an amazing Winemaker. Austin expertly makes his wines to have the most amazing mouthfeel. My favourite wine depends on the time of day, season and who I am with. At the moment it is the Terra Sancta Chardonnay 2019, a beautifully made Central Otago Chardonnay to change all those ABC people's minds. In winter definitely the Jacksons Block Pinot, a beautiful example of a Bannockburn Pinot Noir.

Stuff to steal in Bannockburn?

The Bannockburn Fingerboard sign.

How did you end up (held captive) in Central Otago?

I am a Covid refugee set adrift in the world. Wanaka is the new Whistler - wine is the new White Claw.

Once convicted, what is your last meal?

An aged bottle of Shingle Beach Pinot Noir and a vegetarian antipasto platter.

Crimes against wine?

Crate day - which certainly does not mean I don't participate with vigour. But I know it is wrong.

What made you love wine?

Besides the health benefits, (it’s healthy I swear), it’s fun, it’s classy and it’s social!

Fantasy hideout when on the run (other than Bannockburn)?

Wouldn’t mind popping back to the Greek islands: sun, sea, sand and I once visited a nice winery on Santorini...

Favourite Terra Sancta Wine?

Lola's Block Pinot Gris - because it's the best Gris outside of Greece, and most importantly because my grandmother's name is Lola.

Stuff to steal in Central Otago?

All the cherries, berries, and most importantly wines!

How did you end up (held captive) in Central Otago?

My parents - the babysitters!

Once convicted, what is your last meal?

Anything I don't need to cook would be amazing and a good way to go out. Lock me up now!

What made you love wine?

Being a mother to three children under the age of six.

Crimes against wine?

I feel judged by people who believe it's wrong to drink before 5pm.

Favourite Terra Sancta Wine?

As a mother of three children under the age of six - all wine is good, any way I can get it (even if I have to lock myself in the bathroom to drink it).

Stuff to steal in Central Otago?

Five seconds to myself.

How did you end up (held captive) in Central Otago?

I was born and bred locally and all my great loves are based here - I married a local, I'm a mean and keen hunter - gatherer and I love the natural landscape with its gold mining history. I'm living the dream.

Best kept secret of Bannockburn?

Crystal hunting at the Bannockburn Inlet.

Once convicted, what is your last meal?

My Mother in Law, Doris' roast lamb with roast pumpkin, parsnip, spuds, carrots, pea and lashing of gravy and mint sauce.

What made you love wine?

Staff Friday meetings (they drove me to drink) and wine tasting at Otago Polytechnic.

Crimes against wine?

Drinking good ol' Southern-man Speights.

Fantasy hideout when on the run (other than Bannockburn)?

The Old Woman Hut in the Old Woman Range.

Stuff to steal in Central Otago?

"Not guilty Your Honour".

How did you end up (held captive) in Central Otago?

I got lucky married a Kiwi!

Best kept secret of Bannockburn?

The Sluicings - and all the gold that is hidden in the caves.

Once convicted, what is your last meal?

An Asian feast including lots of duck pancakes.

What made you love wine?

Food and family - wine completes the picture.

Fantasy hideout when on the run (other than Bannockburn)?

My homeland Australia, with family.

Favourite Terra Sancta Wine?

Rosé - very easy to drink - particularly on one of our long, hot Central Otago summer's evenings when the sun doesn't set until 10pm.

As free as free can be, the Ladies are valued members of the Terra Sancta team. Brought on board to spread their good soil enriching qualities throughout the Terra Sancta Estate, they make a valuable contribution to our soil health programme. And when they feel like a good lay, they return to their luxury accomodation on wheels, their caravan, to lay their eggs - a delicious by-product of their work in the vineyard. These ladies rarely stop working and seem to love their lines of business being named employees of the year for three straight years. If you ever find an egg included with your wine package, you now know why - their enthusiasm for their work knows no bounds!

The Harry Hudinis of the animal world, Terra Sancta has spent an irrational amount of time and money on trying to keep the troublesome twosome on the inside. Living proof that the grass is always greener on the other side, they are constantly trying to escape their homeland in search of delectable treats like our neighbour’s prized Elm tree. Resulting in nearly turf warfare in upper Felton Road, these two are perhaps the greatest rogues of all. Regardless, they have made friends in influential places and their position on the team, despite negligible tangible value add, remains secure.