Amisfield Wine Company Appoints Assistant Winemaker
Amisfield Wine Company has appointed Nikolai St George (29) as assistant winemaker at its Central Otago winery
operation.
St George has been employed by Waiheke Island’s Goldwater Estate for the past seven years as assistant winemaker and
more recently as winemaker.
He studied for a Bachelor of Applied Wine Science at the Charles Sturt University in New South Wales and also holds a
Diploma in Wine and Viticulture from the Tairawhiti Polytechnic in Gisborne.
He is attracted to Amisfield Winery because he wants to complete the broad spectrum of winemaking.
“After seven years of making Goldwater varieties, reds, Chardonnay and some Sauvignon Blanc I am ready to experience
Central Otago winemaking techniques, particularly Pinot Noir.”
St George will work alongside Amisfield winemaker Jeff Sinnott who has a reputation for the distinctive wines he
produces.
“I am looking forward to learning new concepts at Amisfield where I know they often push the boundaries to get their
results. Jeff Sinnott is recognised as a creative winemaker and I see this move to Central Otago as a significant step
in my career.”
St George has had extensive practical experience offshore working vintages in Bordeaux in France and in California’s
Napa Valley.
“My most recent vintages overseas were in Pomerol and St Emilion working for renowned winemaker Alain Moieux. A large
amount of time was based around sensory evaluation of fruit at each vineyard. In 2000 I completed a vintage in
California at Flora Springs which is famous for its cabernet. Previously I have completed vintages in Australia, Oregon,
Hawkes Bay and Gisborne.”
Amisfield Wine Company general manager Fleur Caulton says the appointment of Nikolai St George as assistant winemaker is
a natural progression for the company.
“It reflects the current growth we are undergoing and to have someone of Nikolai’s experience on board adds another
dimension to our operation.”
ENDS