WINE IS LOVE, LIFE, FAMILY & FRIENDS
simon says…
I have studied, trained, and worked in environments where the technical approach was the route to achieving the best results. Over the past 25 years, I have had the opportunity to work for and collaborate with some truly outstanding winemaking experts. Many of them have started veering away from traditional winemaking methods by discarding certain elements of the winemaking tool kit and adopting a more innovative approach to crafting their wines. The excitement and allure of this "new age" in winemaking lie in observing the unfolding process. It involves not getting too engrossed in every single step taken to reach the final outcome, but rather gently guiding it in the "right" direction along the way.
FUTURE
Beyond my role as a winemaker, I am also a technical consultant revolutionizing the wine industry through research and development of equipment and products for large-scale wine production. The primary aim of these advancements is to provide winemakers with tools to make wine in a more sustainable way.
LIFE.
Simon explores his creativity and pushes his "hands-off" winemaking with small-volume projects such as GROVES & FILLY wines. With all this technical knowledge and vast experience, Simon lives with his family on a four-hectare piece of land on the outskirts of Martinborough. His wife, Amanda, and three children lead a charming life planting grapevines, growing food, and tending ponies.
HISTORY.
Simon's experience in the wine industry is vast and varied, starting from humble beginnings in vine nurseries. He then progressed to winemaking at Montana Wines in Gisborne, where he crossed paths with Amanda. Together, they embarked on a winemaking venture in Italy, securing roles at Farnese Vini. It was during this period that Simon achieved remarkable success when the wine he crafted was acknowledged as Decanter Magazine's top Italian white wine of 2007. After that, they found their permanent home in Martinborough, where they operated the Martinborough Wine Centre and Winequip, while also being responsible for winemaking at Te Muna Valley Wines.
Follow @groves_wine on Instagram for a look behind the scenes!
