Ross Lawson (1942 - 2009)
Ross Lawson wore many hats during his lifetime: musterer, sheep-shearer, swimming pool/building contractor, opossum hunter, union organizer and of course viticulturist. He became a leading influence in the New Zealand Screwcap Wineseal Initiative in 2001, which saw screwcaps used on 90% of New Zealand bottled wine by 2008. These diverse skills allied with a never-ceasing quest for perfection helped shape Lawson’s Dry Hills into the successful wine company it is today. Sadly Ross passed away after losing his battle with cancer in early 2009 – he is greatly missed.
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Barbara Lawson
Barbara trained as a nurse more years ago than she cares to remember and worked part-time in the local hospitals operating theatre whilst being involved in the daily running and marketing of Lawson’s Dry Hills. She continues to be thoroughly involved with the business today and spends many weeks away visiting the UK/Ireland and US markets. |
Sion Barnsley - General Manager
Sion's family has been involved with Lawson's Dry Hills since its inception, with his parents being one of the original Shareholders. After a ten year stint in banking, Sion was well ready to return to his home town of Blenheim, and started with Lawson's Dry Hills in the new millennium as Business Manager. Today, Sion and partner Biddy, who manages their own vineyard that supplies grapes to Lawson's Dry Hills, are very much part of the Lawson's Dry Hills family. |
Marcus Wright - Winemaker
Marcus acquired a love of good wine whilst working as a research scientist in 1997, Marcus worked with Montana in Gisborne as a vintage Cellar hand before heading to South America to work the 2000 vintage in Chile for Vina San Pedro, then onto the Loire for vintage with Jacques Lurton.He started with Lawson's Dry Hills in 2001 and continues to ensure that only premium, elegant, fruit focused wines come out under the Lawson’s Dry Hills brand. |
Mark Ludemann - Viticulturist
Mark began his career in Viticulture with Sandihurst Wines in 1987, before moving onto Montana for three years in 1999. He subsequently managed Seresin’s Organic Raupo creek Estate for a further four years before joining Lawson's Dry Hills in 2006. Sustainable vineyard practices are the focus, along with work on crop levels to produce premium quality fruit. |
Rebecca Wiffen - Assistant Winemaker
Rebecca began her winemaking career with Coopers Creek in 1997 (three years), followed by two years working as a cellar hand for a number of Marlborough wineries before heading overseas for some vintage experience. She worked first in the Napa valley (2002) then Alsace (2003). Her first Winemakers role was with Domaine de La Vahnale and Crooix Maro in Langedoc, France in 2005. She joined Lawson's Dry Hills in 2004 prior to her vintage in France and continues to bring great energy and enthusiasm to the winemaking team. |
Tomi
Tomi enjoyed her ripe chardonnay grapes during vintage. She was very selective and only eat those high in sugar and low in acid, she was a good indicator for the start of vintage!. When visiting our cellar door you will no longer find her lounging around the car park greeting all new arrivals - gone, but not forgotten - R.I.P.Tomi (1999-2011). |
The Team
Left - Right: Nigel Whittaker (Cellar Door Manager), Ryan Bishell (Senior Cellar Hand), Averil Fowler (Accounting and Administration), Sion Barnsley (General Manager), Barbara Lawson (Owner), Luke Brydon (Assistant Vineyard Manager), Sue Hubbert (Cellar Door) Marcus Wright (Winemaker), Tanya Orchard (Marketing and Sales), Jakub Panacek (Vineyard Supervisor), Rebecca Wiffen (Assistant Winemaker) and Mark Ludemann (Viticulturist) |
