Let's chat. |
Get in touch for a no-obligation chat about your specific requirements, and how I might be able to assist you in achieving your vineyard objectives.
Shane Speakman.Viticulturist/Director. |
About Me.Growing up on the West Coast of the South Island I was always a mad keen sportsman that would give anything a go.
My early career in hospitality helped me to build the people management skills that have seen me go on to lead large viticultural teams. This early experience in hospitality, interlaced with sales roles for some of New Zealand’s leading Liquor distribution companies, also ignited my interest in the New Zealand wine industry. So much so, that I enrolled in Lincoln University’s Degree in Viticulture and Oenology. The original intention was to focus on Winemaking. But a summer job on Montana’s new vineyard developments in Waipara led to the vineyard side of the industry becoming the passion and focus that I still hold strong today. I rose through the ranks at Pernod Ricard spending time in both the vineyard management and technical teams. I ended up in the role of National Grower Relations Manager and responsible for the Gisborne viticulture team. During this time, I played an active role in the divestment of some of Pernod’s North Island assets. The purchaser of those assets was Indevin Ltd and the day after the divestment I signed a contract with Indevin to become their Marlborough Grower Liaison Officer. Over the next 9 years there was a focus on building Indevin’s grower base, and a number of acquisitions were made. I have consistently operated at the strategic and leadership level, and my no-nonsense, practical approach has seen me a build many long strong relationships. By 2019 I was the leader of a large high performing viticulture team with people based in Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Marlborough, and with growers in all of NZ’s key wine growing regions including Central Otago. However, after 9 years helping to grow Indevin Ltd into NZ’s largest wine company I decided it was time for a new challenge. |