Nikolai joined Cloudy Bay in 2020 as Senior Winemaker, and became Winemaking Director in 2023.

Rather than checking boxes, he believes good winemaking is about finding balance and interest for the drinker.

It’s an approach that takes patience, knowledge and good instincts for great wine. With four Winemaker of the Year awards under his belt, it’s very clearly an approach that works.

John began at Cloudy Bay in 2016 as Vineyard Operations Manager, and within two years he took over from Jim White as Viticulturist.

John is also a valued member of the Cloudy Bay Blending and Technical Committees. In 2023 John was promoted to Viticulture Director.

His role is to encourage every vine to speak for itself, showcasing a sense of place in every bottle.

Yang Shen arrived at the helm of Cloudy Bay in 2016 armed with experience, knowledge, and fluency in three languages.

As Estate Director, he is charged with maintaining Cloudy Bay’s status as a beacon of quality for Marlborough wine.

More than the quality of every bottle, Yang’s role is to ensure our story is told with passion across the globe.

Daniel joined Cloudy Bay in 2015. As the Operations Winemaker, he oversees the laboratory and the day-to-day organisation of Cloudy Bay’s cellar team.

His approach to winemaking is intuitive, and is proud to be part of a team who share his focus in both the vineyard and the winery.

He believes great wines have three key attributes: balance, elegance and personality.

Hannah joined us at Cloudy Bay in November 2022, taking the role of Technical Viticulturist, and reigniting her passion for learning and adapting to the ever-changing environment to deliver the excellence for which we are known.
 

Jim moved to New Zealand and joined Cloudy Bay in 2011 as Viticulturist.

In 2018 he became the Technical Director, overseeing both the viticulture and the winemaking at Cloudy Bay.

With considerable expertise, attention to detail and a dedicated vineyard team, Jim ensures Cloudy Bay continues to make Marlborough’s best wines.

Kelly joined Cloudy Bay as a cellar hand in 2016, becoming Assistant Winemaker two years later, and Winemaker in 2023.

She has represented Cloudy Bay twice in the Young Winemaker of the Year awards and was the national runner-up in 2018.

She keeps Cloudy Bay’s cellars running smoothly., guiding cellar hands, machinery and grapes through each step of the winemaking process.

Great wine by great people. From vineyard to bottle, our crew is committed to unwavering quality. Read on to meet some of the key people at Cloudy Bay.

Violeta joined Cloudy Bay as a Cellar Hand at the beginning of 2019 and has continued to grow in her knowledge and abilities, becoming Assistant Winemaker in 2023.

Violeta is a passionate beekeeper and compares winemaking to the bees within their hives, coming together in dedication to make the finest product.