Christie Brown, winemaker

Christie Brown (nee Matthews) began her winemaking career by embarking on a course at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) in Hawke’s Bay. By 1996 she had her Certificate in Grapegrowing and Winemaking, but instead of heading for the vineyards at that stage she decided to continue studying.

The following year Christie embarked on a Winemaking Degree course at EIT, in conjunction with the Charles Sturt University of Australia. For three years, Christie gained valuable work experience and mastered new skills, including all aspects of wine production and laboratory techniques, cellar door sales and bottling/packaging experience.

Degree in hand, Christie headed overseas for some practical experience. Her first stop was Houghton’s in West Australia, where she spent six months, followed by another six-month stint in France, at Chateau Valandraud in Rousillon.

These off-shore work experiences were invaluable in expanding Christie’s knowledge of international wine styles and techniques of winemaking.

On her return, Christie was offered full time employment as a winemaker for Sacred Hill Wines. During the subsequent vintage of 2003 Christie was given special responsibility for all the Marlborough-based wine production for the company.

Christie has a passion for cool climate winemaking techniques and has worked hard to maximise the varietal expression and complexity of the Wild South wines. She has rapidly established herself as a talented winemaker.