Over the last couple of months, I have been tasting my way through the Misha’s Vineyard portfolio, and I have to say they have all been excellent to outstanding wines. In their professional lives, Misha and Andy Wilkinson had a passion for marketing and a passion for wine, so when they met a “strategic inflection point” in their lives, it made sense for them to start something new, together, from scratch!
THE PEOPLE
Misha Wilkinson – Director (Marketing)
Misha came from a theatrical family spending her early years either in a dressing room or on a stool at the side of the stage watching her mother singing opera. Also starting her career in the theatre, Misha joined her Mum in the Australian Opera for a couple of years as a dancer having failed the height restrictions for a ballerina. She then worked on the other side of the footlights in marketing roles at the Sydney Opera House then later the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden.
Since those early days, Misha has worked primarily in the Information Technology sector with many years based in Singapore where she established the marketing function across Asia Pacific for a variety of companies including Intel and Dell Computer. She has also taken on roles promoting various aspects of New Zealand including leading the marketing team at Auckland City whilst living in New Zealand, and then consulting assignments to various government agencies to promote New Zealand products across the South-East Asia region.
Although not a “Kiwi” by birth, she is by ‘acquisition’ – she married one! And since she is a confirmed All Blacks supporter, the locals overlook her Australian heritage. With a long-term obsession for cows, Misha knew the decision to get into the wine business was the right one when she realised the acronym for Central Otago Wine.
Andy Wilkinson – Director (Operations & Sales)
After a career of more than 30 years in Information Technology, many of those years spent in Asia, Andy is bringing his business expertise and sales experience to round out the team. While not a winemaker or viticulturist, he does have a distant history in the wine industry having worked in a wine store in Sydney in 1974.
A New Zealander by birth and with many family ties in the Otago region, Andy’s long-term passion for wine has been fulfilled by the opportunity to bring together the best possible team to make Misha’s Vineyard a wildly successful wine producer and exporter. Being able to share time between home in the stunningly beautiful Central Otago region of New Zealand and visiting our customers around the world is the “ultimate lifestyle” says Andy.
Still having those “Kiwi” instincts that made number 8 wire famous, he enjoys the opportunity to occasionally vacate the computer desk for a day or so and take charge of the tractor or fix anything broken on the vineyard.
“We have hired the best viticulturist, best vineyard manager and the best winemaker available in New Zealand, and I married the best marketer. What more does this company need”?
Olly Masters – Winemaker
Internationally renowned winemaker Oliver Masters (Olly) joined Misha’s Vineyard in 2006. Forging some of New Zealand’s most consistently fine Pinot Noir over the past 20 years, Olly has carved a reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading winemakers and wine judges.
Olly’s credentials include an honours degree in Biotechnology from Massey University (1989) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology (Distinction) from Lincoln University (1990). He serves as a senior wine judge at New Zealand’s major national competitions, including the New Zealand International Wine Show, Royal Easter Show Wine Awards, and six years with the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
Starting his career in Martinborough in 1989, Olly has also worked in Hawkes Bay and Burgundy then joining Ata Rangi in 1994 as winemaker/viticulturalist then later becoming a partner. During his time there, Ata Rangi’s achievements included winning the Champion pinot noir at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition in London on three occasions as well as numerous accolades and trophies in Australasia.
Making his Central Otago ‘debut’, Olly’s role with Misha’s Vineyard is probably best described as “Director of Style & Taste”
David Mesecke – Viticulturist/Vineyard Manager
Hailing from Franschoek in the Western Cape of South Africa, ‘Dave’ as he likes to be known, has over thirty years of experience gained from vineyard and farm management in South Africa. His management expertise comes from heading up several irrigation and viticultural services companies that established and maintained vineyards and provided technical advice to many wine estates.
Dave and his family moved to New Zealand at the end of 2019 and has spent the past four years applying his skills and expertise across vineyards in the Bannockburn sub region of Central Otago.
Dave took up the reigns for the viticultural and vineyard management of the Misha’s Vineyard single estate at the beginning of 2024 and they’re delighted he has joined our team.
THE PLACE
Spectacular – that’s the only word that comes to mind to describe the region of Central Otago in New Zealand’s South Island. The vineyard sits above Lake Dunstan with the snow-capped peaks of the Pisa Range across the lake, and the dramatic rugged terrain of Bendigo Station – the high-country Merino sheep station that surrounds their vineyard. This really is the stuff dreams are made of.
The location made Misha realise that Pinot Noir must be a very discerning grape indeed. It seems it can only thrive in spectacular locations (which also have the ideal growing conditions for cool climate grapes), the privileged golden slopes of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or, Oregon’s breathtakingly beautiful Willamette Valley, and of more recent times, the dramatically stunning Central Otago in New Zealand’s South Island, where Pinot Noir is our region’s signature varietal.
The Misha’s Vineyard in Central Otago, is 57 hectares, which was a rabbit and rock invested piece of dirt before Misha and Andy got to work! Having lived in Asia for 17 years pre-vineyard (with corporate careers), they had pretty strong ideas about the sort of product and business they wanted to create back in New Zealand. With a mantra of no-compromise, they set to work planting the vineyard and that was over 20 years ago. Now they export to around 16 markets around the world – with a strong focus in Asia, namely China, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore etc.
AN AUSPICIOUS SITE
Misha and Andy make good use of the Asian history in those export markets – the vineyard is on an old Chinese gold mining site, and they have a lucky 8 thing going on with the vineyard – all by chance are located on State Highway 8, 8kms from the nearest town of Cromwell, the land used to be called Sheep Run 238, 88kms of rows, row planting direction at 288 degrees etc – 8 being a lucky number for Chinese.
In Chinese culture the number “8” is considered the luckiest of numbers, representing prosperity and good fortune. It was fortuitous to realise that Misha’s Vineyard was located on State Highway 8, just 8 kilometres from the nearest town of Cromwell, and on land that was originally known as Sheep Run 238 when it was part of the old Morven Hills Station.
On the vineyard 8 clones of Pinot Noir have been planted in two row directions – 288º on the slopes and lakefront terrace, and 341º (adding up to 8 ) on the higher terraces. The first commercial vintage from Misha’s Vineyard was 2008 and they have 8 wines in their portfolio. At their ground-breaking ceremony, they placed a Chinese coin beneath the first 8 planted vines to symbolically return the ‘old gold’ to the ground and bring luck for the ‘new gold’. They named these first 8 vines “The Lucky 8” and have sign-posted them for visitors to see.
They continue to find the number 8 crops up with uncanny regularity. They knew they were very lucky when they found this wonderful site – and long may that luck stay with us. They have build a re-creation of an old gold miner’s ruins on the vineyard where they sometimes host wine tastings – in order to tell the stories of the land 150 years ago.
They practice sustainable farming and have done from the outset of establishing the vineyard. They are also part of Project Gold which is a DOC project to encourage the protection and enhancement of Kowhai – an indigenous species which once flourished in Otago. And there’s a quail reserve on the land. They are always other initiatives to improve the vineyard, whether it be using the grape marc for composting on the vineyard or inviting 700 head of Bendigo merino in to do the winter mowing!
As a boutique winery (11,000 cases a year) they’re actually one of the larger single-vineyard producers in Central Otago. But what sets them apart is their absolutely spectacular location! It’s one of New Zealand’s most spectacular vineyards with sun-drenched terraces overlooking Lake Dunstan and the Pisa Range.
VISIT MISHA’S VINEYARD TASTING ROOM
If you get the chance to visit Central Otago, then visiting the Misha’s Vineyard Tasting Room is a Must! You can enjoy tasting through the range of Misha’s Vineyard wines at our sophisticated Tasting Room overlooking Lake Dunstan in Cromwell – the centre of the Central Otago wine region.
As well as Pinot Noir, you can try the range of aromatic white wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Rosé, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Wines can be purchased from the Tasting Room or shipped overseas. You can also enquire about the exclusive Misha’s Vineyard Vine Club.
Misha’s Vineyard Tasting Room is located on one of the main roads into Cromwell at 180 State Highway 8B, (part of the Freeway Orchard complex), with a large parking area available. For more information click the button below.
THE WINES
Misha’s Vineyard Repertoire of Wines consist of the following varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer & Sauvignon Blanc – with 11 wines in total in the portfolio.
Two-thirds of the Misha’s Vineyard is planted in Pinot Noir – the “holy grail” of grapes. They have 8 Pommard and Dijon clones on grafted rootstock which allows them to blend and select for the ultimate in consistency and quality, and to produce wines of great complexity. They also work with some of the leading French cooperages when selecting their barrels.
All of their aromatic white wines are crafted with an element of natural fermentation using aged French oak in a style that retains varietal purity. Everything at Misha’s Vineyard is done by hand – from tending the vines, to harvesting our fruit and even to the hand-plunging of the Pinot Noir ferments.
To find out more about Misha’s Vineyard in detail, visit their very comprehensive website to learn more about their story, the history, the branding, the labels, sustainable practices and so much more. While you are there join them on social media, subscribe to the newsletter and buy some of their fantastic wines – I can thoroughly recommend them all. Click below to Visit.
JB’s TASTING NOTES ON THE MISHA’S VINEYARD WINES
Misha’s Vineyard ‘The Starlet’ Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Bendigo, Central Otago NZ
Bright clear pale straw in colour, with yellow/gold hues. Vibrant & fragrant nose has a green herbaceous note, then ripe tropical fruit and zesty citrus aromas follow. Juicy concentrated palate of tropical & citrus fruit, with a zingy lime-zest acidity, stony minerality & lovely texture & complexity from a little wild ferment & time in oak – a touch of residual sweetness rounding out the long juicy finish.
Misha’s Vineyard ‘Dress Circle’ Pinot Gris 2023, Bendigo, Central Otago NZ
Clear pale straw in colour with gold & ‘onion skin’ hues, mid oily viscosity. In the nose, citrus & stewed pear aromas with baking spices & a nutty / yeasty note follows. Concentrated palate with lush stone & pip fruit, peaches, pears & ginger spice flavours, a zesty citrus acidity & layers of texture & complexity, add depth. Off dry, long but juicy finish with a little residual sweetness. Deliciously decadent!
Misha’s Vineyard ‘Lyric’ Riesling 2022, Bendigo, Central Otago NZ
Crystal clear, pale gold in colour with faint green hues, nice legs too. Intense & fragrant nose with floral notes, zesty lemon, lime, ripe apple & waxy aromas too. On the palate, a vibrant, tart-citrus acidity & mineral grip is complemented by juicy & concentrated lemon, lime & crunchy green apple fruit flavours, nicely textured & quite dry with a long salivating finish.
Misha’s Vineyard ‘Limelight’ Riesling 2022, Bendigo, Central Otago NZ
Bright clear straw in colour with subtle green / gold hues, nice oily viscosity. A lovely enticing nose with fragrant floral / blossom notes, then lemon, lime, apple & spice aromatics. Mid weighted palate with immediate sweet fruit flavours, stone-fruit, apple, a fresh lime-zest acid line follows. Lovely balance between the citrus acidity, sweet fruit & a wet-stone element. The finish is nicely textured, bright & juicy with 28gm/l/rs. Excellent Central Riesling.
Mishas Vineyard ‘The Gallery’ Gewurztraminer 2024, Bendigo, Central Otago NZ
Clear & pale coloured with soft green & gold hues, lovely medium oily legs / viscosity. Wonderful floral nose with aromas of lychee, stone-fruit, apricot, ginger, spices & Turkish delight notes. On the palate, slight oily mouthfeel, flavours of stone-fruit, nectarine, apples and lots of spice – salivating. Mid weighted with a crunchy acidity, creamy, nutty, loads of depth and complexity.
Misha’s Vineyard ‘The Soloist’ Pinot Noir Rosé 2024, Bendigo, Central Otago NZ
Clear, shiny salmon / watermelon pink in colour, subtle copper hues. A delicate enticing nose of cherry, raspberry & cream aromas with ‘smoker lollies’ and spice notes. On the palate, concentrated & flavorsome, red berry & cranberry fruit, a crunchy acidity is softened with light silky tannins, it’s textured, complex, a dry but juicy, persistent finish. Delicious.
Misha’s Vineyard ‘Cadenza’ Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2024, Bendigo, Central Otago NZ
Bright mid gold in colour with lemon / green hues & great legs, oily viscosity. A very fragrant nose, aromas of dried apricots, toffee-apple, mango & warm spice notes follow. On the palate there’s concentrated dried tropical & stone-fruit flavours reflecting the nose, it’s sweet (167 gms/l) but not cloying, & luscious, integrated acidity & layers of complexity, long, smooth just ‘utterly scrumptious’ finish!
Misha’s Vineyard ‘Tempo’ Pinot Noir 2022, Bendigo, Central Otago NZ
Bright translucent ruby-red in colour. Fragrant nose with aromas of raspberry, cherry & blueberry, subtle savoury, earth & spice notes. Concentrated flavours of red & dark berries, plum, cocoa on the palate, a youthful acidity, medium powdery tannins & oak spice all adding texture & complexity. Long intense, dry finish.
Misha’s Vineyard ‘Cantata’ Pinot Noir 2022, Bendigo, Central Otago NZ
Shiny translucent darker ruby-red in colour. Lovely fragrant, floral nose with aromas of ripe plum, cherry & red berries, dried herb & nutty, toasty oak notes. The palate is medium bodied, juicy & lush with red berry, juicy plum & cherry fruit flavours, spicy oak, grippy tannins, & fresh acidity, layered & beautifully textured wine. Memorable, long & intensely satisfying finish.
Misha’s Vineyard ‘The High Note’ Pinot Noir 2021 Bendigo, Central Otago NZ
Deep raspberry red to ruby red in colour, lighter at the rim. A floral yet savoury herbal nose, with aromas of cherry, red berry, pepper, spice & toasty oak. Gorgeous on the palate, with sweet raspberry & cherry flavours, medium+ bodied & nicely integrated, a fresh acidity softened by silky tannins & nutty oak influence, savoury, earthy notes add depth and complexity. Long, dry & concentrated fruit-driven finish. Fabulous.