Cuvar Winery is excited to announce that Dave Mackintosh has joined our team as Senior Winemaker, taking over from Michelle Richardson. Dave has been part of the team since January, but it’s now official — and we couldn’t be more thrilled.
Dave grew up in Hawke’s Bay and has had an incredible journey in wine ever since his first taste of Gimblett Gravels Cabernet in 1998. After completing a degree in Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University, he gained experience across Marlborough, Canterbury, and Hawke’s Bay before heading overseas. His career has taken him through Burgundy, Oregon, the Hunter Valley, and the Yarra Valley, where he spent five years at Giant Steps before launching his own label, Arfion. More recently, he started Kenzie Wines back here in Hawke’s Bay.
Creative, charismatic, and with a deep respect for nature, Dave takes a minimal-interventionist approach to winemaking, preferring to let the vineyard and seasons tell their own story. An artist as well as a winemaker, he brings both creativity and storytelling to the craft. Dave will be hands-on in the winery while also connecting with customers and sharing the ?uvar story more widely.
Karen Fistonich, Executive Director of Fistonich Family Vineyards, says: “Dave embodies everything we value at ?uvar – respect for the land, authenticity, and creativity. His knowledge of Hawke’s Bay’s vineyards and soils, combined with his global perspective and engaging personality, make him the perfect fit for our future.”
Dave Mackintosh adds: “I’m excited to craft wines that tell the story of Hawke’s Bay – its seasons, its soils, its people – and to build on
the incredible foundation laid by Michelle and the Fistonich family.”
