GIESEN

At Giesen wines, they believe that its people that make wine come to life. The Giesen brothers behind the winery have been making wine for over 30 years. They currently offer four different ranges; The Estate, The Brothers, The Organic and The August 1888. They also make a variety of red, white and dessert wines, with the goal of 'transporting the drinking on a journey of taste sensation'.

When the Giesen brothers moved to New Zealand from Germany, they were originally planning on starting a stone company, similar to their family business back in Germany. Luckily for us, they brought land just outside of Christchurch and planted vines instead.

Nikolai St George

Originally from the King Country, Nikolai’s winemaking career has taken him around New Zealand and the world - including stints in Chile, France, Australia and the United States. Nikolai is driven to create great tasting wines that people love to drink. He says experience over multiple vintages has taught him that wine shouldn’t be seen as pretentious. “The best wines I have had are not usually ones from the great Chateaus or Domaines. My most unforgettable wines complement an occasion - that could be travelling or dinner with family – at its essence wine is about sharing…”

It’s this understanding which drives his winemaking philosophy. Nikolai crafts wines that have a sense of place, and tell the story of the growing season. His practical, rural Kiwi upbringing means he embraces the season and adapts his winemaking to work harmoniously with what nature provides.

Nikolai and his family moved to Marlborough in 2016 and love getting out and exploring the region. Unfortunately for Nik the family have seen through his generous offers of day trips and recognise most are thinly disguised reconnaissance to find great dive spots.