Growing up on the land in northern Hawkes Bay, Phil has a natural love and appreciation of the local terrior, the climate, rivers, soil and sea, and its immense contribution to wine. He combines this understanding with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Wine Science. He joined the Te Mata Estate team in 1992 and has had vintage experiences at Clos des Lombrays, Burgundy and at Chateau Margaux, Bordeaux. Phil is also a Senior Wine Judge and an extreme wine junky. He is married to Leanne and has two children, Benjamin and Hannah.