One of New Zealand's leading winemakers, Peter is a key figure in the development of Te Mata Estate's culture of wine excellence. Peter developed his interest in wine through restaurant work while a student. He completed a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) degree at Auckland University and then the Graduate Diploma in Wine from Roseworthy College, near Adelaide. He was awarded the inaugural Hazelgrove Scholarship which involved microbiology research projects at the Australian Wine Research Institute. After a vintage at the Rouge Homme Winery in Coonawarra, under John Vickery, Peter returned to New Zealand.
Peter commenced work at Te Mata Estate in 1984 as the sole winemaker and has, over more than 30 years, overseen the creation of Te Mata's range of quality wines to the point that he is now responsible for all aspects of Te Mata's wine production, from vine to bottle. Peter lives on the Bullnose vineyard with his wife Gail, their two children, James and Eden, and their dog Jack. Peter has been active as a Senior Wine Judge in Australasia since 1992 and describes himself as "a lover of old wines, old motorcycles and old girls".